• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Good Cheap Eats
  • About
    • Welcome to the Good Cheap Eats Kitchen
    • Media
    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclosure
    • Contact Me
  • Members Only
    • Login
    • Club Homepage
    • Club Resource Library
    • Downloads
    • Live Club Events
  • Recipe Index
  • Recent Posts
  • SHOP
    • Purchases
    • Cookbooks
    • Planner
    • The Good Cheap Eats Club
    • Meal Plans
    • Holiday Helps
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Start Here
  • All Recipes
  • Summer Recipes
  • Subscribe
  • Shop
  • Join the Club
  • Cookbooks
  • About
  • Contact Me
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Start Here
    • All Recipes
    • Summer Recipes
    • Subscribe
    • Shop
    • Join the Club
    • Cookbooks
    • About
    • Contact Me
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Beverages

    Simple Syrup Recipe (Only 2 Ingredients!)

    Published: May 28, 2012 · Modified: Jun 26, 2024 by Jessica Fisher

    FacebookTweetPinPrint
    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more details, please see our disclosure policy.
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Learn how to make simple syrup in this easy recipe tutorial! It’s the ideal concoction to keep on hand in your refrigerator this summer to sweeten cold drinks, like tea or coffee.

    A pitcher of simple syrup next to tea

    Want to save this post?

    Enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox. Plus, I'll send you budget recipes and money-saving tips every week!

    Save Recipe

    Simple syrup is just that. A simple syrup of sugar and water. It’s basically that supersaturated solution that Mr. Glahn had us make in 11th grade chemistry. Only it’s good. And you can eat it.

    (You would never have wanted to eat anything crafted in our science labs.)

    What can I use simple syrup in?

    This sweetener has a multitude of uses. Since the sugar is already dissolved in water, it makes a convenient sweetener for cold drinks like iced tea or coffee.

    You can use it to easily mix lemonade, make a citron presse, or stir up a pitcher of mojitos. Basically use it to sweeten or flavor any cold beverage.

    Or just take a swig when you’re desperate for a sweet pick-me-up.

    Ok, I’ve never done the last thing, but I’ve done all the others. I love cold drinks in the summertime, and I do have a bit of a sweet tooth. So, simple syrup makes the whole process easier and tastier. Who wants gritty sugar at the bottom of a glass?

    Ingredients needed to make simple syrup

    This recipe is so easy I’m not sure why you would every buy it! All you need is:

    • Sugar – I generally use the less processed cane sugar, but regular granulated sugar works. You can also evaporated cane juice, brown sugar, or even honey.
    • Water – Whatever water you normally use!

    Seriously. That’s it. The most common ratio is to use equal parts sugar and water. But according to the Kitchn, you can also make what’s called a rich simple syrup that bartenders prefer, which is basically 2 parts sugar to 1 part water like my Homemade Peppermint Syrup.

    How to make simple syrup

    Just like there are only 2 ingredients there is only 2 steps as well! Talk about easy.

    • Bring equal parts of sugar and water together over heat. Place the sugar and water in a medium saucepan over high heat. Bring to a boil, stirring.
    • Dissolve and cool. Once the sugar is completely dissolved, remove the pan from the heat and allow it to cool to room temperature. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

    What type of sugar is best?

    I’ve made this with evaporated sugar cane juice as well as standard granulated sugar. It works out fine both ways.

    If you use the less processed cane product, like I did in the batch in the picture, the color will be more amber than clear.

    You can also replace the white sugar with brown sugar or honey! 

    Flavor variations

    You can make flavored versions by adding citrus zest, vanilla extract, or mint leaves to the hot mixture.

    Mint syrup is out of this world for hot chocolate or coffee drinks. Or try adding ginger root and make this Ginger Syrup Recipe.

    OTHER FLAVORED SYRUPS YOU CAN MAKE:

    • Honey Syrup
    • Chocolate Mint Syrup
    • Homemade Mocha Chocolate Syrup Recipe

    How long will this homemade simple syrup last?

    You can keep this stored in your refrigerator for up to 4 weeks. A flavored syrup, however, will only last a week or two.

