Stop buying over-priced simple syrup for cocktails and coffee drinks and start making your own with only 2 ingredients.
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)!
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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.
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
If you use 1 ounce of simple syrup per recipe, this simple syrup will make 25 drinks.
Simple syrup can last for up to one month in the fridge.
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.
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.
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.
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📖 Recipe
Simple Syrup
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
Nutrition
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Jere Cassidy
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.
Lauren
Thank you so much, Jere! 🙂
Kristen
Couldn't be easier! Perfect recipe. Thank you! 🙂
Mairead
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.
Kristen
I used this to make a margarita! So good!!
michele
Thanks for the handy tip on adding vodka to preserve it! Brilliant!