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Simple syrup in bottle and small measuring cup.
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5 from 1 vote

How to Make Simple Syrup (3 Flavors)

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.
Prep Time2 minutes
Cook Time5 minutes
Total Time7 minutes
Course: Condiment
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegan, Vegetarian
Servings: 12 tablespoons
Calories: 32kcal
Author: Joss Dyckson

Equipment

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
US Customary - Metric

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.

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: 32kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Sugar: 8g
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