    TOOLS I USE TO MAKE THIS RECIPE EASILY:

    • heavy saucepan
    • wooden spoon
    this …
    If you prepare this recipe, be sure to share a picture on social media and hashtag it #GOODCHEAPEATS. I can't wait to see what you cook up!
    A pitcher of simple syrup next to tea

    Simple Syrup

    Learn how to make simple syrup in this easy recipe tutorial! It’s the ideal concoction to keep on hand in your refrigerator this summer to sweeten cold drinks, like tea or coffee.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Seasonings
    Cuisine: American
    Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Servings: 2 cup
    Calories: 48kcal
    Author: Jessica Fisher
    Cost: $2

    Ingredients

    • 2 cup granulated sugar
    • 2 cup water
    US Customary - Metric

    Instructions

    • Place the sugar and water in a medium saucepan over high heat. Bring to a boil, stirring.
    • Once the sugar is completely dissolved, remove the pan from the heat and allow it to cool to room temperature. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

    Notes

    You can keep this stored in your refrigerator for up to 4 weeks. A flavored simple syrup, however, will only last a week or two.
    Nutritional values are approximate and based on 1 tablespoon.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 48kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Sodium: 1mg | Sugar: 12g | Calcium: 1mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Tell us what you think! Your reviews help us develop better recipes and give newcomers the confidence to try your favorites. Scroll down to leave a starred comment.
    « Maple Vanilla Almond Granola
    How to Eat Well & Spend Less During a Staycation »
    FacebookTweetPinPrint

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Patty Stone

      November 22, 2015 at 4:37 pm

      Thanks for sharing your recipe and tips. I made simple syrup for three jars of fruit I am going to use in cookies. I now have Orange Peels, Lemon Peels and Raisins soaking in their own jars preparing for my baking this week. I was thinking how I will have all of this wonderful simple syrup left over but I don’t drink so I only knew it to be used for Cocktails. Now I can save it for another use. Thanks everyone!

      Reply
    2. nia Hanna

      June 18, 2015 at 12:46 am

      Do you have trouble with this crystalizing? I did, and I put boiling water in to break up crystals at the bottom, but I’d really like to avoid it if possible.

      Reply
      • Jessica Fisher

        July 20, 2015 at 7:33 am

        There is a scientific reasoning for why that happened, but now my homeschool science memory is falling me. I’m thinking it has to do with getting too hot so that it reached a candy point. You only need the sugar to dissolve, it doesn’t need to boil hot.

        Reply
    3. Michele

      June 01, 2012 at 4:16 pm

      Jessica – you are rocking my world with all these great ideas! I don’t know if I’m just in a receptive mood, cooking-wise, lately or what, but first I read Kitchen Counter Cooking School and now this simple syrup thing! I just made passion tea (I use it to make passion lemonade like Starbucks) and I made some simple syrup and it’s yummy! Much better than having grainy sugar at the bottom of my cup. Thanks!

      Reply
      • Jessica

        June 06, 2012 at 7:57 am

        @Michele, Ha! You made my day. Thanks!

        Reply
    4. Sarah

      June 01, 2012 at 6:10 am

      I love this idea but being from the northeast id be sooo sad if i couldnt enjoy maple syrup(i tend to love everything maple flavored ). ;-). I will try it with iced tea though

      Reply
      • Jessica

        June 01, 2012 at 6:36 am

        I love maple syrup, too. Do you use it coffee and lemonade as well? I usually only use it on breakfast and in baking.

        Reply
    5. Tracy

      May 30, 2012 at 7:49 pm

      As Emily said, we use this for iced tea. We also use it for lemonade. A 1/2 cup lemon juice, 1 1/2 cup simple syrup and 6 cups of water makes a lovely lemonade. You can easily adjust the amounts if you like a more tart or sweet lemonade.

      I love your idea about adding the mint. We love to add peppermint leaves when we steep the tea for iced tea, but adding it to the simple syrup is a much better idea. Thank you!

      Reply
    6. Jane

      May 30, 2012 at 5:49 pm

      Took some of the peaches/nectarines in last weeks AHO box and juiced them and made a “peach syrup” for tea. My family loves the peach tea it makes!

      Reply
    7. Harriet

      May 30, 2012 at 2:33 pm

      My 95 yo grandmother pokes holes in a freshly baked cake and drizzles this in. It ensures that the cake is super moist.

      Reply
    8. Lori

      May 30, 2012 at 1:06 pm

      I add a packet of unsweetened kool aid to simple syrup for snow cone syrup. I make two batches so kids have choice of flavors. Much better and lots cheaper than store bought.

