How to Make Simple Syrup

Making simple syrup is so easy and can be done in a matter of minutes! Use this recipe for cocktails and desserts. Learn how to easily infuse simple syrup to add a unique flavor to your dish or drink.

We use simple syrups in many of our cocktails. It’s such a great way to add flavor to dishes! You can be creative and blend herbs and spices to create your own flavors too.

What is simple syrup made for?

It’s made to sweeten cocktails, coffee, desserts, and other dishes. It’s a liquid sweetener made from water and sugar. It can dilute the sweetness and you can alter it to make different flavors.

How to Make Simple Syrup

A simple syrup recipe that is so easy to make and perfect for cocktails, coffee, cakes and more!

• Measure 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water.

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.

How to Make Flavored Simple Syrup

Adding herbs, fruit and spices is a great way to infuse a cocktail with the desired flavor and make a unique cocktail.

Herbs

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

Spices

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

Fruit and Berries

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

Edible Flowers

• 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

What is simple syrup made of?

It’s made of equal parts of sugar and water. It’s a diluted sweetener used in cocktails and some desserts. You can use different variations and if you need a thinker simple syrup, try rich simple syrup. Rich simple syrup is a 2:1 ratio, that’s 2 parts sugar to 1 part water.

How long can you keep simple syrup?

Itshould be stored in the refrigerator and will last about 1 month. It can go bad after a month, so always make sure you smell it before using.

How can you tell if simple syrup has gone bad?

The syrup will start to grow mold and will also look a little cloudy and separated. This means it’s not good and should not be consumed. Make another fresh batch to use

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

What is a good substitue for simple syrup?

There are several good options to use! We often use one of the below.

• 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

How to Make Simple Syrup

An easy recipe for making simple syrup to use in cocktails and desserts!

5 from 6 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Cocktail, Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: cocktails, Sugar, Syrup

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

Calories: 774

Author: Eden

Ingredients

• 1 cup sugar , raw cane or granulated sugar
• 1 cup water

Instructions

• Measure 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water. 
• 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.

Notes

You can also infuse simple syrup with herbs, spices, dried edible flowers, and berries! 

Use brown sugar to make a brown sugar simple syrup 

 

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

How to Make Simple Syrup

Amount Per Serving

Calories 774

% Daily Value*

Sodium 15mg1%

Carbohydrates 200g67%

Sugar 200g222%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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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.