What makes a great cocktail truly stupendous? The answer is simple, simple syrup, that is! Come with me as I explore how to make and utilize this essential cocktail ingredient!
![Gorgous preserving bottle, filled with sugar syrup on wooden coaster. A heart shaped bowl, filled with granulated sugar is reflected in the bottle.](https://combinegoodflavors.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/simple-syrupD75_4519-scaled.jpg)
Simple syrup is a basic sweetener that bartenders rely on. Simple syrup in cocktails can serve multiple purposes, all of which are delicious!
This basic, easy-to-make cocktail syrup can add both sweetness and flavor to many drink recipes. It’s not just cocktails that get better with simple syrup; mocktails, coffees, and teas can all incorporate a little syrupy sweetness.
Plus, once you know how to make simple syrup, you can make any flavor syrup; so, let’s sweeten the deal by mixing up an easy, simple syrup!
Jump to:
🥘 Ingredients
- Granulated Sugar: Sugar is the center of simple syrup. You can use your favorite variety of granulated, brown, or white sugar. To make a vegan-friendly syrup, choose raw granulated cane sugar.
- Water: Plain tap water will do for this easy cocktail staple. However, if your tap is of low quality, consider using filtered water so you do not corrupt the taste of the simple syrup.
See the recipe card for quantities.
🍯 How to Make Simple Syrup
Step One: Combine the sugar and water in a saucepan, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer (medium heat). Stir until the sugar is dissolved and syrupy.
Step Two: Allow the syrup to cool, pour the syrup into a clean container.
Step Three: Store in a cool place and use as needed in cocktails and more!
🌡️ How to Store Simple Syrup
Pour cooled syrup into a jar, bottle, or container and cover it tightly to store your finished simple syrup. It can be stored at room temperature, but keeping it in the fridge will extend its shelf life to up to about one month.
If your syrup develops crystals, it’s time to toss it and make a new batch.
🍯 Substitute for Simple Syrup
Simple syrup is the gold standard for sweetening many classic drinks, but it’s not the only option. If you’re trying to cut down on sugar, try agave, honey, or maple syrup instead. Just remember that simple syrup has a purely sweet taste, so using an alternative may affect the flavor of your classic cocktail.
🍸 Simple Syrup In Cocktails
Putting syrup simple in cocktails is the classic way to elevate classic drinks with a touch of sweetness, and unlike sugar, it incorporates smoothly every time! This ingredient is so essential to a well-stocked bar its in practically all of your cocktail favorites, including:
- Old Fashioned
- Long Island Iced Tea
- Mai Tai
- Gin Fizz
- Mint Julep
- And so many more!
Once you have mastered home-making simple syrup, practically any drink is within your wheelhouse! Then, you can move on to flavor-infused simple syrups for more flavorful cocktails.
After mastering this simple syrup, try my easy, delicious Strawberry Simple Syrup Recipe for a fruity twist!
🍽 Equipment
- Measuring Cup
- Saucepan And Wooden Spoon: To heat and stir the syrup.
- Preserving Jar Or Bottle: You can also use an airtight container to store syrup.
🙋🏻 FAQ
Yes! You can trade the traditional sugar for a granulated sugar-free sweetener and prepare the syrup per the recipe.
You sure can! Just pour the cooled simple into an ice cube mold and freeze for up to three months.
Other Cocktail Recipes for You to Try
- Apple Cider Moscow Mule
- How to make a Classic Clover Club Cocktail
- Refreshing Mint Cucumber Moscow Mule
- Frozen Raspberry Margarita
If you make this recipe, let me know how you liked it by ★★★★★ star rating it and leaving a comment below. This would be awesome! You can also sign up for our Newsletter or follow me on Pinterest or Instagram and share your creation with me. Just tag me @combinegoodflavors and hashtag #combinegoodflavors, so I don't miss it.
📖 Recipe
How to make Simple Syrup
Equipment
- Measuring cup
- Saucepan
- Stove
- Wooden spoon
- Preserving jar or bottle
Ingredients
- ¾ cup Granulated sugar
- ½ cup Water
Instructions
- Combine ¾ cup Granulated sugar and ½ cup Water in a small saucepan.¾ cup Granulated sugar, ½ cup Water
- Bring everything to a boil.
- Then simmer, stirring, until the sugar has dissolved and a light, clear syrup has formed.
- Leave to cool for at least 30 minutes.
- After cooling down, pour the liquid into a clean, dry jar or airtight bottle.
- Keep in a cool place.
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
⛑️ Food Safety
- Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
For further information, check Safe Food Handling - FDA.
Gloria
Homemade simple syrup is the best. You can make it any flavour you like. Perfect for adding to drinks and more. Makes a great food gift too.
Nora
Totally!
Tina
love how you break down how truly easy it is to make simple syrup!
Nora
Thank you, Tina! Glad it helped!
Melinda
I'm glad you shared this recipe! I hadn't made simple syrup at home before. My daughter has a few drinks that call for it and I love the idea of keeping it on hand for tea and coffee.
Nora
Yeah, it often comes in handy, having simple syrup at home! Especially for coffee and tea!
Leslie
It doesn't get easier than this! This is the perfect Simple Syrup recipe. I truly love this!
Nora
Thank you, Leslie!