How to Make Simple Syrup (plain + infused)

Simple Syrup is a staple ingredient for any well stocked home bar. Once you learn how easy it is to make at home, you will never buy it again!

Simple syrup is exactly what is sounds like: a basic syrup made with granulated sugar and water.

The most common way simple syrup is used is in cocktails. Because so many drink recipes include simple syrup, it’s definitely a staple for any home bar.

Although it's readily available at any grocery store, once you find out how easy it is to make, you'll never need to rush out to buy it for your favorite drink again.

Lemon drop martini, anyone?

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Ingredients
Instructions
Infused Simple Syrup
FAQs
Ways to use it
Recipe

Ingredients

There really isn't much to simple syrup. You only need sugar and water to make it!

The type of sugar you use will impact your syrup's flavor.

The most common type is made with regular granulated white sugar. This gives it a clear color and mild sweetness (and what you see bottled at the grocery store).

But you can also make brown simple syrups. Swap the granulated sugar for Turbinado (raw) sugar and you'll get a richer syrup with a hint of caramel flavor (perfect for those fall and winter drinks!).

A glass cup on a table, with Simple Syrup.

Instructions

Simple syrup is aptly named; it really is simple to make.

Step 1: Pick your sugar.

Step 2: Place sugar and water in pan.

Step 3: Boil until sugar dissolves.

Step 4: Cool and store in a mason jar.

A mason jar on a table, with Syrup and Garnish.

Infused Simple Syrup

Infusing syrup with herbs like basil, rosemary and mint (or even fruits!) gives it a subtle but unique taste that can be a delicious way to put a seasonal spin on your favorite drink recipes.

Step 1: Pick your herb

Step 2: Boil sugar and water until sugar is dissolved

Step 3: Remove from heat, add herbs and steep for 1 hour.

Step 4: Cool and store (remove herbs before placing in jar)

FAQs

How long does simple syrup last?

We love to use mason jars to store it after we make it, but you can also use any other glass jar or bottle or even a plastic food storage container.
Stored properly, it will keep for one month.

What is rich simple syrup?

Rich simple syrup uses a 2:1 sugar to water ratio. As the name implies, it is sweeter than regular.
Some bartenders prefer to use it in their cocktails because it is thicker and gives cocktails a little more body and mouthfeel.
Tip: Always use less rich syrup if substituting for regular.

Ways to use it

Looking for more ways to use your simple syrup? You can't go wrong with a margarita!

Don't be fooled by the gorgeous color, these Blueberry Margaritas are not super sweet!
Add a little heat with some Spicy Grapefruit Margaritas
Need a drink for a group? These Blood Orange Margaritas are the perfect answer!
We never met a Golden Margarita we didn't love!

These cocktail recipes use infused syrup to add subtle flavor:

Who can say no Peach Frosé Slushies?
Bourbon and Apple Cider Cocktails are perfect fireside sippers.
This Tequila Mojito combines two of our favorite cocktails in one.
Cranberry Old Fashioned combines all of the winter flavors in one glass!

But it's not just for cocktails. You can also use it to make homemade lemonade, sweet tea, or even as a flavorful dressing for fruit salads.

Recipe

Yield: 1 cup