How to Make Simple Syrup
Make simple syrup and enjoy cocktails at home! Find my basic simple syrup recipe and fun flavor variations here. It's so easy to make!
Updated by Kathryne Taylor on August 29, 2024
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True to its name, simple syrup is so simple to make. And yet, homemade simple syrup can seem intimidating if you haven’t done it before! Today, I’m sharing a basic recipe describing how to make simple syrup to sweeten your cocktails, coffee or tea, or any other beverage, really.
In its most basic form, simple syrup requires just two ingredients, sugar and water. Plus, it’s ready in just a few minutes, and you’ll be one step closer to enjoying your drink when it’s done. Cheers to that.
The beauty of making your own simple syrup is that you can make it more than just sweet, if you wish. You’ve seen me take advantage of this opportunity in a number of drinks made with simple syrup over the years.
Below, you’ll find some fun variations to flavor your simple syrup with fresh herbs and other seasonings. Off we go!
How to Make Simple Syrup
Combine equal parts sweetener and water. Warm in a saucepan or in a microwave-safe bowl until the sweetener disappears into the water. That’s it!
How to Choose Your Sweetener
You can change the flavor of your simple syrup by thoughtfully selecting your sweetener. Keep in mind that if your sweetener is dark, your simple syrup will be on the darker side as well. Also, choosing a liquid sweetener (like honey) will yield more simple syrup, since sugar is reduced in volume when it melts.
Plain sugar yields a perfectly neutral simple syrup that will sweeten your drink without imparting additional flavors. Sometimes that’s just what you want!
Brown sugar would be almost maple-like, and I imagine it would go well with coffee or bourbon. Coconut sugar would be similar, though more intensely flavored.
Honey is my favorite sweetener for simple syrup. Honey’s fragrant, floral qualities go especially well with gin, tequila and vodka-based drinks. Straight from the bottle, honey doesn’t mix well with cold drinks, but turning it into simple syrup solves the problem.
Tempted to use maple syrup? Great idea, but you can just drizzle it straight—no need to dilute it with water. Since it’s more concentrated, you may only need half as much maple syrup as simple syrup. I love to use maple syrup in whiskey drinks, like the Old Fashioned.
Recipes Made with Simple Syrup
- Paloma Cocktail
- Whiskey Sour
- Tom Collins Cocktail
- Refreshing Hibiscus Mocktail
- Bee’s Knees Cocktail
- Mai Tai Cocktails
- Classic French 75 Cocktail
- Fresh Mezcalitas
Easy Simple Syrup Flavor Variations
We can impart extra flavor to our simple syrup by steeping herbs, spices, and more in the mixture. Just add them before warming the mixture, and leave them in until your simple syrup has cooled to room temperature. If you’re interested, I’d pick one, or maybe two, flavorings that will complement your drink.
Fresh Herbs
Fresh mint, rosemary, thyme or lavender make lovely simple syrups. Have you ever had mint simple syrup in a creamy iced coffee? No? You’ve been missing out!
Warming Spices
Whole cinnamon sticks, cloves or nutmeg will infuse your simple syrup with warming spices. These would be great options during the holidays.
Citrus or Ginger
Citrus zest (orange, lemon or lime) or slices of fresh ginger will liven up your simple syrup. If your drink is already citrus-forward, including a citrusy simple syrup will take it to the next level.
Simple Syrup
Make this simple syrup recipe and enjoy cocktails at home! Simple syrup is so easy to make. Recipe as written yields ¾ cup (made with sugar) or 1 cup (made with honey). It can easily be scaled up or down to suit your needs; just use equal parts water and sweetener.
Ingredients
- ½ cup sugar or honey
- ½ cup water
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine the sugar (or honey) and water. Warm the mixture over medium heat, stirring often, until the sweetener is fully incorporated and the mixture is clear (it’s done when you no longer see any sugar granules or swirls of honey). No need to cook it any longer at this point.
