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    Home » Beverages

    Simple Syrup Recipe (Only 2 Ingredients!)

    Published: May 28, 2012 · Modified: Apr 23, 2021 by Jessica Fisher

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    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

    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
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    5 from 1 vote

    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.
    Prep Time10 mins
    Total Time10 mins
    Course: Seasonings
    Cuisine: American
    Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian
    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? Tag Me Today!Mention @goodcheapeatsblog or tag #goodcheapeats!
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    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

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