Simple Syrup

Make this easy simple syrup recipe to sweeten your favorite cocktails! Enjoy it plain, or add herbs, lavender, ginger, and more to infuse it with flavor.

simple syrup

If you like to make cocktails at home, knowing how to make simple syrup is essential. By definition, simple syrup is a mixture of equal parts sugar and water. It allows you to sweeten cold drinks consistently – unlike granulated sugar on its own, it won’t settle into a gritty mound at the bottom of your glass. And good news! As the name suggests, this simple syrup recipe is, well, simple. It only requires two ingredients, and it comes together in 5 minutes flat. Stored in an airtight container or glass jar in the fridge, it will keep for up to 2 weeks.

Simple Syrup Recipe Variations

Basic simple syrup is really versatile, and you can use it in almost any drink. Keep it on hand to add to classic margaritas, palomas, iced tea, iced coffee, and more! You can also use ingredients like herbs and spices to add flavor to simple syrup. Here are a few of my favorite additions:

To make a flavored simple syrup, add the sugar and water to a saucepan over medium heat, and cook, stirring, until the sugar is completely dissolved. Add your desired seasonings to the syrup, remove from the heat, and let it steep for 15 minutes. Then, strain it, discard any add-ins, and chill the syrup until you’re ready to use it.

Let me know what variations you try!

Find the complete recipe with measurements below.

How to make simple syrup

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Simple Syrup

rate this recipe:
5 from 5 votes
This easy simple syrup recipe is perfect for sweetening your favorite cocktails! Leave it plain, or use the suggestions above to infuse it with flavor.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup basil or mint, optional

Instructions

  • Combine the water and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat and simmer, stirring, until the sugar dissolves.
  • If desired, add herbs, to infuse, turn the heat off and let steep for 15 minutes. Strain and chill.
  • The simple syrup can be made in advance and stored in the fridge.

Notes

See the blog post above for additional flavor ideas.

3 comments

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Rate this recipe (after making it)




  1. Nicole
    06.15.2023

    5 stars
    SO DELICIOUS – and for those not wanting to use artificial lime juice, this is about 3 limes juiced.

  2. Dot
    04.24.2020

    5 stars
    I love flavored simple syrup. My favorite is with handfuls of rosemary steeped with the syrup, and used with gin, lemon, lime and club soda in a Rosemary Gin Fizz. Also, syrup with blackberries and ginger mixed with anything, or even a bit added to fizzy water brings those memories of blackberry picking as a child to mind. And ginger simple syrup with crushed strawberries makes a great margarita!

    • Jeanine Donofrio
      04.26.2020

      ooh, I love your ideas, thank you for sharing!

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Hello, we're Jeanine and Jack.

We love to eat, travel, cook, and eat some more! We create & photograph vegetarian recipes from our home in Chicago, while our shiba pups eat the kale stems that fall on the kitchen floor.