Easy Simple Syrup Recipe

Ditch the sugar rush and elevate your drinks and desserts with our super easy simple syrup recipe! This two-ingredient wonder requires just sugar and water, yet unlocks a world of flavor possibilities.

In just minutes, you’ll have a sweet solution for perfectly balanced cocktails, refreshing iced teas, and decadent desserts. So skip the store-bought syrups and artificial flavors, and create endless possibilities with this easy homemade simple syrup!

Why you’ll love this easy homemade simple syrup recipe

It’s simply a sugar water mixture that is made up ahead of time and kept for drinks, cocktails and anything else you might like to sweeten.

• Super Simple: Just two ingredients and minimal steps! No fancy equipment or complicated techniques needed.
• Customizable Sweetness: Unlike store-bought syrups, you control the sweetness. Make it richer by using a little more sugar, or lighter for a subtler touch.
• Fresh Flavor: Skip the artificial flavors and preservatives often found in store-bought syrups. This homemade version bursts with pure sugar cane sweetness.
• Versatile Ingredient: This syrup unlocks a world of flavor possibilities! Use it in cocktails, mocktails, iced tea, coffee, and even desserts.
• Cost-effective: Making your own simple syrup is much cheaper than buying it pre-made, especially when you consider how much you can get out of a single batch.
• Always on Hand: With this easy recipe, you can whip up a fresh batch of simple syrup whenever you need it, no more last-minute store runs!
• Endless Creativity: Infuse your syrup with herbs, spices, or fruits for unique flavor combinations. Imagine the possibilities!

This easy recipe is a game-changer, allowing you to elevate your favorite drinks and desserts with ease and endless flavor options.

Uses For Simple Syrup

In Drinks:

• Coffee & Tea: Ditch the granulated sugar struggle. Simple syrup dissolves perfectly in hot or iced coffee and tea, creating a smooth sweetness.
• Fizzy Refreshment: Add a flavored syrup to sparkling water for a homemade soda alternative. Think strawberry rosemary or lemon thyme for a twist.
• Cocktails Made Easy: Simple syrup is a must-have for any home bar. Use it in countless cocktails, from the classic Old Fashioned to a refreshing Mojito.
• Milkshakes, Malts and Smoothies: Add a dash of simple syrup to a smoothie or milkshake to add a little sweetener or if you have a flavored one, to add a new twist.

Beyond Drinks:

• Baked Goods: Brush cakes or muffins with simple syrup before baking for added moisture and a touch of sweetness.
• Soaked Fruit: Soak fresh fruit in flavored simple syrup for a delicious and elegant dessert topping. Imagine berries in lavender syrup or peaches in vanilla bean syrup.
• Yogurt Parfait Magic: Drizzle pancakes, waffles, or yogurt parfaits with flavored syrup for a delightful flavor boost.
• Ice Cream Enhancer: Make a simple syrup sauce to drizzle over ice cream sundaes for an extra decadent touch.

Simple Syrup Hacks:

• Homemade Flavors: Get creative! Infuse your syrup with herbs, spices, or fruits for unique flavorings. Experiment with rosemary lemon or ginger peach for a taste sensation.
• Moisturize Cakes: Poke holes in a cooled cake and brush with simple syrup to prevent dryness and add extra flavor.
• Glaze Perfection: Simple syrup is the base for many glazes. Adjust the thickness with water or add powdered sugar for a beautiful sheen on pastries.

With a little simple syrup on hand, you can add a touch of sweetness and creativity to all sorts of dishes and drinks!

Flavor Variations

• Extracts – A great way to add new flavor to a basic simple syrup recipe is to add an extract. From Rum to Vanilla, Lemon to Almond and every other possible flavor in between; there’s an extract for every need.  
• Zest and Peels – Using citrus zest, fruit or veggie peels is a quick way to add a touch of personality to your simple syrups. Here’s how: Simply add the zest or peels of your favorite citrus fruits, like lemons, oranges, or grapefruits, during the simmering process. For a unique twist, try using cucumber, apple or pear peels! Let the flavors infuse into the syrup as it simmers, then remove the peels before storing.
• Herbs, Seasonings and Spices: Fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, mint, sage, and thyme add a delightful herbaceous layer. Cinnamon sticks, turmeric, cardamom, vanilla bean, and ginger lend a touch of warmth and subtle spice. Experiment with whole spices or ground varieties depending on the intensity you desire. If you like a kick, chili peppers or peppercorns can add a touch of heat. Be cautious – a little goes a long way here!
• Berries & Fresh Fruit – The world of berries is your oyster when it comes to crafting delicious simple syrups! From plump blueberries and tart raspberries to juicy strawberries and sunshine-y mangoes, the possibilities are endless.
• Coffee or Tea – For a quick and easy method, stir in some instant coffee or espresso powder to your cooled simple syrup. Adjust the amount to your preference – a little goes a long way for a subtle coffee hint, while more adds a stronger coffee kick. If you have brewed coffee on hand and prefer a more nuanced coffee flavor, create an infusion. Steep coarse coffee grounds in your hot simple syrup mixture for 15-20 minutes. Strain out the grounds with cheesecloth or a coffee filter for a smooth, coffee-infused syrup. Or use a black, herbal or green tea bag to infuse flavor in as well. You’ll come up with endless flavor combinations
• Flowers -Feeling adventurous? Take a trip to your garden and explore the world of edible flowers! Important Note: Only use flowers you can confidently identify as safe for consumption. Consult a reliable source or expert if unsure about a particular flower’s edibility. Great starting points: Hibiscus, Rose petals, lavender even dandelion.

How to Properly Store this Easy Simple Syrup

Storage Container:

• Airtight is key: Choose an airtight container to prevent air exposure and potential contamination. Mason jars, glass bottles with swing-top lids, or even a clean, airtight squeeze bottle are all great options.

Storage Temperature:

• Refrigeration is best: Store your simple syrup in the refrigerator. The cool temperature inhibits bacterial growth and helps maintain the syrup’s quality for longer.

Shelf Life:

• Plan accordingly: Properly stored simple syrup will generally last for up to 3 weeks in the refrigerator.

Signs of Spoilage:

• Be aware: While unlikely, simple syrup can spoil. Discard your syrup if you notice any mold growth, an off odor, or unusual cloudiness.

Additional Tips:

• Label the container: Especially if making multiple batches, label the container with the date to keep track of how long it’s been stored.
• Consider freezing: For longer storage (up to 6 months), you can freeze the simple syrup in a freezer-safe container, leaving some headspace for expansion. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before using.

By following these simple storage tips, you can enjoy your homemade simple syrup for weeks to come and have it on hand to add sweetness and creativity to your favorite drinks and desserts!

More Great Syrup Recipes:

• This seasonal fun Candy Corn Simple Syrup is very easy to make and creates a delicious, thick syrup that is great in drinks and cocktails or drizzled on desserts, or even poured over pancakes and waffles. 
• This fragrant honeysuckle simple syrup adds a touch of floral magic to your favorite beverages, from cocktails and tea to coffee and beyond. Not only does it enhance drinks, but it also lends itself beautifully to various culinary applications, unlocking a world of creative possibilities. 

Making the Recipe

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