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    You are here: Home / Drink Recipes / Simple Syrup

    Simple Syrup

    Published Jan 15, 2022 by Lauren · This post may contain affiliate links.

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    Stop buying over-priced simple syrup for cocktails and coffee drinks and start making your own with only 2 ingredients.

    A bottle of homemade simple syrup in front of an espresso machine

    With only 1 ingredient (sugar) and water, this really is as easy as it sounds. Enjoy it plain or spice it up with vanilla, lavender or whatever you want to make a coffee or cocktail with (hello jalapeño simple syrup)!

    Jump to:
    • Why You'll Love This Recipe
    • Ingredients
    • How to Make This Recipe
    • FAQs and Expert Tips
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Related Recipes You'll Love
    • 📖 Recipe
    • Liked this post?

    Why You'll Love This Recipe

    Inexpensive. You'll save tons of money making your own simple syrups. With the base being only water and sugar, you're sure to save tons compared to buying it in the store.

    Fool-proof. Sugar syrup, unlike many sugar recipes, doesn't require any thermometers and only takes 5 minutes. It's so fast you can run out and make some the same morning for your coffee.

    Endlessly customizable. If you just plan to use your simple syrup as a sweetener, you can leave it without flavourings. If it's for coffees or cocktails, you can add endless add ins to keep your drinks exciting.

    Some of my favourites include:

    • Lavender
    • Vanilla
    • Jalapeno
    • Maple
    • Mint

    Ingredients

    Sugar. Ideally you want to use real sugar (white sugar or brown sugar) but this recipe calls for regular white sugar. You can substitute lots of artificial sweeteners, but the easiest to work with is Monkfruit 1:1 Sugar Replacement because it doesn't require a conversion.

    Many artificial sweeteners are much sweeter than sugar and require less to be as sweet. This will change the end texture of the syrup.

    Water. You can use any tap water as long as your tap water is drinkable. Avoid mineral waters and if you choose to use bottled water, opt for filtered.

    Flavourings (optional). Simple syrup can be used by itself as a sweetener for drinks, but to really elevate them, play with different add ins like vanilla, mint or ginger.

    How to Make This Recipe

    This recipe will yield 1 ½ cups of simple syrup. If you want to make a smaller or larger batch, just stick with the 1:1 ratio of sugar to water.

    The 4 step process to make simple syrup, numbered to make following the recipe easier.

    In a medium saucepan, heat your water and sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is completely dissolved. Be sure to not bring your mixture to a boil.

    Remove the pan from the heat and allow the syrup to cool completely before using or storing. 

    Store in a mason jar or bottle with a dispenser pump in the fridge for up to 2 months. I like to refill old simple syrup bottles.

    FAQs and Expert Tips

    Recipe Notes

    In order to have a good consistency that doesn't crystallize, bring your water to a boil then take it off the heat before adding the sugar. You don't want your water/sugar mixture to boil as it will affect the end product.

    If you prefer a rich simple syrup (one that's more thick and sweeter), use a 2:1 ratio for sugar to water.

    If you need to keep the syrup at room temperature or for longer than a month, add 1-2 tablespoons of vodka into the syrup to help preserve it.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How many drinks will this recipe make?

    If you use 1 ounce of simple syrup per recipe, this simple syrup will make 25 drinks.

    How long does simple syrup last?

    Simple syrup can last for up to one month in the fridge.

    Can I use brown sugar for simple syrup?

    Although you can use brown sugar to make simple syrup, it will have a richer caramel type taste. It works great in drinks with dark liquor like whiskey or in coffee drinks like iced coffee, lattes or drip brew.

    What other sweeteners can I use?

    Besides brown sugar, you can use raw sugar, honey or even artificial sweeteners. Keep in mind, most artificial sweeteners have different ratios so check your package to make sure your syrup isn't too sweet.

    Although you could make a maple syrup simple syrup, pure maple syrup combines wonderfully with liquids already. Just keep in mind that maple syrup is more potent than simple syrup, so add it gradually to taste.

    If a cocktail calls for sugar, how much simple syrup do I use instead?

    In general, if a recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of sugar, you'll have to use between ¼ and ½ ounce of simple syrup.

