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    In the Kitch » Recipes » Condiments

    Updated: May 31, 2024 · Published: May 20, 2019 by Joss Dyckson · This post may contain affiliate links ·

    How to Make Simple Syrup

    Jump to Recipe

    A dash of simple syrup livens up just about anything, from coffee to cocktails to desserts. But have you ever stopped to wonder how it's made?

    It's a simple process, actually, as learning how to make simple syrup requires little more than a few basic kitchen tools and a minimum of two ingredients, one of which is just water. There's no catch, either; it really is just that simple.

    A glass bottle of simple syrup, and a small measuring glass on the side.

    Besides adding it to beverages and pastries, I also love using it to rim glasses with sugar. It helps the granulated sugar to stick.

    Easy to make and easy to store, you'll never have to worry about a bitter drink or dry pastry again.

    If you'd like to learn how to make this homemade sweetener for cakes, coffee, cocktails like this slushy margarita etc. then read on. You can also check out my cocktail mixer syrups.

    Jump to:
    • Simple Syrup Ratio
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Ways to Use Simple Syrup
    • Recipe FAQs
    • More Syrup Recipes to Try
    • 📋Recipe

    Simple Syrup Ratio

    The basic ratio of sugar to water for simple syrup is 1:1, so equal parts.

    However, for a stronger simple syrup, you can use a 2:1 ratio of sugar to water. For this recipe: 1 cup sugar and ½ cup water.

    Ingredients

    Simple syrup ingredients, including sugar and water, prepped on the counter.
    • white granulated sugar - You could try to mix things up and make it with brown sugar for a deeper, more molasses-like flavor if you wanted.
    • water - Tap water or filtered water works fine.

    *Check recipe card for ingredient amounts.

    Optional - to infuse the syrup with flavor (pick one):

    1. Vanilla Flavor: vanilla extract
    2. Rum Flavor: golden or dark rum
    3. Cinnamon-Orange Flavor: cinnamon stick and orange peel

    Instructions

    Water pouring into a pot on the counter.

    Step 1. Pour the water into a small saucepan.

    Woman's hand pouring sugar into a pot and mixing with water.

    Step 2. Add the sugar to the saucepan.

    Woman's hand mixing a sugar and water mixture in a pot.

    Step 3. Heat over medium heat until all of the sugar is dissolved, stirring often. Remove from heat. You can cool and use as is or add one of the flavors below!

    Simple syrup in bottle with vanilla beans on the side.

    Step 4. Choose one of these 3 flavor options to enhance the flavor of your syrup.

    Option #1 - Vanilla Flavor (pictured above): Let the syrup cool and add the vanilla extract.

    A glass bottle of simple syrup with rum.

    Option #2 - Rum Flavor: Let the simple syrup cool and add the rum.

    A glass bottle of simple syrup, cinnamon and orange on the side.

    Option #3 - Cinnamon-Orange Flavor: Add the cinnamon stick and orange peel. Let the syrup sit for 3 hours to let it infuse and then remove the cinnamon stick and peel.

    💬For an almond-flavored simple syrup, check out my homemade orgeat syrup recipe here.

    And with that, you have yourself a bottle of the finest simple syrup you could ever get your hands on!

    Ways to Use Simple Syrup

    While the obvious applications are certainly great, there are a ton of creative ways you can use simple syrup, infused or plain, that you might not have even considered.

    • Sweetening cocktails is the most popular use for a simple syrup.
    • Pastries can really benefit from a coating of it, and it's also used to soak cakes with moisture.
    • You can also add flavoring to other beverages like coffee, tea, lemonade from scratch and club soda.
    • Drizzle it over vanilla ice cream, pancakes or a slice of my delicious pancake bread.

    If you're looking for something more specific, I have some great ways for you to use your freshly made simple syrup! Check them out:

    • How to Moisten a Dry Cake
    • Hibiscus Tea Cosmopolitan
    • Watermelon Basil Cocktail

    Recipe FAQs

    What is simple syrup?

    Simple syrup is a mixture of sugar dissolved into water that is used to flavor drinks and desserts.

    How do you store simple syrup?

    Once cooled, it should be stored in the fridge in a jar, squeeze bottle or other airtight container.

    How long does simple syrup last?

