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    Home » Recipes » Simple Syrups

    March 14, 2023 · Updated April 22, 2024

    5 Minute Simple Syrup Recipe (Great for drinks!)

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    · by Amanda Gajdosik

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    Simple syrup is a two-ingredient kitchen staple that every home cook should know how to make. It only takes five minutes! Once you get the formula and simple technique memorized, you’ll use it again and again in your favorite coffee recipes and drink recipes!

    When you know how to make simple syrup at home you can enjoy this two-ingredient sweetener in so many recipes. Yes, you can buy it in the grocery store, but why would you when you can make it home with just two ingredients in only five minutes!

    Ingredients for simple syrup

    • Granulated Sugar – Just the plain, ol’ white sugar from the baking aisle.
    • Water – The regular kind from your sink.

    What’s the formula for simple syrup?

    Simple syrup is made by combining a 1:1 ratio of sugar and water. That simple, equal ratio can be scaled up or scaled down to suit your needs.

    This recipe calls for 1 cup of each. But can be made in larger or smaller quantities, if desired.

    For example, if you want to use 2 cups of sugar, you’ll need to dissolve that in 2 cups of water.

    Vice versa, ½ cup of sugar will require ½ cup of water.

    Once you remember it’s equal parts sugar and water, you’ll be able to make simple syrup in virtually any quantity you need.

    How to make simple syrup

    1. Combine the water and sugar in a saucepan. And set over medium heat.
    2. Cook until sugar is dissolved. Stirring occasionally.
    3. Remove from heat. Allow to cool and store until ready to use.
    Combine the sugar and water.
    Heat until sugar is dissolved.

    How long does simple syrup last?

    Virtually forever! Ok, not forever, forever, but for a very long time. Sugar is a natural preservative (did you know?). Properly stored in the refrigerator you can keep a jar of simple syrup for up to six months.

    Storage Instructions

    The key to getting simple syrup to last is to properly store it. After making it, it’s important to let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating.

    This is actually a rule for all food preparation and storage: never place covered hot food or liquids into a refrigerator.

    Not only does it encourage bacteria growth in the item itself (bacteria thrives in a sealed, warm environment), but it raises the temperature of the refrigerator which can risk all of the food inside.

    Allow the syrup to come to room temperature before covering and storing in the fridge.

    I like to store my simple syrup in a glass mason jar with a lid so I can easily see inside.

    When to throw away

    If you ever see mold in the syrup or on the storage container, discard the syrup immediately. Also if the syrup becomes cloudy, it may have bacteria growing inside and it’s best to get rid of it.

    Flavored Simple Syrup Recipes

    One of my favorite things about simple syrup is that you can make delicious, flavored variations of it! This makes it even more versatile when using it in coffee, tea, or cocktails.

    For instance, I love using my vanilla simple syrup in homemade vanilla iced coffee. Or peppermint simple syrup in an easy peppermint latte!

    The same goes for my caramel simple syrup and a glass of salted caramel cold foam cold brew!

    And homemade pumpkin spice syrup is perfect for a pumpkin chai latte.

    You don't just have to make coffee recipes with simple syrup, though! I love using rhubarb simple syrup to make rhubarb lemonade. And an 21-and-over version - hard rhubarb lemonade!

    Of course, the traditional, unflavored simple syrup is perfect in my most favorite cocktail – the Lillet rosè martini!

    The possibilities truly are endless!

    A glass jar filled with homemade simple syrup on a marble tray.
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    Simple Syrup Recipe (Ready in 5 minutes!)

    Simple syrup is a two-ingredient kitchen staple that every home cook should know how to make. Once you get the formula and simple technique memorized, you’ll use it again and again in your favorite drink recipes
    Prep Time1 minute min
    Cook Time4 minutes mins
    Total Time5 minutes mins
    Course: Drinks
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: Homemade Simple Syrup, Simple Syrup
    Servings: 24 servings
    Calories: 32kcal
    Author: Amanda Gajdosik
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Equipment

    • Small Sauce Pot
    • Glass jar with lid, for storage

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup granulated sugar
    • 1 cup water

    Instructions

    • In a small sauce pot, combine 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water. Place over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until sugar has dissolved into water.
    • If syrup gently simmers, that’s ok, just be sure not to let it rapidly boil.
    • Once the sugar has dissolved, remove from heat and pour into glass storage jar.
    • Allow to cool to room temperature before sealing and storing in refrigerator.

    Notes

    • Syrup can be stored in refrigerator for up to six months.
    • Refer to post for storage and food safety tips.
    • Refer to post for delicious flavor variations.
    • Makes 1 ½ cups simple syrup.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1tablespoon | Calories: 32kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Fat: 0.03g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 0.2mg | Sugar: 8g | Calcium: 0.4mg | Iron: 0.004mg

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    Amanda, a food photographer and recipe developer, leans against a kitchen counter. She is smiling and holding a camera. She wears a white shirt and black jeans.
    Hi! I'm Amanda, and I believe in good food for good people. I hope you enjoy the homemade recipes you'll find on my site.
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