Simple syrup is basically liquified sugar that is used to sweeten both hot and cold drinks (especially cold, so you don’t have to deal with granulated sugar that stubbornly refuses to dissolve). It’s often stirred into classic co*cktails and homemade lemonade.
You can easily make simple syrup at home by boiling water and sugar. Your grocery store will stock premade simple syrup, but it will generally have added stabilizers. If you’re interested in keeping your syrups as, well, simpleas possible, homemade is the way to go!
Simple Syrup Recipe
Basic simple syrup is just equal parts water and sugar. That’s it! You can make a rich syrup using a 2:1 ratio of sugar to water; it’s more concentrated, but it’s the same process.
You can also use brown sugar (which will give a slight molasses flavor to the syrup), demerara sugar (for a caramel-y taste) or honey (for either all or half the sugar). Going the sugar-free route, follow the same process with Stevia; just know that your “syrup” will be much thinner—more watery than syrupy.
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
Directions
Step 1: Boil the ingredients
Pour the sugar and water into a small saucepan, stir to combine and then bring to a boil over medium heat. Some people bring the water to a boil first and then add the sugar, but it doesn’t really matter. Either way works.
Step 2: Simmer
Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is completely dissolved and the syrup is clear. This will take about five minutes.
Step 3: Cool the simple syrup
Turn off the heat, cover the pan and allow the syrup to cool.
How to Store Simple Syrup
To store simple syrup, pour it into a lidded glass container and place it in the refrigerator. Basic, unflavored simple syrup will last about 3-4 weeks.
How to Use Simple Syrup
How can you elevate any basic co*cktail? With a simple syrup! Just whip up a batch of Cranberry-Orange Sangria, Blueberry Mojitosor Pomgaritas and see for yourself. You can also use simple syrup in homemade coffee drinks, like an iced latte.
Bakers use simple syrup to create moist layer cakes, too. You brush simple syrup over each cooled layer, allowing the liquid to soak into the sponge and add the perfect amount of extra moisture!
How to Infuse Simple Syrup
To infuse simple syrup, remove the saucepan from the heat source after Step 2. Place your desired flavorings, like herbs or fruit, into the pan and cover. Once the syrup has cooled completely, remove the added ingredients.
The best flavor to infuse into your syrup depends on what drinks you plan to make. If you want a sweet and spicy co*cktail, you can infuse the syrup with jalapeno and lime juice. For a sweet and tart co*cktail, go for something fruity like cranberry. And if you want a simple and sweet co*cktail, honey goes a long way.
Some honorable mentions for flavor infusions are cinnamon, mint, rosemary, blackberry and ginger.
The Mixed Drinks All Home Bartenders Should Know 1 / 24 Brandy Old-Fashioned SweetThe concept of an old-fashioned dates back to the early 1800s and includes whiskey, bitters, cherry juice, sugar and water. This old-fashioned recipe, which is extremely popular in Wisconsin, uses brandy in place of whiskey and lemon-lime soda instead of water for a milder co*cktail. —Taste of Home Test KitchenGo to RecipeAlso check out what are bitters and how do you use them in co*cktails? Moscow Mule Recipe photo by Taste of Home Moscow MuleYou do not have to go to a trendy co*cktail bar to have a top-notch drink. Start with just three simple ingredients to make this ultra-refreshing co*cktail. Go to Recipe Check out these easy mixed drinks. Cranberry Orange Mimosas Recipe photo by Taste of Home Cranberry MimosaWe love making cranberry mimosas on a slow Saturday morning or during the holidays. Go to Recipe Taste of Home Perfect Lemon MartiniTime to relax with a refreshing lemon drop martini! The combination of tart lemon and sweet liqueur will tingle your taste buds. —Marilee Anker, Chatsworth, California Go to Recipe Taste of Home Irish Creme DrinkWe top off holiday celebrations with this creamy beverage. With sweetened condensed milk and ice cream, it's like a liquid dessert!