    With a ratio of 1:1 sugar to water, simple syrup will last up to 1 month in the fridge. Stronger simple syrup with a ratio of 2:1 sugar to water will last much longer (up to 6 months).

    How can you tell if it's gone bad?

    Simple syrup that is no longer good will be cloudy and you might see some mold growth.

    More Syrup Recipes to Try

    • Gingerbread latte and gingerbread coffee syrup.
      Gingerbread Coffee Syrup (+ Latte)
    • Grenadine syrup pouring from spoon into small glass jar.
      Homemade Grenadine Syrup
    • Pumpkin spice syrup in bottle with pumpkin pie spices in a spoon.
      Homemade Pumpkin Spice Coffee Syrup
    • Pure maple syrup in bottle.
      How To Make Pure Maple Syrup

    If you tried this 📋 recipe tutorial for How to Make Simple Syrup or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. And please share the recipe!

    📋Recipe

    Simple syrup in bottle and small measuring cup.

    How to Make Simple Syrup (3 Flavors)

    Joss Dyckson
    Learn how to make simple syrup at home with three flavor variations including vanilla, rum and cinnamon-orange. A dash of simple syrup livens up just about anything, from coffee to cocktails to desserts.
    5 from 1 vote
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    Prep Time 2 minutes mins
    Cook Time 5 minutes mins
    Total Time 7 minutes mins
    Course Condiment
    Cuisine American
    Servings 12 tablespoons
    Calories 32 kcal

    Ingredients
     
     

    For the Simple Syrup Base

    • ½ cup white sugar
    • ½ cup water

    Option #1: Vanilla Flavor

    • 1 teaspoon vanilla

    Option #2: Rum Flavor

    • 2 tablespoons rum

    Option #3: Cinnamon-Orange Flavor

    • 1 cinnamon stick
    • 1 orange peel

    Instructions
     

    For Simple Syrup

    • Add the water and sugar to a small saucepan.
      ½ cup water, ½ cup white sugar
      Woman's hand pouring sugar into a pot and mixing with water.
    • Heat over medium heat until all of the sugar is dissolved, stirring often. Remove from heat. You can cool and use as is or add one of the flavors below!
      Woman's hand mixing a sugar and water mixture in a pot.

    For the Vanilla Flavor

    • Let the syrup cool and add the vanilla extract.
      1 teaspoon vanilla
      Simple syrup in bottle with vanilla beans on the side.

    For the Rum Flavor

    • Let the simple syrup cool and add the rum.
      2 tablespoons rum
      A glass bottle of simple syrup, a small measuring glass on the side.

    For Cinnamon-Orange Flavor

    • Add the cinnamon stick and orange peel. Let the syrup sit for 3 hours to let it infuse and then remove the cinnamon stick and peel.
      1 cinnamon stick, 1 orange peel
      A glass bottle of simple syrup, cinnamon and orange on the side.

    Equipment

    • Small saucepan
    • Jar or squeeze bottle

    Notes

    • This recipe makes ¾ cup of simple syrup.
    • You could try to mix things up and make it with brown sugar for a deeper, more molasses-like flavor if you wanted.
    • For a stronger syrup, you can use a ratio of 2 parts sugar to 1 part water.
    • Store the simple syrup in a sealed jar or squeeze bottle in the fridge for up to 1 month.
    • Stronger simple syrup with a ratio of 2:1 sugar to water will last much longer (up to 6 months).
    • Simple syrup that is no longer good will be cloudy and you might see some mold growth.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 32kcalCarbohydrates: 8gSugar: 8g

    Nutrition information on In the Kitch is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. It may not include toppings and/or sauces.

    Want to see our recipes in action?Subscribe to our channel on Youtube!

    More Homemade Condiment Recipes

    • Cocktail syrups infusing in bottles.
      How to Prepare Cocktail Syrups
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      Lime Sauce
    • White BBQ sauce dripping from spoon.
      White BBQ Sauce
    • Peach freezer jam in jam jar with the lid off.
      Peach Freezer Jam (Low Sugar)
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    Hi, I'm Joss!

    I am the creator and editor of In the Kitch. I am inviting you on this food journey with me to learn, grow and bring out that inner chef in you. I hope to inspire you to get creative in your own kitchen!

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