Home » RECIPES » Easy Simple Syrup

Easy Simple Syrup

5 from 7 votes
Time: 5 minutes
Jump to Recipe

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

Quick and easy Simple Syrup– all you need is sugar, water, and 5 minutes to make this popular sweetener. Use it in your mocktails, tea, and coffee.

Simple syrup in a bottle ready to use in mocktails

Why You Need This Easy Homemade Simple Syrup

  • Better than bottled I know buying it may seem easier but I guarantee there is nothing like making your own. Plus it only takes 5 minutes which is way faster than driving to the store to get some.
  • Only 2 ingredients – sugar and water, that’s it!
  • Many uses and possibilities Not only can it be used in everything from mocktails to cake to cold brew coffee to fruit salad and beyond! It can also be infused with various flavors like mint, cinnamon, and blueberry.

Video Tutorial:

What is Simple Syrup?

Simple Syrup, also known as sugar syrup, is a sweetener made using water and sugar that is boiled together. It is used in a variety of ways, most commonly as a sweetener for mocktails, cocktails, teas, coffee, homemade lemonades, and sodas. It is also used to moisten cake layers, soak quick breads, glaze fruit tarts, to sweetened whipped cream, and even on fruit salads.

Rich Simple Syrup versus Simple Syrup

There are two ratios that can be used when making Simple Syrup: traditional and rich.

  • Traditional Simple Syrup uses a 1:1 (equal parts) ratio of sugar and water. This is best used in beverages.
  • Rich Simple Syrup uses a 2:1 ratio of sugar and water for a thicker, sweeter syrup. It is great for baking and food uses.

Ingredients

  • Sugar: I use white, granulated sugar but other types can be used.
  • Water: Tap, filtered, or bottled water works. Use what you prefer.
Ingredients for Simple Syrup. Water and sugar.

How To Make Easy Simple Syrup At Home

If you have 5 minutes, sugar, water, and a saucepan, you can make this Simple Syrup recipe! You cannot mess this up. Below is a short summary of the steps, the recipe card will have more details.

  1. Add equal parts sugar and water to a saucepan.
  2. Heat the mixture on medium, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has completely dissolved (do not let the mixture come to a boil).
  3. Cool the syrup to room temperature.
  4. Store in a glass jar or container in the refrigerator for up to one month.

PRO TIP: Freeze the simple syrup into cubes and then in a plastic bag. They will last up to a year in the freezer and double as an ice cube!

Ways To Use Simple Syrup

There are so many ways you can use this recipe, almost too many to count. But here are a few to inspire you!

  • in mocktails and cocktails – whiskey sours, margaritas, mojitos, and more.
  • to sweeten homemade lemonade, iced tea, and coffee.
  • to moisten cakes and quick breads.
  • in fruit salads for a bit of sweetness.
  • to glaze fruit tarts.
  • flavor homemade whipped cream with a splash of simple syrup
  • as gifts for holidays

Use It In These Recipes

Bottle of simple syrup.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does Simple Syrup last?

If stored properly (in an airtight container in the refrigerator) it can last for 1 month.

How much Simple Syrup does 1 cup of sugar make?

You would think 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water would make 1 cup of Simple Syrup but it actually makes 1 1/2 cups. This is because of the volume in the sugar as it boils down.

How much syrup do I need in my drinks?

A great rule to follow is for every 1 cup add 1-2 tablespoons of Simple Syrup. Add 1 tablespoon first and then test your drink before adding more. Don’t add much more than 2 tablespoons or your drink will be super sugary and sweet.

Can I use other types of sugar in simple syrup?

Yes, most definitely! You can use cane sugar, brown sugar, allouse sugar, coconut sugar, honey, etc. Just keep in mind the flavor profile of the syrup will change depending on the type of sugar you use.

More Easy Simple Syrup Flavors You Might Enjoy

Simple Syrup can also be infused with various fruit, spices, and herbs to create a whole new flavor profile. Try some of these recipes:


Thanks for dropping in! Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to my weekly newsletter for fun NEW CONTENT and CONVERSATION delivered to your inbox. If you love this recipe save it now so you can find it later. Thank you for your support!

Enjoy Entirely, Elizabeth
Simple syrup in a bottle ready to use.

Easy Simple Syrup

Elizabeth Swoish
Quick and easy Simple Syrup– all you need is sugar, water, and 5 minutes to make this popular sweetener.
5 from 7 votes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course Beverage
Servings 24 1 tablespoon each
Calories 32 kcal

INGREDIENTS
  

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup water

INSTRUCTIONS
 

  • To a small saucepan add the sugar and water.
    Step 1. Add sugar and water to a saucepan.
  • Heat the mixture over medium and occasionally stir until the sugar has completely dissolved.
    Step 2. Heat on medium until sugar has dissolved and the mixture is clear.
  • Remove from heat and allow it to cool to room temperature. Pour into an airtight glass jar or container and refrigerate for up to one month.
    Pouring simple syrup in a glass container to store in the refrigerator.

VIDEO

RECIPE NOTES

Storing Information:
  • Refrigerated in an airtight glass jar or container, up to one month.
  • Freeze into cubes and then in a plastic bag, up to a year.

Metric conversions are calculated automatically. I cannot guarantee the accuracy of this information.

Tried this recipe?Feel free to share a rating and comment below. Don’t forget to tag me on social media, or use the hashtag #EntirelyElizabeth – I would love to see what you’ve made!
Shop the products I cannot live without... and don't miss out on exclusive discount codes.
By Elizabeth Swoish on September 19th, 2022
Elizabeth Swoish holding a camera up to her eye taking a photo.

About Elizabeth Swoish

Elizabeth Swoish is the founder and CEO of Entirely Elizabeth. She is a self-taught foodie and mocktail enthusiast with a business degree in data analysis. Read Elizabeth's food journey or connect on your favorite social media channels.

7 thoughts on “Easy Simple Syrup”

  1. 5 stars
    I knew how to make sugar syrup when I used to make wedding cakes for the family. But I didn’t realize the trick of freezing the syrup into cubes. Thank you. And I will try your recipe as the ratio of sugar and water is different from the syrup I used to make.

    Reply
  2. 5 stars
    I can’t eat sugar, but my family and dinner guests get grumpy when I don’t have something at the ready to sweeten their drinks. Thank you for this simple syrup recipe, it saved the day!

    Reply

Leave a Comment

Tell me how you like it!