Learn how to make this easy, 3 ingredient Strawberry Simple Syrup using discarded strawberry tops. It takes minutes to make and is a great way to reduce food waste. You’ll love this strawberry top syrup in all your favorite drinks, over pancakes, brushed on cake layers, and even on ice cream!
Craving more fresh strawberry recipes? Try my Strawberry Blueberry Pie, Strawberry Filled Cupcakes, or these family favorite Strawberry Banana Shortcakes.
I am always looking to reduce food waste in the kitchen and this strawberry top syrup is one of my favorite ways.
Because strawberries are so sweet and delicious, I always hated throwing the tops away. Now I add them to an airtight glass jar in my refrigerator and after a few days (once I have enough), I make strawberry simple syrup.
Everyone loves this recipe because it is fruity, sweet, and adds a touch of gourmet to all your favorite foods and drinks. I guarantee your family will love it as well!
Reasons to LOVE Strawberry Simple Syrup
- 3 simple ingredients
- a great way to reduce food waste
- deliciously gourmet but so easy
- can be stored in the refrigerator or canned to be shelf stable
- so many different ways to use
- great for gifting any time of the year
Let’s Make It Together! Video Tutorial:
Strawberry Simple Syrup Ingredients
- 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.
- Strawberries: This recipe calls for strawberry tops, just 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 too.
Equipment Needed
- Small saucepan with lid.
- Fine-mesh strainer for straining the strawberry tops from the syrup.
- Glass jar or syrup bottle for storing.
How To Make Strawberry Simple Syrup
1. Boil together the sugar, water, and strawberry tops (or whole strawberries).
2. 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.
3. Cover the saucepan with it’s lid, remove from the heat, and allow it to cool to room temperature.
4. 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.
5. Store in an airtight container or glass jar in the refrigerator for up to a month.
How Can I Use Strawberry Top Syrup?
This syrup recipe is great for a lot of different things! Just think of all the ways you love to enjoy strawberries. Here are a few of my favorites:
- Mix it in cocktails or mocktails- Strawberry Daiquiri Mocktail, Strawberry Mojito Mocktail, Moscow Mule Mocktail, Gin and Tonic Mocktail, Mimosa Mocktail, or browse all my mocktails.
- Moisten cake layers with it.
- Flavor your lemonade, specialty coffees, and even tea like this Strawberry Bubble Tea.
- Drizzle it over pancakes, waffles, french toast, and cinnamon rolls.
- Pour it over ice cream or yogurt.
- Bottle in smaller containers and give as gifts.
3 Recipe Variations You NEED To Know
- Make thick and rich strawberry syrup (like pancake syrup)- Use a 1:2 ratio of water and sugar. For every 1/2 cup of water you need 1 cups of sugar.
- Canning this Strawberry Simple Syrup is POSSIBLE for a shelf stable option- Follow the USDA canning guidelines for fruit syrups.
- Use whole strawberries instead of tops- Although this strawberry top syrup recipe was made to reduce waste, you can also use whole strawberries. Slice them and follow the recipe directions as normal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Strawberry Simple Syrup
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.
More Simple Syrup Recipes:
- Peppermint Simple Syrup
- Cinnamon Simple Syrup
- Vanilla Simple Syrup
- Caramel Simple Syrup
- Simple Syrup
- Cardamom Syrup
- Jalapeno Simple Syrup
- Grenadine (Pomegranate Simple Syrup)
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Strawberry Simple Syrup
Equipment
- small saucepan
- glass jar; or syrup bottle
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup strawberries; tops without the greens attached OR chopped whole
Instructions
- To a small saucepan add the sugar, water, and strawberry tops (or chopped whole strawberries).
- 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
Storing Information:
- 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.
How To Make A Thicker Rich Syrup:
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.Metric conversions are calculated automatically. I cannot guarantee the accuracy of this information.
I made this syrup to store. It is very versatile. Good with almost everything. Pancakes, drinks, toast.
While this is great in drinks, I seldom drink much these days so I love using this on weekend breakfasts like pancakes and waffles. Makes the whole meal feel restaurant quality!
I love this syrup! It’s so easy to make and so delicious. I use it in my iced coffee, but I’m also experimenting with some other recipes.
I can’t stop adding a splash of this simple strawberry syrup to my drinks! It tastes awesome with a squeeze of lime and a nice tall glass of mineral water.
I love strawberry syrup on French toast and I don’t know why it never occurred to me that I could use the tops to make it! What a great way to reduce my food waste. Thank you!
Family loved it on French toast
Hey Sophia!
So glad to hear your family loved it! And thank you for the review.
~Elizabeth