    Serving Suggestions

    If you're looking to add a little something to your simple syrups, there's endless ways to customize your sweet syrup.

    Coffee Additions

    If you're making simple syrup for coffee or tea, try some classic additions like vanilla, hazelnut, caramel or pistachio extracts. For an even more complex flavour, steep a fresh vanilla pod in warm simple syrup.

    Citrus

    Using a bit of the peel from lemons, limes, oranges or grapefruits makes a delicious and fresh simple syrup. Citrus simple syrups are great compliments to drinks with gin, tequila and teas. It's also a great base for homemade lemonade.

    Herbs

    Using herbs to freshen up simple syrups is a great way to add a hint of complexity to drinks. Ideal herbs are mint, thyme, rosemary, lavender or sage. These go great with rum, gin, vodka and my personal favourite, using lavender syrup with matcha tea.

    Spices

    If you're looking to give some oomph to your cocktails and teas, look no further than spiced simple syrup. Cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and black pepper all make delicious simple syrups. Want something spicy and unique? Jalapeño simple syrup is amazing in margaritas, gin based drinks and even hot chocolate.

    Related Recipes You'll Love

    • Jalapeño Simple Syrup (+ How to Use It)
    • Elderflower Gin and Tonic
    • How to Make The Best Cold Brew Coffee
    • Dave Matthews Drink

    Have you tried this recipe? Leave me a 5 ⭐️ rating in the recipe card! I love to hear from you! You can also follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter, and sign up for my newsletter!

    📖 Recipe

    A bottle of homemade simple syrup in front of an espresso machine

    Simple Syrup

    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Plain simple syrup is the perfect base to sweeten coffee, cocktails and pastries. With endless ways to customize it, it's the perfect staple recipe.
    5 from 7 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Condiment
    Cuisine: American
    Cook Time: 5 minutes
    Total Time: 5 minutes
    Servings: 25 pumps
    Calories: 31kcal
    Author: Lauren

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup White Sugar
    • 1 cup Water

    Instructions

    • In a medium saucepan, heat your water and sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is completely dissolved. Be sure to not bring your mixture to a boil.
    • Remove the pan from the heat and allow the syrup to cool completely before using or storing.
    • Store in a mason jar or bottle with a dispenser pump in the fridge for up to 1 month. I like to refill old simple syrup bottles.

    Notes

    If you prefer a rich simple syrup (one that's more thick and sweeter), use a 2:1 ratio for sugar to water.
    If you need to keep the syrup at room temperature or for longer than a month, add 1-2 tablespoons of vodka into the syrup to help preserve it.
    In order to have a good consistency that doesn't crystallize, bring your water to a boil then take it off the heat before adding the sugar. You don't want your water/sugar mixture to boil as it will affect the end product.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 31kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 1mg | Sugar: 8g | Calcium: 1mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @MaritimeGlutton or tag #maritimeglutton!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Jere Cassidy

      January 15, 2022 at 8:37 pm

      5 stars
      What a good idea to make this syrup and then to be able to make all the flavors actually sounds like fun. Think I am starting with maple for my latte, but that jalapeno-flavored syrup sounds amazing.

      Reply
      • Lauren

        January 15, 2022 at 8:47 pm

        Thank you so much, Jere! 🙂

        Reply
    2. Kristen

      January 15, 2022 at 9:27 pm

      5 stars
      Couldn't be easier! Perfect recipe. Thank you! 🙂

      Reply
    3. Mairead

      January 15, 2022 at 9:44 pm

      5 stars
      It's always wonderful to have some simple syrup ready to use. It's such a versatile ingredient and makes so many recipes extra sweet and delicious. Thanks for all the details and in depth tutorial.

      Reply
    4. Kristen

      January 15, 2022 at 10:26 pm

      5 stars
      I used this to make a margarita! So good!!

      Reply
    5. michele

      January 15, 2022 at 11:01 pm

      5 stars
      Thanks for the handy tip on adding vodka to preserve it! Brilliant!

      Reply

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    Welcome to Maritime Glutton, I'm Lauren and I'm the face creating recipes around here. I'm passionate about supporting local, eating great food and finding new ways to cut back on food waste and save money. Learn more about me here.

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