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This simple syrup recipe is an easy way to sweeten drinks without sugar sinking to the bottom of the glass. It mixes smoothly into coffee, tea, mocktails, cocktails, and can even be used to add a little extra sweetness to desserts!
“This is such as easy recipe to make and it has so many uses!”
-Becky
I love that this DIY syrup can be made in a small batch with plain sugar and water, without preservatives or high fructose corn syrup. Once you start keeping homemade simple syrup in the fridge, it becomes one of those kitchen staples you reach for all the time. You can also easily customize your syrup with different flavors like vanilla, mint, ginger, or lavender.
This simple syrup is great for drinks like this minty Mojito or this Virgin Pina Colada. It also pairs beautifully with Bahama Mama or Daiquiri cocktails, or this delicious Watermelon Lemonade.
Table of Contents
Ingredients You Will Need
- Granulated Sugar
- Water
A full list of ingredients with exact measurements in cups and ounces is included in the recipe card below.
Simple Syrup Variations
Light simple syrup: Start with 2 cups water and 1 cup of sugar to create a gently sweet mixture that does not overpower drinks.
Rich simple syrup: Combine 1 cup water with 2 cups sugar for a thicker syrup commonly used by bartenders in spirit forward drinks.
Simple Syrup Flavor Variations
Simple syrup is easy to customize with different flavors. Add ingredients after heating and let them steep as the syrup cools.
- Vanilla: Add a teaspoon or two of this Homemade Vanilla Extract. It adds warmth and sweetness to beverages and morning coffee.
- Mint: Add mint leaves, perfect for summer drinks and refreshing beverages.
- Ginger: Add 2 or 3 tablespoons fresh ginger to warm syrup. Strain after 15 minutes for a subtle spice syrup that works well in cocktails and mocktails.
- Lavender: Add one or two teaspoons dried lavender. Then strain leaves to remove for a light and floral for lemonade or tea.
- Basil or lime: Add fresh leaves or juice. Both flavors pair well with fruit syrups and sparkling drinks.
How to Make Simple Syrup
- Add the sugar and part water to a small pot.
- Heat over medium heat and stir until the sugar dissolves. There is no need to boil the mixture. Remove from the heat once the syrup is clear and allow it to cool to room temperature. Transfer the syrup to a glass jar or glass container and store it in the fridge.
Expert Tips
Skip the boil: Heating just enough to dissolve the sugar keeps the flavor clean and prevents unnecessary evaporation.
Use a glass jar: Storing simple syrup in a glass jar or mason jars helps preserve flavor and freshness.
Watch for mold: Always use clean utensils and discard the syrup if you notice cloudiness or mold.
Make it small batch: Smaller batches stay fresher and are easy to remake when needed.
Best Ways to Use Simple Syrup
- Sweetening iced tea, lemonade, and other beverages.
- Mixing into cocktails or alcohol free drinks.
- Sweetening morning coffee.
- Brushing onto cakes for moisture.
- Adding sweetness to fruit syrups and drink mixtures.
Why I Use a Lighter Simple Syrup
Many sources recommend equal parts sugar and water, and that traditional simple syrup works well in many cases. I prefer using more water because it creates a lighter sweetener that blends easily without overpowering flavor.
Using 2 cups water and 1 cup sugar keeps drinks balanced, especially when serving a variety of beverages to family and guests. It also helps control calorie content while still delivering sweetness.
How to Store Simple Syrup
Store simple syrup in a sealed glass jar or glass container in the fridge. When handled properly, it will last about two to three weeks. Always check for signs of mold before using.
Simple Syrup FAQs
Simple syrup is made from plain sugar and water heated together until dissolved.
No, boiling is not necessary. Gentle heat is enough to dissolve the sugar and maintain a clean flavor.
Yes, homemade simple syrup is a great alternative to retail sweeteners that often contain preservatives or high fructose corn syrup.
When stored in the fridge in a clean glass jar, simple syrup typically lasts two to three weeks.
More Simple Drink Recipes
If you have tried this recipe or any others from Celebrating Simply, I’d love it if you would leave a ⭐ star rating and share your thoughts in the ✍️ comments below. Your feedback means a lot!
Simple Syrup Recipe
Equipment
- Saucepan
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Add the sugar and part water to a small pot.
- Heat over medium heat and stir until the sugar dissolves. There is no need to boil the mixture.
- Remove from the heat once the syrup is clear and allow it to cool to room temperature.
- Transfer the syrup to a glass jar or glass container and store it in the fridge.
Notes
Use a glass jar: Storing simple syrup in a glass jar or mason jars helps preserve flavor and freshness.
Watch for mold: Always use clean utensils and discard the syrup if you notice cloudiness or mold.
Make it small batch: Smaller batches stay fresher and are easy to remake when needed.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Great and easy recipe, thanks for sharing and showing me how easy it is to make.
So easy to make and it has so many uses!