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.
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.
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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
- 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):
- Vanilla Flavor: vanilla extract
- Rum Flavor: golden or dark rum
- Cinnamon-Orange Flavor: cinnamon stick and orange peel
Instructions
Step 1. Pour the water into a small saucepan.
Step 2. Add the sugar to the saucepan.
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!
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.
Option #2 - Rum Flavor: Let the simple syrup cool and add the rum.
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:
Recipe FAQs
Simple syrup is a mixture of sugar dissolved into water that is used to flavor drinks and desserts.
Once cooled, it should be stored in the fridge in a jar, squeeze bottle or other airtight container.
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).
Simple syrup that is no longer good will be cloudy and you might see some mold growth.
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
How to Make Simple Syrup (3 Flavors)
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
- 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!
For the Vanilla Flavor
- Let the syrup cool and add the vanilla extract.1 teaspoon vanilla
For the Rum Flavor
- Let the simple syrup cool and add the rum.2 tablespoons rum
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
Equipment
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
Nutrition information on In the Kitch is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. It may not include toppings and/or sauces.
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