Simple Syrup

Simple syrup is an absolute staple in many Southern refrigerators. We use it to mix into our favorite cocktails or stir into our classic sweet tea recipe. If you've ever made an Old Fashioned, you know the addition of simple syrup is a must.

We also love to infuse our simple syrup with fresh herbs, like mint for the warmer months and rosemary for the winter and fall. In the summer, peach simple syrup is a real treat.

You can even infuse it with your favorite flavor of citrus, whether lemon, orange, or even grapefruit. Just add a few peels to your saucepan right after removing it from the heat for a subtle flavor. We guarantee, just a hint will take your simple syrup up a notch. Chances are, you'll be asked to spill your secret as the light herbal notes might not be strong enough to pinpoint.

If you're planning a party, make up a double batch, and put it in a small glass pitcher with a label, making it easy for guests to add to their highball glasses. It's incredibly easy to make, so we venture to guess you're going to be filing this one in the "most popular" section of your recipe book. Trust us, this is going to be your new secret weapon. 

What Is Simple Syrup?

Simple syrup is a liquid sweetener, making it ideal for sweetening cold drinks where granulated sugar won't dissolve easily into the mix. As a sweetener for cocktails, it became a bar staple in the 19th century.

To make it, hot water and sugar are mixed to combine until the sugar dissolves. The ratio of sugar to water can be adjusted depending on the application and sweetness level you prefer. Simple syrup can also be infused with spices, herbs, fruits, and more for a unique flavor profile you can use in cold or hot drinks, desserts, and more.

Ingredients for Simple Syrup

The ingredient list needed for making simple syrup is a short one: just equal parts granulated sugar and water. Sugar dissolves into the water when heated to create a clear liquid sweetener, perfect for adding to cocktails, beverages, and desserts. Depending on how you plan to use the syrup and the sweetness you prefer, you can adjust the ratio of sugar to water accordingly, adding more sugar for a thicker, sweeter syrup.

How To Make Simple Syrup

To make your own simple syrup, combine the water and sugar in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves, then cool to room temperature before using or storing in an airtight container.

Simple Syrup Variations

Depending on the application, you may find that infusing your simple syrup with additional flavor can help enhance the item it's being added to. Consider these variation ideas to help get your creative juices flowing:

• Sweetener: Substitute some or all of the sugar with brown sugar, honey, agave, maple syrup, coconut sugar, or other preferred sweeteners for a unique flavor profile.
• Spices: Cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, nutmeg, clove, and more can be infused into the simple syrup for a hint of warmth and spice.
• Citrus: Add orange, grapefruit, lemon, or lime peel for a bright, citrusy flavor.
• Herbs and flowers: Thyme, rosemary, basil, lavender, chamomile, hibiscus, and more can be infused into the syrup for a flavorful touch.
• Vanilla: Vanilla simple syrup is a classic, great for coffee, tea, or soaking cakes. Add split vanilla bean pods or vanilla bean paste to the syrup for flecks of vanilla throughout.
• Fruits: Infuse fruity flavor and color into the syrup by adding fresh or frozen berries, apples, cranberries, and more while cooking the syrup. Strain out the solids before using.

Ways To Use Simple Syrup

Simple syrup isn't just great for sweetening cocktails or lemonade. Its uses are almost endless:

• Beverages: Whether the drinks are hot or cold, use this syrup to sweeten lemonade, ice tea, sodas, spritzers, tea, coffee, and more.
• Mocktails or cocktails: Sweeten your favorite cocktails or mocktails.
• Breakfast: Use to drizzle over waffles, pancakes, French toast, oatmeal, or yogurt for a sweet touch.
• Dressings, marinades, and more: Simple syrup can be a sweet base for salad dressing, marinades, or glazes.
• Fruit salad: Toss into fruit salad for a glossy, sweet finish.
• Popsicles: Add to pureed fruit and freeze to make fruity popsicles.
• Cakes: Brush over warm layer cakes before stacking to moisten them and add additional flavor, or use to revive overbaked quick breads or cupcakes.

How To Store Simple Syrup

Keep this simple syrup on hand to add into your iced coffee or tea, or for mixing up a cocktail at the end of a long workday. Store the cooled syrup in an airtight container or jar (with a spout lid if you have one) in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

How Long Does Simple Syrup Last?

This simple syrup will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

More Simple Syrup Recipes You'll Love

Having a variety of simple syrups on hand at your next event can be a fun and impressive way to jazz up iced tea, cocktails, and more:

• Honey Simple Syrup
• Peach Simple Syrup
• Watermelon Simple Syrup
• Vanilla Syrup
• Juniper Syrup
• Lemon Balm Simple Syrup
• Cranberry Simple Syrup

Editorial contributions by Katie Rosenhouse.