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!

2 mason jars filled with simple syrup on a dark background. Lid of mason jar on side for sealing and a dark plate covered with granulated sugar is in the background with a gold spoon for scooping.

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
FAQs
Rich simple syrup
Infused simple syrup
Ways to use it
Recipe

Ingredients

1 part sugar
1 part water

Mason jar filled with simple syrup with a plate of granulated sugar in background and a lid for sealing jar.

Instructions

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

Pick your sugar

Place sugar and water in pan

Boil until sugar is dissolved

Cool and store

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FAQs

What kind of sugar do you use to make simple syrup?

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

The most common simple syrup 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!).

Storing simple syrup

We love to use mason jars to store simple syrup after we make it, but you can also use any other glass jar or bottle or even a plastic food storage container.

The only important tip is to cool and seal tightly before refrigerating.

How long does simple syrup last?

Plain simple syrup will keep in the refrigerator for up to one month.

Close up image of mason jar filled with simple syrup. Plate of granulated sugar in background with gold spoon for scooping.

Rich simple syrup

You might see some cocktail recipes that call for rich simple syrup. The only difference between rich simple syrup and regular simple syrup is the amount of sugar used.

Regular simple syrup uses a 1:1 sugar to water ratio. Rich simple syrup uses a 2:1 sugar to water ratio. As the name implies, rich simple syrup is sweeter than regular.

Some bartenders prefer to use rich simple syrup 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 syrup.

Fresh basil, rosemary, thyme and mint leaves on a black cutting board.

Infused simple syrup

Beyond rich simple syrup, there is also a whole gamut of infused simple syrups that you can use in cocktails.

Infusing simple 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.

Simple syrup in a stainless steel sauce pan on a black burner with fresh rosemary in pan to be infused.

Follow these steps to make an infused simple syrup:

Add granulated sugar and water to a medium pan.
Heat until sugar is dissolved.
Remove from heat and stir in a fistful of fresh herb leaves.
Let herbs steep in syrup for 1 hour.
Strain and refrigerate infused syrup in a mason jar until ready to use.

Glass measuring cup filled with simple syrup and fresh rosemary.

These cocktail recipes use infused simple syrup to add subtle flavor:

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Ways to use it

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

But simple syrup is 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