Homemade simple syrup is a versatile sweetener for cocktails, lemonades, iced tea, and mocktails. Making it at home is quick, inexpensive, and far easier than buying the premade bottles sold in stores.
Store-bought simple syrup can cost more than you might expect. Fortunately, the homemade version requires only two ingredients and a few minutes on the stove.
This guide explains a basic, foolproof simple syrup recipe, storage tips, suggested uses, and easy variations so you can make and flavor syrup at home whenever you need it.
Ingredients
- Water
- Sugar
How to make homemade simple syrup
Simple syrup is extremely easy to prepare. Use equal parts sugar and water for a standard 1:1 syrup (this is the most common and works well for most drinks). For a thicker, sweeter syrup, use a 2:1 ratio of sugar to water.
Combine the sugar and water in a small saucepan. Warm over low heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar is completely dissolved. There’s no need to boil—just heat until clear and smooth.
Remove the pan from the heat and let the syrup cool to room temperature. Transfer to a clean glass jar or bottle and store in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
If you want an infused syrup (herbs, ginger, or fruit), add the flavoring once you remove the pan from heat and let it steep while the syrup cools. Strain out solids before bottling.
How to store simple syrup
Store simple syrup in clean glass jars or bottles with tight-fitting lids. Reclaimed jam jars or small bottles work perfectly.
Does simple syrup need to be refrigerated?
Yes. Refrigeration extends shelf life and prevents mold. Always keep syrup sealed and chilled when not in use.
How long does simple syrup last?
Plain 1:1 simple syrup generally keeps up to one month in the refrigerator. If you see cloudiness, bubbles, or any signs of mold, discard it. Syrups made with added ingredients (fresh fruit, herbs) may have a shorter refrigerated life—strain and use within two weeks when possible.
How to use simple syrup
Simple syrup dissolves easily in cold and hot drinks, making it ideal for sweetening cocktails, iced tea, lemonade, and mocktails. Keep a jar on hand for quick mixing. Common uses include:
- Sipping in lemonade and iced tea
- Sweetening shaken and stirred cocktails
- Flavoring mocktails and sodas
- Moistening cakes or brushing pastries
Simple syrup variations
You can customize simple syrup with herbs, spices, citrus peel, ginger, or fruit. Add your chosen flavor to the hot or warm syrup and let it steep while cooling, then strain before storing. Popular variations include:
- Raspberry simple syrup
- Blackberry simple syrup
- Thyme simple syrup
- Lavender simple syrup
- Rosemary simple syrup
- Strawberry-rhubarb simple syrup
Infused syrups add depth to cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks—experiment with combinations to find your favorites.
How to Make Simple Syrup
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
Instructions
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Combine the sugar and water in a small pot. Place over low heat and stir occasionally until the sugar dissolves completely.
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When the sugar is dissolved, remove the pot from heat and let the syrup cool. Transfer to a clean glass jar and refrigerate.
Nutrition
If nutrition info is shown, values are estimates from an online calculator. Verify using your own data if precise values are required.