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.
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:
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:
If you prepare this recipe, be sure to take a picture and hashtag it #GOODCHEAPEATS. I can't wait to see what you cook up!
Simple Syrup
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.
katie says
How long will simple syrup last in the fridge?
Jessica says
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.
Emily @Random Recycling says
Love this idea for iced tea. I make sun tea a lot and the simple syrup will be perfect.
Lori says
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.
Cheri A says
@Lori, love that idea!
Harriet says
My 95 yo grandmother pokes holes in a freshly baked cake and drizzles this in. It ensures that the cake is super moist.
Jane says
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!
Tracy says
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!
Sarah says
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
Jessica says
I love maple syrup, too. Do you use it coffee and lemonade as well? I usually only use it on breakfast and in baking.
Michele says
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!
Jessica says
@Michele, Ha! You made my day. Thanks!
nia Hanna says
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.
Jessica Fisher says
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.
Patty Stone says
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!