Simple Syrup Recipe

Simple syrup is a kitchen must-have.

Whether you’re an aspiring mixologist, a home baker, or an iced coffee lover, it’s an essential ingredient.

This simple mix of sugar and water adds sweetness in a flash. And it couldn’t be easier to make.

What Is Simple Syrup?

If you’ve ever made a smoothie at home and been disappointed, simple syrup is likely the answer.

Well, a lack of simple syrup, to be precise.

Smoothies, cocktails, and iced drinks almost always feature a splash of this magical liquid.

The reason? The kick of sweetness enhances the flavors, making your drink so much more delicious.

But what is it?

Simple syrup is a blend of equal parts sugar and water.

Warmed until the sugar dissolves, it’s syrupy and most often used in cocktails and to keep baked goods moist.

That’s right. A lot of bakers brush simple syrup over their cakes to keep them moist. It’s a not-so-secret trick of the trade.

But that’s not all! You can make simple syrup with all kinds of fun add-ins.

For example, many cocktail bars add fruit, flowers, and extracts to amp up their creations.

Neat, huh?

How to Make Simple Syrup at Home

Making simple syrup is about as straightforward as it gets. So don’t worry about heating sugar on the stove. This isn’t caramel!

There are really only two steps: 

1. Simmer the sugar and water. Bring it to a boil, then simmer until all the sugar fully dissolves.  

2. Cool the syrup. Let it cool in the pot for a bit, then transfer it to a heatproof container.

And that’s it! Didn’t I say this was easy?

Simple Syrup Variations 

Doesn’t it seem like the simplest recipes always have the most variations?

There are plenty of ways to tweak the classic simple syrup recipe. Here are some of my favorite options: 

• Use brown sugar. Swap in brown sugar for a nice, caramel flavor. 

• Make it sweeter and thicker. Use twice as much sugar to water. This also extends the life of the syrup.

• Use natural sweeteners. If you want to avoid sugar, use equal parts honey or agave nectar and water instead. 

• Make it calorie-free. Try it with your favorite zero-calorie sweetener. You may need to play around with the amounts, depending on the brand.

How to Make Flavored Simple Syrup

Interested in something different? Try one of these fun recipe variations to make infused simple syrup:

• Fruit Peel Infusions: Add fruit peels from apples, oranges, limes, or cucumbers, and simmer them with the sugar. Strain the syrup before use.

• Fresh Fruit Infusions: Add fresh fruit, such as berries, peach slices, or plums, after the sugar has dissolved. Carefully mash it into the hot syrup and leave it to cool. Strain before use.

• Floral Infusions: Edible flowers add flavor and aromatics to simple syrup. Options include roses, chamomile, lavender, and more. 

• Herbs and Spice Infusions: Add vanilla or almond extract to the finished syrup. Or simmer ginger, cinnamon stick, or even chilies with the sugar and water.

Cocktails With Simple Syrup 

Plenty of cocktail recipes and mixed drinks call for simple syrup. As mentioned, it’s to add sweetness and to enhance the overall flavor of the drink.

Here are some of my favorites: 

• The Hurricane
• Amaretto Sour
• Red Sangria
• The French 75
• Mint Julep

Simple Syrup in Baking

Have you ever wondered how to moisten a dry cake? Simple syrup is the key.

A lot of bakers use a small layer of simple syrup over sponges to keep them tender for longer.

Here’s how:

• Poke holes over the top of the cake and brush the syrup over the top.
• Cut the cake while it’s still warm and brush a layer of syrup over the cut sides.

In both cases, the syrup will soak into the sponge and keep it fresh for longer.

How Long Does Simple Syrup Last? 

As long as you store it properly, simple syrup should last up to 1 month in the refrigerator.

Remember to let it cool fully first. Then, transfer it to a jar or bottle with an airtight lid.