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Simple Syrup Recipe

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Have you ever made simple syrup at home? With this easy simple syrup recipe, you’ll never bother buying it at the store again!

A large and small bottle of simple syrup with a measuring cup of sugar in the background

There are a lot of things that I’ll go to the store to buy. Not necessarily because I can’t make my own version at home, but because I have limited time to spend on certain things.

Puff pastry? I could totally make it but I’d rather buy it.

Graham crackers? Sure, homemade ones are delicious but when I’m making graham cracker crust or eclair cake, store-bought is the way to go.

Other things are worth making at home, mostly stuff I can make in batches and store in the pantry, refrigerator, or freezer.

I’m talking about pumpkin pie spice, taco seasoning, salted caramel sauce, and simple syrup. 

Measuring cups of water and sugar on a marble counter

WHAT IS SIMPLE SYRUP

Simple syrup is a mixture of water and sugar that is heated until the sugar is dissolved. 

The ratio for simple syrup is typically equal parts water and sugar, or a 1-to-1 ratio.

Even though equal parts water and sugar are the most common simple syrup recipe, you can use more sugar to make a sweeter syrup. 

Measuring cup pouring sugar into a saucepan

WHAT IS SIMPLE SYRUP USED FOR

Simple syrup can be used in any place where granulated sugar might not dissolve. 

For example, adding plain sugar to iced tea will just result in a bunch of sugar at the bottom of the glass. 

Whisk stirring simple syrup in a saucepan

If you want to sweeten iced tea, iced coffee, cocktails, or any other cold drink, such as Raspberry Lemonade, simple syrup is the way to go. It sweetens the drink without making it grainy.

A lot of cake decorators also use a simple syrup recipe to moisten cakes before assembling and decorating them. 

Sauce pan pouring simple syrup into a measuring cup

HOW TO STORE SIMPLE SYRUP

The great thing about making a simple syrup recipe at home is that it will keep for a long time!

Simply put the syrup in an airtight container – a glass jar or bottle is perfect – and pop it in the refrigerator. It will keep for several weeks, especially if you are careful not to dip any dirty spoons into it. 

If the syrup starts to look cloudy (and obviously if it starts to get any mold), toss it out. It won’t keep indefinitely, but anything that lasts for a month or more is a win in my book.

Glass bottle of simple syrup in front of a jar and a measuring cup of sugar

MAKING FLAVORED SIMPLE SYRUP

Since the basic simple syrup recipe is just water and sugar, once you know how to make simple syrup it’s really easy to make flavored versions.

Add a split vanilla bean while making the syrup for some vanilla flavor, similar to Homemade Vanilla Coffee Syrup

Add fruits, such as berries or stone fruits, or spices and herbs, such as ginger or mint, while cooking the syrup. Let the syrup boil for a few minutes before removing from the heat and letting it steep for 30 minutes, then straining. 

Simple syrup being poured from a small bottle into a glass of iced coffee

You can also combine flavors, like in this Plum Ginger Simple Syrup, or swap out some of the granulated sugar for honey, like in the syrup for this Ginger Peach Bourbon Smash.

You can even add flavored syrup to sparkling water or soda for a homemade flavored soda. 

Once you have this basic simple syrup recipe in your back pocket, the options are really endless! 

Glass of iced coffee next to a glass bottle of simple syrup
Glass bottle of simple syrup in front of a jar and a measuring cup of sugar

Simple Syrup Recipe

Yield: About 1 1/2 cups
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes

Have you ever made simple syrup at home? With this easy simple syrup recipe, you’ll never bother buying it at the store again!

Ingredients

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup water

Instructions

  1. Combine the sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil and simmer until the sugar has completely dissolved, 2-3 minutes. Remove from the heat and allow to cool before storing in a glass jar or bottle in the refrigerator for up to 4 weeks.

Did you make this recipe?

Tag me on social! I want to see what you made! @jamiemba

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Simon Beckett

Wednesday 14th of October 2020

I made it yesterday and it was great! Thank you!

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