One of the most versatile and deliciously sweet ingredients in mocktails and cocktails, this easy simple syrup recipe is wonderful on its own and can be easily infused in so many ways.
If you regularly make mocktails or cocktails at home, then I'm sure you've needed simple syrup. While you can buy a bottle for a reasonable price, homemade simple syrup is nearly free in cost and free of preservatives. You can also have control over how much is made, so there isn't any waste.
If you've ordered a drink from your favorite coffee place, then you have enjoyed a simple syrup in some form in your hot or iced coffee. You can use a simple syrup of different flavors in your iced tea, homemade lemonades, club soda, or soda water.
Besides just classic sugar and water, you can also make infused simple syrups by following most of the same steps. Some of my favorites include my lavender simple syrup, chai syrup, and blackberry simple syrup.
- Starbucks Copycat Brown Sugar Apple Crisp Syrup Recipe
- Homemade Pecan Syrup and Sweet Toasted Pecans Recipe
- Homemade Lavender Simple Syrup Recipe
- Raspberry Simple Syrup Recipe
Ingredients For An Easy Simple Syrup
All you need is water and sugar and you are good to go!
Types of Sugars You can Use:
- Cane Sugar - Cane sugar syrup is earthier, bolder, and gives a toasted sugar flavor than white sugar. Not as strong as turbinado or molasses.
- Brown Sugar - This syrup is called Demerara Syrup. Great for coffee cocktails and darker beverages.
- Palm Sugar - Golden in color with a cotton candy sweetness.
- Honey - 3:2 honey to water ratio.
- Agave Nectar- 2:1 agave to water. Curious about agave, check out my post about Simple Syrup vs. Agave!
Read more about my favorite simple syrup replacements. Spoiler alert: most of these are already in your cabinet.
My Favorite Tools To Use
How To Make Simple Syrup
- In a small saucepan, add one part water and one cup sugar over medium heat. Stir to mix and dissolve the sugar.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the pan from the heat and let it sit to cool to room temperature.
- Once cooled, pour into your airtight container using a funnel.
How To Make Rich Simple Syrup
Rich simple syrup is only slightly different from regular simple syrup in terms of the sugar-to-water ratio. The ratio is 2 parts sugar to 1 part sugar, creating a richer and sweeter simple syrup. When creating rich syrup, the cooking process is the same. This creates a sweeter, thicker syrup to add more sweetness to a drink easily.
Other Ways To Prepare Simple Syrup
- Traditional Stovetop Method (Cooked): This is the classic method where sugar and water are combined in a saucepan and heated on the stovetop until the sugar completely dissolves. It's then cooled before use. This method is quick and effective for both regular and rich simple syrups.
- Cold or Room Temperature Method (Uncooked): For a quick and easy version, especially if you're making a small amount, you can mix equal parts sugar and water at room temperature. Stir well until the sugar dissolves. This method is suitable for making regular simple syrup without applying heat.
- Mason Jar/Shaking Method (Uncooked): Combine sugar and water in a sealed mason jar and shake vigorously until the sugar dissolves. This method is particularly useful for making small amounts of simple syrup quickly without the need for heat.
- Blender Method (Uncooked): Combine sugar and water in a blender and blend until the sugar completely dissolves. This method is quick and efficient for making larger batches of simple syrup without heat.
- Hot Water Dissolving Method (Partially Cooked): Dissolve sugar in hot water (not boiling) by stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved. This method is quicker than stovetop cooking but still involves heat to aid in dissolving the sugar.
How To Store Simple Syrup
How long will simple syrup last in the fridge? Store your simple syrup in a clean, airtight container in the refrigerator. It can typically last for up to one month. Check for any signs of spoilage, such as cloudiness or off-putting odors. For a more in-depth look at syrup storage check out my post on how long does simple syrup last.
Can I freeze simple syrup? If you've made a large batch, consider freezing in ice cube trays for convenient portions. Thaw as needed. Frozen syrup can last for several months without losing quality.
Top Tip!: Label your bottles: Clearly label your simple syrup container with the flavor variation and the date of preparation. This helps you keep track of its freshness and flavor profile.
Expert Tips To Make The Best Simple Syrup
Correct Ratios: For regular simple syrup, the classic ratio is 1:1 (equal parts sugar and water). For rich, simple syrup, experiment with higher sugar concentrations, such as 2:1 or 3:1. Finding the right ratio is crucial for reaching the desired sweetness without making the syrup overly thick.
Gentle Heat: When cooking the syrup on the stovetop, use low heat to medium heat. Avoid boiling the mixture vigorously, as this can lead to caramelization and alter the flavor.
Cool Before Storing: Allow the syrup to cool completely before storing it in your chosen container. Sugar burns are some of the worst out there, and that's the last thing you need.
Strain For Clarity: Strain the syrup after infusing it to remove any solid particles or impurities. Use a fine mesh strainer, one you would use for a mocktail recipe or sifting flour.
Experiment with Sweeteners: Don't limit yourself to white sugar. Experiment with different sweeteners like brown sugar, cane sugar, honey, or agave nectar to add depth and unique flavors to your 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!
Easy Simple Syrup Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup White granulated sugar
- 1 cup Water
Instructions
- In a saucepan, add the water and sugar. Using a rubber spatula, stir to mix and dissolve the sugar.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the pan from the heat and let it sit to cool to room temperature.
- Once cooled, pour into your airtight container using a funnel.
Expert Notes
- Correct Ratios: For regular simple syrup, the classic ratio is 1:1 (equal parts sugar and water). For rich, simple syrup, experiment with higher sugar concentrations, such as 2:1 or 3:1. Finding the right ratio is crucial for reaching the desired sweetness without making the syrup overly thick.
- Gentle Heat: When cooking the syrup on the stovetop, use low heat to medium heat. Avoid boiling the mixture vigorously, as this can lead to caramelization and alter the flavor.
- Cool Before Storing: Allow the syrup to cool completely before storing it in your chosen container. Sugar burns are some of the worst out there, and that's the last thing you need.
- Strain For Clarity: Strain the syrup after infusing it to remove any solid particles or impurities. Use a fine mesh strainer, one you would use for a mocktail recipe or sifting flour.
- Storing: Store the syrup in a clean, airtight container in the refrigerator. Consider using a glass container to maintain freshness and prevent any plastic-related flavors.
- Experiment with Sweeteners: Don't limit yourself to white sugar. Experiment with different sweeteners like brown sugar, cane sugar, honey, or agave nectar to add depth and unique flavors to your syrup.
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