Simple Syrup
Simple syrup is the small kitchen staple that makes cold drinks taste smooth and balanced. Make a jar in about 10 minutes, then use it for iced coffee, lemonade, cocktails, mocktails, and fruit desserts.
Total
7 min
Servings
About 1 1/2 cups
Level
Easy
Simple syrup is sugar dissolved in water. Because the sugar is already melted, it blends easily into cold drinks where plain sugar would sink to the bottom.
The classic ratio is equal parts sugar and water. This recipe uses 1 cup of each, which is easy to remember and gives you a clean, pourable syrup for everyday drinks.
You do not need special equipment. A small saucepan, a spoon, and a clean jar are enough. Once you know the basic method, you can flavor it with herbs, citrus peel, spices, or vanilla.
01What you'll need
Ingredients
4 items · About 1 1/2 cups
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- Optional flavoring: 1 strip lemon or orange peel, 1 small sprig mint or rosemary, 1 cinnamon stick, or 1/2 teaspoon pure
- vanilla extract
02How to make it
Step-by-step
1. Choose a clean jar
Wash a heatproof jar or bottle with hot, soapy water and rinse well. Let it air-dry while you make the syrup. A clean container helps the syrup keep longer in the fridge.
2. Combine the sugar and water
Add the sugar and water to a small saucepan. Stir once or twice to start dissolving the sugar.
3. Warm gently
Set the pan over medium heat. Cook, stirring often, until the sugar fully dissolves and the liquid looks clear. This usually takes 3 to 5 minutes.
4. Do not boil hard
A few small bubbles are fine, but avoid a strong boil. Boiling too long can evaporate water and make the syrup thicker than planned.
5. Add flavor, if using
If you want a flavored syrup, remove the pan from the heat and add citrus peel, herbs, or a cinnamon stick. Steep for 10 to 20 minutes, then remove the solids. If using vanilla extract, stir it in after the syrup comes off the heat.
6. Cool the syrup
Let the syrup cool in the pan until it is no longer hot. This makes it safer to pour and helps protect glass jars from sudden heat.
7. Bottle and chill
Pour the syrup into the clean jar or bottle. Seal it and refrigerate. Use it cold or at room temperature in drinks and desserts.
03From our kitchen
Cook's tips
- Make ahead: Simple syrup is a great make-ahead ingredient. Prepare it the day before a party and chill it so it is ready for iced drinks.
- Storage: Keep plain simple syrup in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 1 month. Flavored syrups with fresh herbs, fruit peel, or spices are best used within 1 to 2 weeks.
- Watch for spoilage: If the syrup looks cloudy, smells sour or fermented, or has any mold, throw it away.
- Sugar swaps: White granulated sugar gives the cleanest flavor. Brown sugar makes a deeper syrup with molasses notes, good for coffee and whiskey drinks. Raw sugar also works but may give a light caramel flavor.
- Rich simple syrup: For a thicker, sweeter syrup, use 2 cups sugar and 1 cup water. It is common in cocktails, but start with less because it is more concentrated.
- No saucepan method: You can make simple syrup by shaking equal parts very hot water and sugar in a heatproof jar until dissolved. Use caution, leave room in the jar, and vent steam before shaking again.
Cook's note
This recipe uses the standard 1:1 simple syrup ratio by volume. For the most consistent results, use the same measuring cup for both the sugar and the water.
04Frequently asked
Questions & answers
Do I have to heat simple syrup?
Heating is the easiest way to dissolve the sugar completely, but you do not need to boil it. You can also shake sugar with very hot water in a heatproof jar until it dissolves.
Can I use powdered sugar instead of granulated sugar?
It is not recommended. Powdered sugar often contains cornstarch, which can make the syrup cloudy or slightly chalky. Granulated sugar is a better choice.
How much simple syrup should I use in a drink?
Start with 1 to 2 teaspoons for an iced coffee or tea, or about 1/2 ounce for a cocktail or mocktail. Stir, taste, and add more if needed.
Can I freeze simple syrup?
Yes. Freeze it in an ice cube tray, then transfer the cubes to a freezer bag. It may stay a little soft because of the sugar, but it works well for cold drinks.
Why did my syrup turn cloudy?
Cloudiness can come from undissolved sugar, mineral-heavy water, added flavorings, or spoilage. If it is newly made and smells fine, it is usually okay. If it has been stored for a while and smells off, discard it.
05Keep cooking
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