Simple syrup is a versatile and essential ingredient for cocktails, iced beverages, and even desserts. It’s made with just two ingredients—sugar and water—and is quick and easy to prepare. This recipe yields a perfect, balanced simple syrup that can be used to sweeten anything from lemonade to cocktails or iced tea.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This simple syrup is incredibly easy to make and stores well for later use. By dissolving sugar in water, you get a smooth, liquid sweetener that blends seamlessly into cold drinks, ensuring that there’s no grittiness or granules. It’s the perfect solution for sweetening cold beverages quickly!

Simple Syrup Recipe

Ingredients

1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup water

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Combine the Sugar and Water:
- In a small saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and water.
Dissolve the Sugar:
- Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once the sugar is completely dissolved into the water (this will only take a few minutes), bring the mixture to a simmer.
Simmer and Cool:
- Once the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is clear, remove it from the heat. Allow the syrup to cool to room temperature.
Store:
- Once cooled, transfer the simple syrup to a clean jar or bottle. Store in the refrigerator for up to a month.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields 1 cup of simple syrup.

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 2-3 minutes
Total time: 5-10 minutes

Variations

Flavored Simple Syrup: To add extra flavor, infuse the syrup with herbs (like mint or rosemary) or spices (like cinnamon or vanilla) while heating the sugar and water. Let it steep for 10-15 minutes, then strain before storing.
Rich Simple Syrup: For a thicker syrup, use a 2:1 ratio of sugar to water (2 cups of sugar to 1 cup of water).
Raw Sugar Syrup: Use raw sugar or coconut sugar for a slightly different flavor profile, but the method remains the same.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the simple syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a month. It’s always best to keep it chilled to prevent any spoilage.
Reheating: If your simple syrup crystallizes after being stored, gently reheat it on the stove or in the microwave to dissolve the crystals.

FAQs

Can I use this for iced coffee or tea?

Yes, simple syrup is perfect for sweetening iced beverages like coffee or tea because it dissolves easily in cold liquids.

How do I make a larger batch of simple syrup?

Simply double or triple the recipe. For example, for 2 cups of simple syrup, use 2 cups of sugar and 2 cups of water. You can scale it up as needed.

Can I make this with other types of sugar?

Yes! You can use brown sugar, raw sugar, or coconut sugar for different flavors and textures. The process is the same.

Is simple syrup vegan?

Yes, if you use a vegan-friendly sugar (like raw cane sugar), then simple syrup is vegan. Just be sure to use sugar that is processed without bone char.

Conclusion

This simple syrup is a must-have ingredient for your kitchen, providing a quick and easy way to sweeten drinks and desserts. With just two basic ingredients, you can create a versatile syrup that will enhance your favorite beverages and recipes. Whether you’re making cocktails, sweetened iced tea, or lemonades, this simple syrup is sure to be your go-to solution!