Basic Simple Syrup
A clear, sweet liquid made by dissolving sugar in water. This essential bartender's staple mixes smoothly into cold drinks without any gritty texture. Ready in minutes and keeps for weeks in the fridge.
For 8 servings
- prep
Measure the sugar and water.
Measure equal parts granulated sugar and water. For a standard batch use half cup of each.
- boil
Combine and heat the mixture.
Pour the sugar and water into a small saucepan. Place over medium heat and stir gently until the sugar dissolves completely. The liquid will turn from cloudy to perfectly clear.
TIPNo need to boil vigorously — a gentle simmer is enough. Boiling too long evaporates water and makes the syrup too thick. - rest
Cool the syrup completely.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the syrup cool to room temperature. It will thicken slightly as it cools.
- other
Transfer to a clean jar and refrigerate.
Pour the cooled syrup into a clean glass jar or bottle with a tight-fitting lid. Store in the refrigerator for up to one month.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use a 1:1 ratio for standard simple syrup; adjust to 2:1 for a richer syrup that lasts longer.
- 2Stir gently while heating; boiling aggressively can cause evaporation and throw off the ratio.
- 3To speed cooling, set the saucepan in an ice bath and stir occasionally.
- 4Store syrup in a sterilized glass bottle to prevent mold and off-flavors.
- 5Add a splash of vodka (about 1 tbsp per cup) as a preservative if you want syrup to keep beyond a month.
- 6Label the jar with the date so you know when it’s time to make a fresh batch.
Adapt it for your goals.
Flavored syrup
Add a cinnamon stick, vanilla bean, or a handful of fresh mint during simmering, then strain before bottling. This creates a custom syrup for cocktails, lemonades, or coffee.
rich syrupRich syrup
Use a 2:1 sugar-to-water ratio. The higher sugar concentration yields a thicker, sweeter syrup that spoils more slowly — ideal for tiki drinks and sweet teas.
herbal infusionHerbal infusion
After dissolving the sugar, remove from heat and steep fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or basil for 20–30 minutes. Strain and refrigerate. Great in gin cocktails and spritzers.
brown sugar syrupBrown sugar syrup
Swap half or all of the granulated sugar with light or dark brown sugar. The molasses adds a warm, caramel-like depth perfect for old fashioneds and iced coffee.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Quick Energy Source
The sugar in simple syrup provides a rapid source of carbohydrates, making it useful for a quick energy boost in homemade sports drinks or energy beverages.
Low in Additives
Homemade simple syrup contains only two ingredients — sugar and water — with no artificial preservatives, colors, or high-fructose corn syrup found in many commercial syrups.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but expect a slight amber color and a hint of molasses flavor. Raw sugars also take a bit longer to dissolve fully.