—Fred Schneider, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin Go to Recipe Gimlet Recipe photo by Taste of Home GimletFrom the Royal Navy's boats to your kitchen, the gimlet has always been a simple-yet-sophisticated co*cktail. Made with gin, lime juice and simple syrup, it's perfect for fancy parties and everyday gatherings. Go to Recipe TMB studio Mint JulepIt wouldn't be Kentucky Derby Day without this mint julep recipe! But, really, this Kentucky Derby mint julep recipe is good anytime. —Taste of Home Test KitchenGo to Recipe Pina ColadaVelvety-smooth texture and a taste of the tropics are what this tropical drink delivers. The easy-to-make pina colada recipe can be mixed and chilled ahead of time. When ready to serve, just blend for a creamy and delicious beverage. —Linda Schend, Kenosha, Wisconsin Go to Recipe Fresh Lime Margaritas Recipe photo by Taste of Home Fresh Lime MargaritasThis basic fresh margarita recipe is easy to modify to your tastes. Try it frozen or with strawberries. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen Go to Recipe Taste of Home Cranberry-Jalapeno MartiniI describe this co*cktail as slightly tart, a little sassy and completely delicious. I make a big batch when I'm hosting a party because it tends to disappear quickly. Garnish with fresh mint and cranberries for an extra-special touch. —Kelli Haetinger, Virginia Beach, Virginia Go to Recipe Also check out how to use bitters in more than just co*cktails. Taste of Home Apricot Brandy SlushWhile spending the summer in New Mexico, we tasted this refreshing golden color tea beverage enhanced with something borrowed from the co*cktail world: apricot brandy.—Shirley Miller, Williamsport, PA Go to Recipe Taste of Home Martini RecipeWhen making a co*cktail as naked as a martini, every move counts. Here is how to make a martini recipe like a true bartender. Go to Recipe Bloody Maria Recipe photo by Taste of Home Bloody MariaTequila, lime and jalapenos give the brunch classic a fresh Mexican twist.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, WIsconsin Go to Recipe Quick White Sangria Recipe photo by Taste of Home Easy White SangriaNot too heavy or heady, this easy white sangria is a perfect refresher when you want a sip of sunshine. Go to Recipe Strawberry Mimosas Recipe photo by Taste of Home Strawberry MimosaElevate your brunch game with this easy strawberry mimosa recipe. Go to Recipe Tipsy Iced Coffee Recipe photo by Taste of Home Tipsy Iced CoffeeMy family loves this frozen coffee with Amaretto and whipped cream. Serve it at brunch or as an after-dinner treat.—Sonya Labbe, West Hollywood, California Go to Recipe Taste of Home Strawberry-Basil co*cktailThis co*cktail of sun-ripened strawberries and tender basil is so refreshing without being overly sweet. It’s our favorite. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Columbia, South Carolina Go to Recipe Pear-Apple co*cktail Recipe photo by Taste of Home Pear-Apple co*cktailAh, the memories we made when we went to Hawaii and concocted this drink for our first toast on the island. That makes this drink special. —Noelle Appel, Arlington, Texas Go to Recipe Sparkling Peach BellinisFolks will savor the subtle kiss of peach flavor in this elegant brunch beverage. — Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin Go to Recipe Maple Blackberry MojitoThis refreshing blackberry co*cktail is how you take advantage of prime berry season during the summer months. I've also used other types of fruit, including raspberries, kiwi and strawberries. —Donna Noel, Gray, Maine Go to Recipe Chocolate Martini Recipe photo by Taste of Home Chocolate MartiniThe variations on martinis seem endless. But this sweet chocolate martini recipe is both creative and sophisticated in taste and presentation. It's a fine way to finish or even start a meal.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen Go to Recipe Black-Eyed Susan Recipe photo by Taste of Home Black-Eyed SusanThe Kentucky Derby has the mint julep; the Preakness has the black-eyed Susan. The drink is a sunny mix of vodka, rum, and pineapple and orange juices to toast your special events.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen Go to Recipe Pomegranate Cosmo Recipe photo by Taste of Home Pomegranate CosmoEvery soiree needs a signature drink. Sugar dresses up this simple cosmo that lets you enjoy a cozy evening with friends and still shake things up. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen Go to Recipe Slow-Cooker Mulled Wine Recipe photo by Taste of Home Slow-Cooker Mulled WineFor a festive holiday drink or something to keep you cozy during those cold winter months, you'll love this warming slow-cooker mulled wine.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen Go to Recipe Next, check out these 15 types of co*cktail glasses that serious mixologists recommend.