This essential co*cktail ingredient comes together quickly with just sugar and water.
Makes1 1/2 cupsWe independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
When I first started learning how to make co*cktails at home, I had no idea people made their own simple syrup. I was the person who went to the store to buy a bottle of what I later learned to be sugar water. That’s right — sugar dissolved in water.
Simple syrup is an essential ingredient in co*cktails and other beverages like iced coffee because it blends so well with other liquids, and it’s super easy to make yourself — we promise.
Making your own syrups at home is a great way to take your home creations to a new level by introducing different flavor profiles into your co*cktails and other beverages. When you learn how easy it is, you’ll end up creating all different types of amazing herb syrups and fruit syrups for your co*cktails at home.
Quick Overview
Tips for Making Simple Syrup
- Heat the water first. Heating the sugar and water together won’t ruin the syrup — it just takes longer to heat. To save time, heat the water first before adding the sugar.
- Don’t bring the water to a boil. The water should be hot enough to dissolve the sugar completely, but you don’t want to boil simple syrup for too long (or you’ll end up with caramel).
- Cool the simple syrup completely. Once the sugar is dissolved, let the syrup cool completely before storing. Use a kitchen funnel to transfer the syrup to a glass container.
- Store in the refrigerator. Store the simple syrup in a glass container in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 weeks.
Simple syrup is liquified sugar made with equal parts water and sugar. It’s primarily used as a key ingredient in co*cktails, but can also be used as a sweetener for teas, coffees, and even baked goods.
Simple Syrup Ingredients and Ratio
Traditional simple syrup is made from one part water to one part sugar (1:1). White granulated sugar is the standard sweetener, but once you’ve mastered that basic base, feel free to experiment with different sugars, while being sure to keep the ratio the same.
How to Measure Ingredients for Simple Syrup
Measuring might be the most complicated part of making simple syrup. Measuring by volume is most common. The second way to measure your ingredients is by weight, which is more precise (if only by a fraction).
co*cktails with Simple Syrup
More Ways to Use Simple Syrup
Refrigerate in an airtight glass container for 2 to 3 weeks.
Simple Syrup Recipe
This essential co*cktail ingredient comes together quickly with just sugar and water.
Makes 1 1/2 cups
Nutritional Info
Ingredients
- 1 cup
water, preferably filtered
- 1 cup
granulated sugar
Instructions
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Heat 1 cup water in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until hot, but do not bring to a boil.
Add 1 cup granulated sugar and stir until fully dissolved.
Let the syrup cool to room temperature before using or storing. Using a funnel if needed, transfer the simple syrup into a glass jar and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
Recipe Notes
Storage: Store it in a glass container in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 weeks.
