Recipe For Simple Syrup

Simple Syrup is used to sweeten everything from cocktails to cakes and everyone should know how to make it at home. Learn all you need to know about this essential ingredient, including how to make it, flavor variations, and different prep methods.

The Best Simple Sugar Syrup to have at home!

This syrup is the perfect way to sweeten cold drinks without leaving sugar granules settling at the bottom of the glass, just perfectly mixed drinks.

Knowing how to make this basic base recipe at home will be an absolutely gamechanger for your drinks and desserts!

You can make classic simple syrup, rich simple syrup, and flavored simple syrup and these can be used to sweeten and flavor cocktails, mocktails, coffee, and even moisten cakes like I do with the Vanilla Cake recipe.

A recipe’s ingredient list really doesn’t get any easier than this one for simple syrup. And the best part is that since granulated sugar is a pantry staple, you likely can make this syrup without any notice since you have both ingredients already!

What Is Simple Syrup?

Simple syrup is a liquid sweetener that’s made when granulated sugar dissolves into hot water yet maintains its liquid state after cooling.

Ingredients For Simple Syrup

• Water
• Granulated Sugar

Helpful equipment for making Simple Syrup

• Small saucepan for boiling
• Fine mesh sieve for straining
• Airtight container or bottle for storing

Sugar Syrup Recipe Variations

This basic simple syrup recipe is just the beginning, as there are lots of tasty flavoring variations. The equal part sugar to equal part water in this recipe is actually the foundation from which many other simple syrups are made.

There’s Lavender Simple Syrup that’s used up in a delicious Lavender Latte, Brown Sugar Simple Syrup that makes its way into a Shaken Brown Sugar Oatmilk Espresso, and even Raspberry Iced Tea that’s made with Raspberry Simple Syrup!

However, the homemade simple syrup variations don’t stop there! There are also peach, orange, cranberry, rhubarb, blackberry, and even blueberry simple syrups!

How to make Simple Sugar Syrup

1. Combine the water and granulated sugar in a small saucepan and boil over medium heat until the sugar dissolves while stirring constantly.

2. Strain the simple syrup through a fine mesh sieve to ensure no lumps make it into the finished syrup.

Make Simple Syrup Ahead Of Time

This simple syrup is a great make-ahead recipe that can be enjoyed for weeks as an add-in to drinks! It’s the perfect homemade ingredient to have on hand in the summertime when ice-cold cocktails and party punches are being whipped up on the regular!

How To Use This Recipe Ror Simple Syrup

• Iced Teas – Cool down with crisp, refreshing Iced Teas such as Peach Iced Tea or Iced Strawberry Tea!
• Lemonades – For a kick of citrus, use this simple syrup to add sweetness to lemonades like Sparkling Raspberry Lemonade and Roasted Strawberry Lemonade!
• Cocktails – I love to use this homemade syrup up in a Cranberry Cooler as well as in this Champagne Shirley Temple Recipe!
• Glaze – Simple syrup makes a great glaze for brushing fresh berry pies! Try it on my Blueberry Hand Pies, Air Fryer Hand Pies, or on this Raspberry Pie.

What Is The Difference Between Simple Syrup and Rich Syrup?

Simple syrup is made with a 1:1 ratio of water and sugar and is the common recipe here in the States. Whereas rich syrup is made with a 2:1 sugar-to-water ratio and is common in the UK.

Storage Instructions For Simple Syrup

Once the syrup has completely cooled to room temperature, transfer it into an airtight container or bottle. Then store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.

This recipe was published in June 2017 and was updated in May 2023 with fresh photos and content.