Simple Syrup Recipe

Name: Simple Syrup Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup water

Simple syrup is a no-fuss homemade sweetener that’s perfect for cocktails, baking, coffee, and flavored treats.

This simple syrup recipe walks you through a quick, foolproof way to combine sugar and water into a versatile sweetener you’ll reach for again and again. Whether you’re crafting classic mojitos on a warm evening, sweetening iced tea, or drizzling over fresh berries, this homemade sweetener hits the spot every time. You know what I love? It’s ready in under 10 minutes, and you can tweak it with herbs, spices or citrus peel for a seasonal twist. Honestly, once you start making your own, that store-bought bottle just gathers dust.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super easy—just two ingredients plus optional flavorings.
• Quick to make—under 10 minutes on the stove.
• Stays fresh in the fridge for weeks—no waste.
• Totally customizable—think vanilla, lavender, chili, even rosemary.
• Perfect for cocktails (think mojitos, margaritas), coffee, tea, and baking.
• No special equipment—use any small saucepan and a jar or bottle.
• Kid-friendly—drizzle on pancakes or swirl into lemonade.
• Great gift idea—bottle it up in a pretty jar for friends or neighbors.

Ingredients

1 cup granulated sugar (or raw sugar for a richer flavor)
1 cup water (filtered or spring water recommended)
Optional flavorings:

1 vanilla bean, split (or 1 tsp vanilla extract added off-heat)
2 sprigs fresh rosemary or thyme
Peel of 1 lemon or orange (avoid pith for bitterness)

1–2 tbsp dried lavender buds (culinary grade)
1 small cinnamon stick or 3–4 whole cloves

Tips: Use equal parts sugar and water for a classic 1:1 ratio—perfect for most uses. For a thicker syrup (rich simple syrup), use 2 cups sugar to 1 cup water. Choose organic sugar if you’re sensitive to additives.

Directions

Combine sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir gently until sugar dissolves—no need to boil aggressively, just a light simmer will do.
Once the sugar is fully dissolved and the liquid is clear (about 3–4 minutes), add your chosen flavoring: a split vanilla bean, citrus peel, herbs, or spices.

Let the mixture simmer for 2–3 more minutes, gently stirring. You want aromatic steam, not a rolling boil—this helps infuse flavor without scorching.
Remove from heat and let it steep. For mild flavor, 10 minutes is fine; for bold flavor, leave it up to 30 minutes (cover the pot to keep aromas in).
Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean jar or bottle, discarding solids. If you used vanilla extract, stir it in now while the syrup is still warm.

Allow syrup to cool to room temperature, then secure the lid and refrigerate. It thickens slightly as it chills—like magic!

Tip: Label your jar with the date and flavor so you always know what’s inside. I use a chalkboard sticker on mine—cute and practical!

Servings & Timing

• Yield: about 1 cup of simple syrup (makes 16 tablespoons).
• Prep Time: 5 minutes (gather ingredients, prep citrus or herbs).
• Cook Time: 5–7 minutes (dissolve and simmer).
• Chill Time: at least 30 minutes—though you can use it warm if you’re in a rush.
• Total Time: under 15 minutes active, plus cooling.

Variations

• Lavender Honey Syrup: swap half the sugar for honey and add dried lavender.
• Spiced Maple Twist: replace water with maple syrup and stir in cinnamon.
• Ginger-Lime Zing: add sliced fresh ginger and lime zest.
• Mint Mojito Syrup: toss in a handful of fresh mint leaves.
• Citrus Trio: combine orange, lemon, and grapefruit peel for a tangy blend.
• Chili Vanilla: stir in a split chili pepper with vanilla bean for a sweet-heat combo.

Storage & Reheating

Store simple syrup in a tightly sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 weeks (plain) or 2 weeks (herb-infused). If crystals form, gently warm it on the stove or in the microwave, stirring until they dissolve. To freeze, pour into an ice cube tray—then pop cubes into a freezer bag. Perfect single-serve portions for cocktails or coffee.

Make-ahead advice: Whip up a batch on Sunday evening and label it “Cocktail Tuesday.” It’s ready when you are—no frantic sugar measuring mid-recipe.

Notes

• I learned that stirring too vigorously can trap air bubbles, making the syrup cloudy—gentle is the key.
• If your syrup tastes a bit flat, a tiny pinch of salt brightens the sweetness.
• For an amber hue, let sugar caramelize slightly before adding water—but watch closely to avoid bitterness.
• Using demerara or turbinado sugar adds a toasty character that’s lovely in coffee.
• Experiment with tea bags (earl grey, hibiscus) for delicate floral notes—steep alongside sugar and water.

FAQs

Q: How long does simple syrup last?
A: Plain simple syrup keeps for about 3 weeks in the fridge; herb- or fruit-infused versions last 1–2 weeks.

Q: Can I use brown sugar instead of white?
A: Yes—light or dark brown sugar gives a richer, molasses-like flavor, perfect for whiskey cocktails.

Q: Why is my syrup cloudy?
A: Rapid boiling or stirring can introduce air; next time, simmer gently and skim any foam.

Q: Is this syrup vegan?
A: Absolutely—just sugar and water (plus plant-based add-ins). If you use honey, swap it out for maple syrup or agave.

Q: Can I make a larger batch?
A: Definitely—just maintain the 1:1 ratio. Use a larger pot to prevent boil-overs.

Q: How do I know when the sugar is fully dissolved?
A: The liquid turns clear (no granules at the bottom) and feels smooth between your fingers when cooled slightly.

Q: Do I have to refrigerate it?
A: Yes—keeping it cold slows down any microbial growth and preserves flavor.

Q: What’s the difference between simple syrup and invert sugar?
A: Invert sugar is a specific ratio of glucose and fructose that resists crystallization; 1:1 simple syrup is easier and works great for home use.

Conclusion

This simple syrup recipe is your pantry’s secret weapon—easy, versatile, and endlessly tweakable. From bright citrus batches to fragrant lavender blends, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. Give it a try, then drop a comment below sharing your favorite twist or cocktail creation. Cheers to sipping, mixing, and cooking with a touch of homemade sweetness!