How To Make Simple Syrup - Fork In The Kitchen

Making homemade simple syrup couldn’t be any easier. It’s not called simple for no reason. This sugar syrup is the perfect way to add sweetness to cocktails, iced coffee, and even decorate cakes – plus, there are endless ways to make flavored syrups once you have this base recipe down!

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You’ll only need two ingredients, which I’m sure you have on hand already. In less than five minutes, it’s ready to use however you need it. Even better? It keeps in the fridge for weeks, so you can have it on hand for those early morning coffees or happy hours with friends.

Is it just…liquid sugar?

Well, yeah, basically, simple syrup is water and dissolved granulated sugar. This liquid sugar sweetens beverages without a grainy texture from undissolved sugar granules, and no extra time to even try to get the sugar to dissolve.

Sugar Substitutes

Using granulated sugar will give you the purest simple syrup that will work in any recipe. However, you can use the following sugar substitutes to make simple syrup; note the slight flavor differences.

• Brown Sugar: results in a syrup with notes of caramel (delicious!).
• Honey: Again, this will change the flavor and give hints of the honey’s flavors, whether that’s more floral, fragrant, or sweet.
• Sugar Substitutes: If you’re looking to use a sugar alternative, you can usually use it in place of the sugar. However, it will change the taste of simple syrup. If you regularly use something like Stevia, then you probably won’t mind this change in flavor.

Let’s Make Simple Syrup

This might be one of the easiest recipes around because you really cannot mess it up. Dissolving the sugar in the water is all that’s required, but here are a few tips I’ve learned over the years for making it as successful as possible.

1. Combine the sugar and water. Tip: Simmer the water first before adding the sugar if you’re in a hurry. It will heat up faster and speed the process along, saving a few precious minutes.
2. Bring to a simmer and stir occasionally until the sugar is completely dissolved. It doesn’t have to boil for the sugar to dissolve.
3. Remove from heat and let cool.
4. Use immediately or store in the refrigerator. It will keep for weeks if stored properly in the fridge (longer if it’s a 2:1 ratio). It also freezes well for longer storage.

Simple Syrup Ratio

The most common ratio for making simple syrup is a 1:1 ratio of water and sugar (i.e. equal parts). You can adjust the amount as needed, whether it’s 1 cup sugar and water, 1/2 cup sugar and water, or anything in between.

A 1:1 ratio creates a thin consistency, think maple syrup, but thinner. It’s perfect for any beverage.

A 2:1 ratio can be used too, with 2 parts sugar to water. This creates a rich simple syrup, made using the same process, but results in a thicker, more viscous texture. It’s sweeter, so you can use less of it to achieve the same sweetness level.

Ways to Use Sugar Syrup

There are endless ways to use this deliciously sweet syrup! As I mentioned before, it’s hands down the best way to sweeten iced drinks because there’s no need for the sugar to dissolve – it already is!

Add it to Cocktails

It’s excellent in cocktails like a French 75, Old Fashioned, and Margaritas. But really, simple syrup is perfect for any cocktail recipe that needs a little sweetness. There’s no limit to the number of recipes that use it!

Sweeteen Coffee & Tea

Not only is it great in cold drinks, but it’s also super easy to mix into hot beverages. So, simple syrup can be added to coffee and tea! Whether it’s an iced latte or a hot latte, you can add regular simple syrup as a sweetener. It’s also the best way to sweeten iced tea or make homemade lemonade!

But wait, there’s more!

It’s true, it’s not just about beverages. Bakers love to use this liquid sugar brushed between layers of cake. Brushed on the exterior of an unfrosted cake, simple syrup adds moisture and sweetness to the cake – two things that are winners in my book!

It can also be a glaze on tarts for a shiny, sweet finish. Check out our flavors below and make a rich syrup for pancakes, ice cream, or waffles, too!

Toss it in a fruit salad with fresh fruit and mint – it makes a wonderful side dish at brunch or dessert!

Simple Syrup Variations

Oh, a basic simple syrup recipe is just the beginning! You can flavor simple syrup with fruit, fresh herbs, and spices. Use other types of sugars if you need to.

Really, you can mix it up and do a whole lotta different things with it. Even adding a squeeze of lemon or lime juice for citrusy drinks changes up the flavor easily. Variety is the spice of life, my friends!

So once you have made the basic simple syrup, why not give one of these flavor variations a try?!

Herb & Spice Simple Syrups

• Rosemary Simple Syrup
• Ginger Simple Syrup
• Lavender Simple Syrup
• Lavender Honey Simple Syrup
• Vanilla Simple Syrup
• Caramel Syrup
• Autumn Spice Syrup

Fruit Simple Syrups

• Strawberry Simple Syrup
• Raspberry Simple Syrup
• Blackberry Simple Syrup
• Blueberry Simple Syrup
• Pear Simple Syrup

Did you make this recipe? Please leave a star rating and review in the form below. I appreciate your feedback, and it helps others, too!

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Get the Recipe How to Make Simple Syrup

Prep: 1 minute minCook: 3 minutes minsTotal: 4 minutes mins Servings: 12 servings (2 TBSP) Print Pin Rate Make simple syrup at home in less than 5 minutes – no need to buy store-bought simple syrup anymore! It's an easy and quick recipe and is super affordable. Use it in your favorite cocktails, coffee drinks, and even on cakes. 1/2x1x2x3x

Ingredients

• ▢ 1 cup water
• ▢ 1 cup granulated sugar

Equipment

• ▢ Dry Measuring Cups
• ▢ Liquid Measuring Cups
• ▢ Mason Jar for storage

Instructions

1. In a small or medium saucepan, whisk together water and sugar over medium-high heat. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally until sugar is completely dissolved. The liquid will be clear. 1 cup water, 1 cup granulated sugar
2. Remove from heat and allow to cool or use immediately. If using in a cold cocktail, I do recommend giving it some time to cool before using.
3. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3- 4 weeks and use in your favorite beverages or recipes as desired.

Notes

• This recipe makes approximately 1 1/2 cups of syrup.

Calories: 64kcal, Carbohydrates: 17g, Fat: 0.1g, Sodium: 1mg, Potassium: 0.3mg, Sugar: 17g, Calcium: 1mg, Iron: 0.01mg Course: BeveragesAuthor: Becca MillsCuisine: American Did you make this recipe?Please leave a star rating and review in the form below. I appreciate your feedback, and it helps others, too!