How to Make Simple Syrup for Drinks and Recipes

Making simple syrup for cocktails is so easy and can be done in a matter of minutes! We’re sharing an easy simple syrup ratio for cocktails and desserts. Learn how to easily infuse and add a unique flavors to your cocktails and recipes!

We been using simple syrups in many of our cocktail for years. It’s a great way to add flavor to dishes and sweeten drinks without the flavor being overbearing. You can be creative and blend herbs and spices to create your own flavors too.

Another idea is using them to create a mix and match cocktail bar where guests can use different flavors to create their own drinks. It’s great for parties!

How to Make Simple Syrup

Once you know the basic ratio, you can get creative when making simple syrup. Infusing the syrup with different flavors using spices, berries and herbs allow you create delicious cocktails and subtle flavors to desserts.

Simple Syrup Ratio

The simple syrup ratio is very equal parts sugar and water.

• 1 cup water to 1 cup sugar

What sugar should I use?

Raw sugar is the best to use. You can also use cane sugar and granulated sugar too. You can also make a brown sugar simple syrup for winter cocktails or cakes.

• Combine the sugar and water in a small to medium sauce pan (whatever you have available)

• Heat the sugar and water on low until the sugar has melted.

• It doesn’t take long to melt, so watch it closely. Once it’s melted, let it cool to room temperature and then store it in an airtight glass jar.

Adding Flavors with Herbs, Spices, Berries and Flowers

Herbs

Using the simple syrup ratio above you can add herbs, fruit and spices to infuse the syrup. It’s a great way to get a desired flavor and make a unique cocktail.

• Mint
• Thyme
• Rosemary
• Sage
• Lavender
• Coriander
• Basil
• Lemon balm

Spices

Bend spices together to make festive and seasonal syrups. Here are some ideas for spices you can use.

• Ginger
• Nutmeg
• Cinnamon
• Cumin
• Turmeric
• All Spice
• Cardamom
• Cloves
• Star Anis
• Vanilla

Fruit and Berries

Fruits and berries make fresh, colorful and seasonal syrups, like our cranberry simple syrup. We love using them in cocktails to add extra flavor and give them unique twists. Here are some ideas for berries you can use.

• Blueberries
• Strawberries
• Raspberries
• Orange
• Lemon and Lime
• Apple
• Pineapple

Edible Flowers

Flowers are a great way to add a floral flavor to the syrup, like our rose water cocktail.

• Rose
• Lilac
• Hibsicus (turns cocktails pink)
• Butterfly pea flower (turns cocktails blue and purple)
• Marigold

How to Make Infused Simple Syrup

Once the sugar and water melt, remove from the stove and add in herbs or spices or fruit. Generally, you’ll do a handful of the herb your infusing. If it’s a spice, add in the whole spice not ground and let it infuse. Example, 2 cinnamon sticks or 10 mint leaves.

I always add a little more so it’s really flavorful!

Let it steep for about an hour or longer to infuse the flavors.

If you’re doing berries, add in 1/2 cup and muddle the berries in the syrup. Let it sit and then strain them out in mesh strainer to remove seeds.

When the mixture is cooled and done insuring, pour it through a mesh strainer into a glass container with a lid to store.

Keep it in the refrigerator for 1 month.

How to Store

Store in a sterile, airtight container in the refrigerator. To sterilize a glass bottle or container, pour boiling water into the bottle and dump it out before adding the syrup.

Pro tip – Mark the bottle with the date so you know how long it’s been in there. You can just use a piece of tape and stick it to the bottom of the jar.

We also love using these bottles to serve it in… they’re only $6! They look nice with an herb inside the bottle too.

Try using raw sugar instead of refined.

Although not required, when making infused simple syrups, the herbs infuse better when allowed space to infuse. Pour the hot sugar water over the herbs spread out on the bottom of a large tub or pan. You want to leave it until it’s cooled and the syrup smells and tastes like the herb you’re using.

Time depends on the herb. Mint infuses faster. You can put the tub in the fridge too.

Frequesntly Asked Questions

Can you buy simple syrup?

Absolutely! But it’s so easy to make at home and you get a fresh simple syrup within minutes. You can also make them flavored when making them at home. If you prefer to buy it, here are some good options:

• Monin Syrup
• Pure Cane Sugar Syrup
• Honey Simple Syrup

Simple Syrup Substitue

What is a good substitue for simple syrup?

There are several good options to use. Use the same amount of one of the below substitutes that the recipe calls for.

• Agave nectar
• Honey
• Stevia

Drink Recipes that use Simple Syrup

Rose Water Cocktail

Orange and Cherry Vodka Cocktail

Pineapple Ginger Moscow Mule with Homemade Ginger Simple Syrup

Fig and Lavender Cold Brew

Cranberry Gin and Tonic

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Let us know if you make any of these and what variations you choose! You can be creative and make your own concoctions by mixing ingredients.