Easy Simple Syrup for Mocktails - Entirely Elizabeth

Name: Easy Simple Syrup
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 1 cup granulated sugar (or raw cane sugar); 1 cup water

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Quick and easy simple syrup- all you need is sugar, water, and 5 minutes to make this sweetener. Use it in your mocktails, tea, and coffee.

Simple syrup in a bottle ready to use in mocktails

There’s nothing better than making a bottle of homemade simple syrup.

I know buying it may seem easier, but it only takes 5 minutes which is way faster than driving to the store to get some. And you know exactly what’s in it… no corn syrup, preservatives, and artificial flavors and colorings.

What is Simple Syrup?

It’s also known as sugar syrup and 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.

You can also infuse it with various flavors from herbs, fruits, and spices like mint, cinnamon, and blueberry.

A Quick & Easy Video Tutorial:

Ingredients

Sugar: I use granulated sugar or raw cane sugar, but other types can be used. Just note the flavor profile will change.
Water: Tap, filtered, or bottled water works. Use what you prefer.

Rich Simple Syrup versus Simple Syrup

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

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

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 recipe! You cannot mess this up. Below is a short summary of the steps, the recipe card will have more details.

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

PRO TIP: Freeze the 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!

Step 1. Add sugar and water to a saucepan.

Step 2. Heat on medium until sugar has dissolved and the mixture is clear.

Ways You Can Use It

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

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 it, but actually it 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 of liquid add 1-2 tablespoons. 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 Flavors You Might Enjoy

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

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