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A Nerd Cooks » Cocktails » Syrups

Simple Syrup

Sep 2, 2015 · Modified: May 19, 2021 by Lauren Pacek · This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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Making simple syrup is, well, simple. And yes, I know that you can buy it at the store. But trust me, this is too easy and much cheaper.

Sometimes it's good to get back to the basics.

Looking for more syrups? I have so many to share with you! Try my Cinnamon Dolce Syrup (a Starbucks copycat) and Vanilla Syrup!

a small jar of simple syrup, the lid off
Jump to:
  • 🌟 Why You'll Love This Recipe
  • 💭 What is Simple Syrup?
  • 📝 Ingredients
  • 👩🏻‍🍳 How to make Simple Syrup
  • 🛠️ How to use Simple Syrup
  • 🔗 More syrup recipes
  • ❓ FAQs
  • ✨ Recipe

🌟 Why You'll Love This Recipe

It's incredibly easy to make. It's not called "simple syrup" for nothing!
It has a wide variety of uses. You can use this syrup in cocktails, mocktails, to moisten cakes, etc.
It's easily customizable. This recipe is a great jumping off point for making an almost endless variety of flavored syrups.

💭 What is Simple Syrup?

Simple syrup is a syrup that's made by heating water and sugar until the sugar dissolves into the water. It's called "simple syrup" because it's dead simple to make and only requires two simple ingredients.

📝 Ingredients

You only need TWO ingredients to make this recipe.

ingredients for making simple syrup
  • Water: Just plain water.
  • Sugar: Use white granulated sugar for this recipe.

👩🏻‍🍳 How to make Simple Syrup

Start out by adding sugar to a heavy-bottomed saucepan.

a saucepan with sugar

Next, add water. Whisk everything to combine.

a saucepan with water and sugar

Bring the mixture to a simmer until the sugar has dissolved completely into the water and you're left with a syrup.

a saucepan with simple syrup in it

🛠️ How to use Simple Syrup

Simple syrup is versatile. You can use it in cocktails (like my Margarita Pitcher Recipe) and mocktails (like this Virgin Margarita), Homemade Lemonade, and Iced Lattes! Basically, if you have a beverage that requires sweetening, you can use this syrup.

You can also use it when baking cakes or cupcakes to help keep them moist. Just brush a bit of syrup onto cake layers or onto the tops of cupcakes.

🔗 More syrup recipes

Need more syrup recipes? Because I have them! Click on any of the photos below to go straight to the recipes.

  • jar of rosemary simple syrup, lid removed and to the side
    Rosemary Simple Syrup
  • small bottle of watermelon syrup on a pink background
    Watermelon Syrup
  • small glass jar full of cinnamon dolce syrup
    Cinnamon Dolce Syrup
  • homemade grenadine syrup being poured into a small glass bottle
    Grenadine Syrup

❓ FAQs

Does simple syrup go bad?

Yes, it does go bad. It should last about a week or two in the fridge if stored properly in an airtight container.

How long does simple syrup last?

About a week or two if stored in an airtight container. You can prolong the shelf life a bit by adding about half an ounce of vodka to the syrup.

Does simple syrup need to be refrigerated?

Yes, it needs to be refrigerated. Make sure to stash it in the fridge in an airtight container.

Can I use a different sugar?

Yes! For instance, you can use brown sugar to make brown sugar syrup or demerara sugar to make demerara syrup. You can even use honey to make honey syrup.

I'd love to know what you thought of this recipe! Don't forget to leave a comment and ⭐️ star rating below!

✨ Recipe

a small jar of simple syrup, the lid off

Simple Syrup

Lauren Pacek
Making simple syrup is, well, simple. And yes, I know that you can buy it at the store. But trust me, this is too easy and much cheaper.
5 from 4 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 0 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Inactive Time 0 minutes mins
Total Time 15 minutes mins
Course Cocktails
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 48 kcal

Equipment

  • Heavy-bottomed saucepan
  • Wet measuring cups
  • Dry measuring cups
  • Whisk

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup water

Instructions
 

  • Combine the sugar and water in a heavy-bottomed saucepan
  • Whisking occasionally, heat the mixture on medium heat until the sugar is completely dissolved.  
  • Remove from the heat and allow it to cool completely.
  • Store the syrup in an airtight container in the fridge.

Notes

  • You can prolong the shelf life of this syrup a bit by adding about half an ounce of plain vodka to the syrup before storing it in the fridge.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Calories: 48kcalCarbohydrates: 13gSodium: 1mgSugar: 12g

Disclaimer: Nutritional information is a generated estimate and is not guaranteed to be accurate.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

More Flavored Syrup Recipes

  • small jar of peppermint syrup
    Peppermint Syrup
  • a jar of gingerbread syrup with twinkle lights behind it
    Gingerbread Syrup
  • a small bottle of mint simple syrup
    Mint Simple Syrup
  • a small swing top bottle full of pumpkin spice syrup
    Pumpkin Spice Syrup

I love it when you share my recipes!

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Comments

    5 from 4 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Britney

    October 25, 2022 at 8:45 pm

    I ran out of simple syrup and made this recipe for my espresso martinis! Thanks for this quick and easy guide!

    Reply
    • laurenpacek

      October 25, 2022 at 10:40 pm

      So glad it could help you in your time of need 😉 Cheers!

      Reply
  2. Lita Bilotti

    July 25, 2020 at 2:26 pm

    Hi Lauren,
    How long will simple sugar keep in the fridge?
    Thank you.

    Reply
    • laurenpacek

      July 27, 2020 at 12:36 pm

      Hi Lita. It should keep (in an airtight container in the fridge) for 3-4 weeks.

      Reply
  3. Rhonda

    September 15, 2019 at 8:11 pm

    5 stars
    What ratio of this syrup should be added to a quart of tea?

    Reply
  4. Rhonda

    September 15, 2019 at 8:11 pm

    5 stars
    What ratio of this syrup should be added to a quart of tea?

    Reply
    • laurenpacek

      September 16, 2019 at 1:08 pm

      It depends on how sweet you like your tea to be. I'd recommend adding a bit, tasting to see if it's where you'd like it to be, and adding more if needed.

      Reply

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Hi, I'm Lauren! I'm the recipe developer, photographer, and writer here at A Nerd Cooks. I'm a 30-something wife, mom, and scientist with a passion for mixing cocktails, brewing buzzy coffee drinks, and making other delicious beverages at home.

More about me →

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