The Sweet and Sour of simple syrup - Does Simple Syrup Go bad? (2024)

Have you ever had a mocktail recipe that calls for simple syrup? Do you wonder if homemade simple syrup goes bad? How long does it last?I decided to do some research to find out. Read on to learn more about the sweet and sour of simple syrup and whether it can go bad.

What Is Simple Syrup?

A basic simple syrup consists of one part sugar and one part 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 it can easily be added to drinks. Making your own at home allows you to customize your syrup any way you'd like.

How to Make Simple Syrup:

To make simple 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. This is also called hot-process simple syrup.

Check out my easy, simple syrup recipe here!

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. This cold-processed simple syrup 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, simple syrup 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.

The good news is that unopened simple syrup can last for up to 12 months when stored properly in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. 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!

How Do I Know If My Simple Syrup Is 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 simple syrup has gone bad are:

• 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.

What Is The Shelf Life Of Simple Syrup, and How Long Does Simple Syrup Last?

Store-bought syrups: 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 simple syrup: 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. Once it's opened, it's best to store it in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.

Homemade simple syrup: A hot-processed simple syrup of just sugar and water should last up to 1 month if stored properly.

Infused simple syrup: 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.

How Should I Store Simple Syrup?

To yield the best results, store your simple syrup in a sterile container with a tight seal in the refrigerator.

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 simple syrup:

Can I freeze simple syrup?

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. You should absolutely check them out!

Souper Cubes: Freeze almost anything in these convenient containers, they come in a variety of sizes. This super cubes gift set will cover all of your freezing needs.

Where Can I Use Simple Syrup?

While any type of simple syrup can be used in mocktails or co*cktails, there are lots of different ways to utilize this delicious ingredient. Some of my favorites include:

• Iced coffee, like this deliciousfrozen mudslide mocktailandthe Virgin Bushwacker recipe.
• Ice cream topping
• Iced tea, like our delicious non-alcoholic island iced tea, blackberry tea, or butterfly pea flower tea mocktail.

Storing simple syrup in the fridge will help keep your cold drinks cold, but adding flavored syrup to hot drinks is A-Ok as well.

• Coffee
• Hot chocolate
• Hot tea

Need more info about Simple Syrup?

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 when running low on simple syrup.

Check Out My Homemade Syrup Recipes

If you want a more zesty flavor, this Orange Syrup is for you! Made from fresh orange peels, water, and sugar, it will take your mocktails to the next level. For a refreshing summer treat, this Watermelon Syrup is a must-have in the fridge. Another fruity, 3-ingredient syrup is this Simple Blackberry Syrup - perfect to mix into your favorite summer drink or drizzle on waffles or pancakes.

Homemade Rose Syrup requires patience and love, but it brings out the best aromatic rose flavor in your drinks. It has a beautiful pink color, and it is ideal for co*cktails, mocktails, or iced tea.

There's nothing like the warming chai flavor in your morning cup of coffee or brunchtime tea. With this Homemade Chai Tea Syrup Recipe {Easy}, you can transform your kitchen into your favorite coffee shop and become your barista. Another favorite for coffee lovers is thehomemade, Non-Alcoholic Kahlua Recipe. It combines rich coffee, creamy vanilla, brown sugar, and chocolate into an irresistible blend, perfect to use in your mocktails.