Have you recently made a batch of simple syrup and wondered how long you can keep it for? Does homemade simple syrup goes bad? How long does it last? Here are my insights after making batch after batch after batch.
What Is Homemade Simple Syrup?
A basic simple syrup consists of one part sugar and equal parts water. It's easy and fast to make at home, but you can also buy it at most stores. The ratio of sugar to water varies depending on the desired thickness and added ingredients, but typically, it’s equal parts sugar and water.
The purpose of making simple syrup is to dissolve the granulated sugar into liquid form so that you can easily stir into drinks. Making your own at home allows you to customize it any way you'd like. You can use regular white sugar, brown sugar, or even cane or coconut sugar.
Check out steps to make both hot-process and cold-process.
Steps to Make Hot-Process Syrup:
Add 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water to a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat until boiling dissolved sugar. Cool to room temperature, then pour into an airtight storage container.
Steps to Make Cold-Process Syrup:
A cold-process sugar syrup is simply the process of adding sugar to a liquid, usually water, and stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves in roughly 10-15 minutes.
The cold-processed is good for making a small batch, as cold-processed syrup tends to have a shorter shelf life than hot-processed homemade syrup. You can also adjust the amount of sugar for extra-sweet syrup.
Does Simple Syrup Go Bad?
The short answer is yes! As with any other food item, if not stored properly, the concoction will eventually spoil due to the growth of bacteria or mold. However, if stored correctly in an airtight container with the lid on in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, your homemade or store-bought rich simple syrup should last for several months without any issues.
How Do I Know If My Simple Syrup Has Gone Bad?
If you've noticed that your simple syrup doesn't quite look the same, you're likely questioning if it's still good to use or not. The simple syrup should be clear. A few signs that your it might have reached the end of its life:
- Cloudy appearance
- Mold has developed
- Smelly odor due to bacterial growth
Typically, if you're going to question if it's good or not, then I'd simply not use it.
How to Store Syrup Properly
If sealed properly - unopened - it can last for up to 12 months when stored properly in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. But for optimal storage, I recommend putting it in the fridge or freezing it.
To yield the best results, store your simple syrup in a sterile container with a tight seal. Store container in the fridge.
You can sterilize your glass container by submerging it in boiling water and either air drying or drying it in an oven.
I really enjoy working with either of these two options, glass jars or glass bottles with a flip top, or a mason jar.
Here are some of my favorite things to use when making syrup:
Refrigerator Instructions
For optimal freshness, an opened bottle should be refrigerated and used within one to six months.
However, if you store your open bottle properly (in an airtight container), it can last up to 12 months as well!
Freezing Instructions
Yes! I love to do this as I often am not able to use my homemade simple syrups in a timely fashion, so they are stored in an airtight container in the freezer. I've been using these awesome storage containers for the freezer recently for pretty much everything.
Souper Cubes: Freeze almost anything in these convenient containers, they come in a variety of sizes. This ice cube trays gift set will cover all of your freezing needs.
Shelf Life of Simple Syrup Variations:
- Store-bought: If stored properly in a cool dark place such as the fridge or a pantry, the store-bought simple syrup has a longer shelf life of up to 6 months, this is likely due to added preservatives. Obviously keeping the syrup beyond the expiration date calls for double-checking if it's still good or not.
- Unopened: Unopened store-bought simple syrup could be stored for a long time at room temperature in a pantry, you could even freeze it for longer. The good news is that unopened simple syrup can last practically forever. Once it's opened, it's best to store it in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.
- Homemade: A hot-processed simple syrup of just sugar and water should last up to 1 month if stored properly.
- Infused: By adding herbs, spices, or fruit you've greatly reduced the shelf life of your simple syrup. Mostly due to the fact that those added fresh ingredients will start to break down. If stored properly, and infused simple syrup will last for 1-2 weeks.
Check Out My Homemade Recipes!
Floral Syrup Recipes
Check out my collection of floral simple syrup recipes, they are absolutely fantastic.
Fruity Syrup Recipes
Imagine basically any type of fruit - there is probably a simple syrup equivalent!
Spiced Simple Syrup Recipes
Not all simple syrups have to be fruity and sweet. Sometimes you need something unique and spicy for your mocktails and coffees.
Need more Info and Alternatives?
Want to experiment with different types of sweeteners in your mocktails? Our Simple Syrup vs. Agave, will help you have a better understanding of agave nectar and the difference between that and simple syrup.
And no simple syrup? Not a problem! See here for common alternatives and substitutes for simple syrup when running low on simple syrup, like honey and maple syrup.
If you made this recipe, I would be so grateful if you would give it a ⭐ rating and leave a review in the comments! I'd love to see your drink in action as well! Post it on Instagram with the ️#MocktailForest and tag me @MocktailForest!
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