Learn how to make this easy Strawberry Simple Syrup using discarded strawberry tops! It takes only minutes to make and is a great way to reduce food waste. Use it in various drinks, over pancakes, brushed on cake layers, and even on ice cream.
I am always looking to reduce food waste in my kitchen and this is one of my favorite ways. Because strawberries are so sweet and delicious I always hated throwing the strawberry tops away. Now as I cut them off my strawberries, I add them to an airtight glass jar in my refrigerator. Once the strawberries have been used and I have a cup of tops, I make my Strawberry Simple Syrup. Let me show you!
Video Tutorial:
Ingredients Needed for Strawberry Simple Syrup (and a few notes)
- Granulated Sugar: You can use cane sugar or brown sugar as well. I use whatever I have on hand at the time. Keep in mind, various sugars will slightly alter the flavor of your syrup.
- Water: Plain ole room temperature tap water is all you need.
- Strawberry Tops: Be sure to pull off any of the greens or it will make your syrup bitter. You can also use whole strawberries cut into slices as well.
How To Make Strawberry Simple Syrup From Discard Strawberry Tops
- Boil together the sugar, water, and strawberry tops.
- Simmer over low heat for about 20 minutes, or until the syrup is deep red and slightly thickened. Be sure to stir the mixture occasionally.
- Cover the saucepan with it’s lid, remove from the heat, and allow it to cool to room temperature.
- Strain the strawberry tops from the simple syrup using a fine mesh strainer. Do not press the strawberry tops into the strainer or you will get pulp, seeds, and things like that in your syrup.
- Store in an airtight container or glass jar in the refrigerator for up to a month.
How Can I Use Strawberry Simple Syrup?
Strawberry simple syrup is great for a lot of different things:
- Mix it in mocktails or cocktails.
- Moisten cake layers with it.
- Flavor your lemonade, specialty coffees, and tea.
- Drizzle it over pancakes, waffles, and cinnamon rolls.
- Pour it over ice cream or yogurt.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
Of course! This recipe was made to reduce the waste of strawberry tops, but if you have whole strawberries you want to use just slice them and follow the directions as normal.
A great rule to follow is for every 8 to 10 ounces of liquid add 1 ounce of simple syrup (about 2 tablespoons). Test your drink before adding more simple syrup, as adding too much can make for a super sweet drink.
If you are looking for a consistency like pancake syrup you will want to use a 1:2 ratio of water and sugar. Therefor you would need a 1/2 cup of water and 1 cup sugar. This makes it even better for pancakes, ice cream, waffles, etc.
More Strawberry Recipes You Might Enjoy:
- Strawberry Blueberry Pie
- Strawberry Daiquiri Mocktail
- Strawberry Filled Cupcakes
- Strawberry Mojito Mocktail
- Strawberry Banana Shortcakes
- Strawberry Crunch Topping
- Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes
More Simple Syrup Recipes For Your At Home Bar:
- Peppermint Simple Syrup
- Cinnamon Simple Syrup
- Vanilla Simple Syrup
- Caramel Simple Syrup
- Simple Syrup
- Cardamom Syrup
- Jalapeno Simple Syrup
- Grenadine (Pomegranate Simple Syrup)
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!
Strawberry Simple Syrup
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup strawberry tops; without the greens attached
Instructions
- To a small saucepan add the sugar, water, and strawberry tops.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, cook for 20 minutes. The syrup will be deep red and slightly thickened.
- Remove from heat, cover with a lid, and allow the Strawberry Simple Syrup cool to room temperature.
- Strain the strawberry tops from the syrup and pour into an airtight glass jar or container.
- Refrigerate for up to one month.
Video
Notes
- Refrigerated in an airtight container or glass jar, up to one month.
- Freeze into cubes and then in a plastic bag, up to a year.
If you make my Strawberry Simple Syrup, don’t forget to leave this recipe a rating, comment, or like. Tag me on social media using the hashtag #EntirelyElizabeth when sharing your own personal photos making this recipe. I would love to see your version and know your thoughts!
Family loved it on French toast
Hey Sophia!
So glad to hear your family loved it! And thank you for the review.
~Elizabeth