- Remove the mixture from the heat and let it cool to room temperature. Use as needed. Store any leftover simple syrup in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
Notes
Change it up: Before warming, add fresh herbs (mint, thyme, lavender or rosemary), or whole spices (cinnamon sticks, cloves or nutmeg), or strips of citrus zest (orange, lemon or lime), or several slices of fresh ginger. Let the mixture cool to room temperature before removing your flavoring agents.
Alternate mixing options: You can also make simple syrup in the microwave (use a microwave-safe bowl large enough to contain the mixture if it starts bubbling). If using honey, you can just pour very hot water into the honey and stir until blended. Or if you want to use some muscle, shake sugar and water together in a mason jar until the sugar fully dissolves.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice. See our full nutrition disclosure here.
Thank you for this simple syrup recipe. I now have a jar in the refrigerator at all times. I grow lemongrass and decided to lightly crush a couple of 2-3 inch pieces and add this to the sugar and water mixture. I just leave it in the jar…… It is a subtle flavor and l’m enjoying it. Next time I will increase the lemongrass amount. I used the cinnamon, cardamon, ginger additions together and have been adding it to my homemade chai tea….I’m used to using maple syrup as the sweetener for my chai so I will play with adding that in next time.
That sounds lovely! Thank you for sharing, Sat.
I never use simple syrup. I just use agave syrup that I always have for other needs. It works just fine. Especially in a margarita!
Not sure about the jerks who needed to do 1 star other than they’re jerks, but I appreciate this recipe! I’ve attempted my own simple syrup without guidance and this definitely was helpful! I also love all the tips of things to add and what they might work with. Thank you much!
Thanks, Nancy! I’m glad you appreciate this one and hope you’re having a great weekend. I’m not sure what those bots were up to, but I’ve trashed their comments! Sheesh!
Classic 1:1 ratio. Thanks for the suggestions of the herb and spice additions. That’s what makes this post super useful! I think the 1-star ratings are trolls. I mean wtf??
Hi Terri! Thank you for your review. I’m happy you found this helpful! Yeah, not sure what all of that was about. :)
Simple
I’ve loved everything I’ve made from your site. A standout is your falafel recipe. Thanks for existing really, I hope you carry on sharing your skills.
Thank you, Margo! That’s really kind. I’m happy to hear you have been enjoying so much.
Hi, Kate! What quantity of fresh herbs do you recommend for this recipe? I have a bunch of mint in my garden that I’d love to use for this.
Hi Heather! Great question. It all depends as there are variables (freshness, how much flavor, type of herb, etc). I would say a few sprigs is a safe bet. Let me know if you try it!
we bought a red velvet cake from a grocery, and it was the best ever. had a very thin, invisible simple syrup glaze on it. any idea what extract would go that well with a red velvet cake? thanks!
LOVE this recipe!!!! Thank-You for sharing it. Simple syrup definitely made simple and you can flavor as many folks have done! Will be using this recipe for years to come!
Thank you for your review, Sandra!
The Chinese restaurants and buffets offer a very simple sweet and sour sauce. I decided to copy it. I tasted absolutely no fruit juice in their versions.
So, I began with the simple syrup recipe, added vinegar to taste, and a few drops of red food coloring. Viola! Done!
Could I use vanilla bean to the simple syrup recipe? I’d like to try this in my cold coffee.
Thank you
I haven’t tried it so I’m not sure how much to add. Sorry!
Have you ever tried making a more concentrated version? I use double sugar to water. Works well for basting grilled salmon as well as for mint juleps.
Thank you for tip of adding mint to mixture before microwaving! Can’t wait to try this with new neighbors tonight ❣️
I found I like this ratio the best.Thank you for your review, Marilyn.
I was wondering if you know of any clear-colorless, maple flavoring. I know it will likely be imitation, but a church group I am a part of incorporates rainbow colors and I saw a picture of Rainbow pancakes. Since ‘maple syrup’ goes with pancakes, and my birthday is coming up I was thinking about the pancakes, but didn’t want the amber coloring to diminish the attractiveness of the rainbow effect. Please let me know? I love You & Cookie & your recipes. I will be sharing. I have a Rylee (She’s a summa too – summa dachshund and summa beagle – also boob in 2009). Blessing to you. Christine