Basic Simple Syrup Recipe
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1
Combine sugar and water
Add equal parts sugar and water to a small saucepan. You do not need to measure precisely — the ratio is 1:1 by volume.
- 2
Heat over medium, stirring until dissolved
Heat over medium heat, stirring continuously. The sugar dissolves in 2–3 minutes. You do not need to bring it to a boil — just heat until completely clear with no sugar granules visible.
- 3
Cool and store
Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature. Pour into a clean jar or squeeze bottle. Refrigerate for up to 1 month.
Rich simple syrup (2:1)Use 2 cups sugar to 1 cup water for a thicker, more concentrated syrup that requires less to sweeten drinks. Preferred by many bartenders — it adds sweetness with less dilution.
Flavoured Simple Syrups
- Vanilla: Add 1 tsp vanilla extract or a split vanilla bean when heating.
- Mint: Add a large handful of fresh mint leaves after removing from heat. Steep 30 minutes, strain.
- Lavender: Add 2 tablespoons dried lavender flowers. Heat gently, steep 20 minutes, strain.
- Ginger: Add 5–6 slices of fresh ginger when heating. Steep 20 minutes, strain.
- Cinnamon: Add 2 cinnamon sticks when heating. Steep until cool, strain.
- Lemon: Add strips of lemon zest when heating.
What to Use Simple Syrup For
Cocktails (mojitos, margaritas, Old Fashioneds). Iced coffee and iced tea. Lemonade. Smoothies. Drizzled over pancakes, French toast or cake. Brushed onto cake layers to keep them moist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Granulated sugar does not dissolve in cold drinks — you end up with grainy undissolved sugar at the bottom. Simple syrup is already liquid so it mixes instantly and evenly into cold cocktails, iced coffee and other cold beverages.
Standard 1:1 simple syrup keeps for about 2–4 weeks refrigerated. Rich 2:1 syrup lasts up to 6 weeks due to higher sugar concentration. Flavoured syrups (especially those with fresh herbs) have a shorter shelf life of about 1–2 weeks. Add a splash of vodka to extend life.