      Reply
      • Cheri A

        June 01, 2012 at 7:56 am

        @Lori, love that idea!

        Reply
    9. Emily @Random Recycling

      May 30, 2012 at 10:35 am

      Love this idea for iced tea. I make sun tea a lot and the simple syrup will be perfect.

      Reply
    10. katie

      May 29, 2012 at 5:46 pm

      How long will simple syrup last in the fridge?

      Reply
      • Jessica

        May 29, 2012 at 8:04 pm

        I have read different things, from one week all the way to one month. Typically, I freeze it if I can’t use it within two weeks.

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    jessica from good cheap eats

    Hi, I'm Jessica! I'm a 4x cookbook author and 6x mom. I know what it is to be in a hurry and on a budget. I believe anyone can prepare delicious meals -- no matter what's on their plate. I've been featured on Good Morning America, PBS News Hour, and NBC.

    More about me

    collage of media outlets where good cheap eats has been featured.
    teal graphic with the words, do you know what's for dinner tonight.

    Mexican Food Recipes

    • close up of crockpot enchiladas on a blue plate with fork and salad.
      Easy Crockpot Chicken Enchiladas
    • close up of freezer burrito cut in half in paper-lined basket.
      Easy Freezer Burrito Recipe with Chicken, Beans, & Cheese
    • overhead shot of bowl of salsa verde beef.
      Shredded Salsa Verde Beef (5-Ingredient Recipe)
    • side view of buffalo chicken quesadillas with filling coming out of sides.
      Easy Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas Recipe
    • jar of jalapeño salsa with sliced chiles on top and bunch of cilantro and whole on table beside.
      Easy Homemade Salsa Recipe [VIDEO]
    • spoon of chicken taco soup over the bowl of soup.
      Chicken Taco Soup

    Reader Favorites

    • asian marinated chicken breast sliced on a plate with rice and veg.
      5-Minute Asian Chicken Marinade Recipe
    • close-up of cream of celery soup in a jar with celery leaves behind.
      Homemade Cream of Celery Soup Recipe
    • small glass pitcher of milk on black background.
      20+ Easy Milk Recipes to Use Up the Leftover Gallon
    • with a fork fluffing the baked rice in the pan with steam rising.
      Baked Rice: How to Cook Rice in the Oven
    • green onions added to meal prep salads.
      Meal Prep Salads for Easy Lunches You’ll Want to Eat
    • best pulled pork in a freezer container to freeze.
      Best Pulled Pork Recipe
    jessica from good cheap eats

    Hi, I'm Jessica! I'm a 4x cookbook author and 6x mom. I know what it is to be in a hurry and on a budget. I believe anyone can prepare delicious meals -- no matter what's on their plate. I've been featured on Good Morning America, PBS News Hour, and NBC.

    More about me

    collage of media outlets where good cheap eats has been featured.
    teal graphic with the words, do you know what's for dinner tonight.

    Mexican Food Recipes

    • chicken enchilada bake on plate with side dishes.
      60+ Budget-Friendly Mexican Dinner Ideas
    • close up of chips in black bowl.
      3 Ways to Make Homemade Tortilla Chips
    • the finished plate of loaded nachos.
      Nacho Bar
    • cooked taco meat in oval dish with taco toppings nearby.
      Easy Homemade Taco Meat
    • overhead shot of jalapeno cream cheese dip with sliced jalapeños on top and a spoon twirled in the cheese.
      Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip
    • closeup of Spanish brown rice in white bowl.
      Spanish Brown Rice (Mexican Brown Rice)

    Reader Favorites

    • asian marinated chicken breast sliced on a plate with rice and veg.
      5-Minute Asian Chicken Marinade Recipe
    • close-up of cream of celery soup in a jar with celery leaves behind.
      Homemade Cream of Celery Soup Recipe
    • small glass pitcher of milk on black background.
      20+ Easy Milk Recipes to Use Up the Leftover Gallon
    • with a fork fluffing the baked rice in the pan with steam rising.
      Baked Rice: How to Cook Rice in the Oven
    • green onions added to meal prep salads.
      Meal Prep Salads for Easy Lunches You’ll Want to Eat
    • best pulled pork in a freezer container to freeze.
      Best Pulled Pork Recipe

    Footer

    back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Shipping Policy
    • Return Policy
    • Digital Shop

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • About

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2023 Good Cheap Eats