Food and Recipes Drinks Cocktails Simple Syrup 1.0 (1) 1 Review For cocktails, sweet tea, desserts, and more, learn how to make simple syrup. By Karen Schroeder-Rankin Karen Schroeder-Rankin Karen Rankin is a chef, recipe developer, and food stylist with over 25 years experience cooking, developing recipes, styling food, and entertaining guests at her table and in restaurants. Southern Living's editorial guidelines Updated on April 8, 2023 Print Rate It Share Share Tweet Pin Email Photo: Dotdash Meredith Active Time: 5 mins Total Time: 35 mins Yield: 1 cup Simple Syrup is an absolute staple in any Southern refrigerator. 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. Ingredients 1 cup granulated sugar 1 cup water Directions How to make simple syrup: Dotdash Meredith Combine 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 cup water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high, stirring constantly until sugar dissolves. Dotdash Meredith Remove from heat, and cool to room temperature, about 30 minutes. Store in an airtight container in refrigerator up to 2 weeks. Dotdash Meredith How Long Does Simple Syrup Last? This Simple Syrup will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Rate it Print