How To Make Simple Syrup

If you've ever tried to stir granulated sugar into your iced bev for a touch of sweetness, you know that it often results in mild aggravation and undesirably gritty drinks. Enter: simple syrup. With just 10 minutes and 2 ingredients, you’ll be ready to add a sweet touch to countless non-alcoholic drinks, cocktails, and even desserts. Make a batch, then store it to use for weeks to come whenever you need a boost of sweetness. It couldn’t be easier to make (and flavor!), but keep reading for all of my top tips on how to make it perfectly:

How To Make Simple Syrup

INGREDIENTS:

• Granulated Sugar & Water: To make simple syrup in its most basic form, all you need are two ingredients— granulated sugar and water—and a simple 1:1 ratio.
• Flavorings: Once you’ve mastered the classic simple syrup formula, you can flavor it in a hundred different ways. Some of my flavor suggestions noted below: vanilla, lavender, mint, rose, lemon, lime, and ginger.

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

To a small saucepan over medium heat, add equal parts granulated sugar and water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium low and simmer until the sugar is completely dissolved. If you’re making basic simple syrup, then you can move on. But, if you’re adding a flavoring, now is my favorite time to do that. Add in your desired mix-in, then continue to simmer, while stirring, until fragrant. After 2-4 minutes more, remove from the heat and let it steep until the syrup is completely cool—don’t rush this.

Alternatively, you can add your mix-ins to your individual jars, then add in your simple syrup on top once it has cooled. This won’t give you as potent a flavored syrup than simmering your flavoring, but it sure looks pretty, and will still impart flavor. Regardless, once cooled, add to your favorite sealable jar. If you simmered flavorings, strain the simple syrup into the jar. Add the lid, store, and use as you please!

The full list of ingredients and instructions can be found in the recipe below.

Recipe Tips

• The simple syrup formula. The classic simple syrup formula is a 1:1 ratio of water to sugar. For a more viscous and potent syrup, go for the rich version: 2 parts sugar to 1 part water, prepared the same way.
• Simple syrup variations. Once you’ve mastered the classic simple syrup formula, you can flavor it in a hundred different ways: Experiment with your favorite herbs, spices, or flowers. Feel free to get creative with it, or follow some of our flavor suggestions below, including vanilla, lavender, mint, rose, lemon, lime, and ginger.

How To Use Simple Syrup

Once made, the options are endless when it comes to using your simple syrup. Stir it into your cold brew or favorite coffee recipe, your iced tea, or any of your favorite cocktail recipes (our Key lime mojitos, cranberry orange whiskey sours, or French 75 are all great choices). You can also use it to make candied fruit, like the candied lemon peel in our lemon icebox cake recipe.

Storage

Store your syrup in a super-clean and sterilized jar or bottle in the fridge, and because sugar is a natural preservative, it will keep for months. Whenever you want a spike of sugar, just drizzle some into your glass or mug and stir, no vigorous shaking or exasperation needed.