Simple Syrup Recipe – Ridiculously Easy To Make

Simple syrup is a kitchen and bar staple that often goes unnoticed, yet it’s used in so many recipes. Whether you are sweetening iced tea, creating great cocktails, or making tasty desserts, this syrup is a versatile ingredient that is ridiculously easy to make.  

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I am stunned by how much money a bottle costs and can only imagine that people just do not know how effortless it is to make. Never buy this overpriced store sugar syrup again! In this blog post, I will cover how to make this simple staple, some easy variations, and its many uses.

What is Simple Syrup?

Simple syrup is a liquid sweetener made by dissolving sugar into water. It is hard to imagine not using this liquid sweetener in iced tea, coffee, and cocktails. The basic method is to use equal parts water and sugar, which can be made in under 5 minutes.

Traditional Simple Syrup Recipe

2 Ingredients you need to make the syrup

Use equal parts of water and sugar (1:1 ratio) to make as much as you need.

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup water

Instructions to make the syrup

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I have used the stove-top version of heating the syrup in a saucepan and still do if the syrup needs a long steep. But why make another dirty dish to wash, if you don’t have to? Even worse, walking away and forgetting it is on the stove. I easily get distracted, trying to do too many things simultaneously and creating a few disasters in my kitchen!😂  Here is the easiest way to make a non-flavored simple syrup.

1. Heat the water in a water kettle and pour it into a mason jar, or even easier, heat it in the mason jar or any microwave-safe bowl using a microwave for 1-2 minutes.
2. Once the water is hot, add the sugar and seal with a tight-fitting lid.  
3. Shake for a minute or two until the sugar dissolves – that is it!

The syrup stores perfectly in the mason jar; if you prefer, pour it into a fancy bottle once it cools.

This recipe makes about 1 1/2 cups. Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container, such as a mason jar. It has a refrigerated shelf life of up to a month.

Simple Syrup Variations

Use the homemade simple syrup as a starting point to create other wonderful flavors.  

1. Rich Simple Syrup: For a thicker syrup, use a 2:1 ratio. 2 parts sugar to 1 part water. This syrup will also be sweeter since it has a higher concentration of sugar.
2. Vanilla Simple Syrup: Add a split vanilla bean to the sugar and hot water mixture. The longer you leave the bean in the syrup, the stronger the flavor it will get.
3. Citrus Simple Syrup: Add citrus zest, such as lemon, lime, or orange, for a bright, tangy flavor. 
4. Mint Simple Syrup: Infuse fresh mint leaves to make the best simple syrup for iced tea. Use my trick if you don’t have fresh mint – use a mint tea bag!  Strain the fresh mint or discard the tea bag before storing.
5. Other Herb Simple Syrups: Basil, rosemary, and other fresh herbs make simple syrups a wonderful addition to any home bar. I use them all the time in our backyard pub.
6. Spiced Simple Syrup: Add cinnamon sticks and other whole spices, such as cloves or star anise, for a warm, spiced flavor. Perfect for holiday drinks.
7. Berry Simple Syrup: Mash berries and add them to the sugar and water. Strain out the solids for a vibrant, fruity syrup. 
8. Lavender Simple Syrup: One of my favorites for drinks and desserts – see my recipe on how to make beautiful lavender simple syrup. This syrup is better made in a saucepan since it needs to simmer for a while.
9. Brown Sugar Simple Syrup: Brown sugar adds a nice toasty caramel flavor. Demerara sugar, known as raw sugar, also works well.
10. Honey Simple Syrup: Make honey syrup by replacing the sugar with honey.  This works well when you want a slight honey flavor that is not as thick as regular honey.

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So Many Uses for Simple Syrup

Simple syrup isn’t just for drinks.  Here are some ways to use it.

1. Cocktails and Mocktails: Perfect for all sweetened cocktail recipes. Classic drinks like mojitos, margaritas, and lemonades mix easily with simple syrup.  I enjoy using mint simple syrup for a quick mojito if I happen to be out of fresh mint.
2. Coffee and Tea: Sweeten iced tea, iced coffee, or even a chai latte without worrying about sugar granules at the bottom of your glass.
3. Baked Goods: Brush simple syrup onto cake layers to keep them moist and flavorful.
4. Fruit Salads: Drizzle over fresh fruit for added sweetness and a glossy finish.
5. Homemade Sodas: Mix with sparkling water for a DIY soda.  I love adding flavored syrups to my Soda Stream carbonated water.
6. Pancakes and Waffles: Use a flavored, rich simple syrup as an alternative to traditional pancake syrup.  Cinnamon spiced rich simple syrup is a tasty treat on pancakes.
7. Cocktail Rim Garnish: Dip the rim of a glass in simple syrup before coating it with sugar, salt, or spices.
8. Sweetened Whipped Cream: Use a plain or flavored rich syrup to sweeten your homemade whipped cream.

If you prefer a lighter sweetness, simple syrup works beautifully in homemade coffee creamer.

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TIPS

• Cloudiness or an off smell indicates spoilage.  It is so easy and fast to make that if in doubt, toss it out.
• Add a tablespoon of vodka to 1 cup of sweet syrup as a preservative. Perfect for bar use.
• For sugar-free, simple syrups can also be made with a sugar substitute such as stevia, monk fruit sweetener, or erythritol.

Simple syrup may be simple by name, but it can transform your recipes and cold beverages, especially with different flavors.  With so many different ways to make homemade flavored simple syrups, they make great hostesses and Christmas gifts. What home bartender would not enjoy one of the many variations that can be made. Make this basic simple syrup recipe or create unique custom flavors, and never buy it from the store again.

More Recipes You Might Enjoy!

• Homemade Lavender Simple Syrup
  
• Simple Orange Marmalade Recipe, Sweet and Tart – No Pectin Added
  
• Homemade Cake Pan Release – The Best Magic Pan Coating