How to Make Simple Syrup

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Simple Syrup is so easy to make and is a staple sweetener for most cocktails.  You can also choose to buy this at your grocery store, but why?  It’s so easy to make at home and it will save you money.  Plus no unnecessary added ingredients to extend the shelf life.  Simple syrup is also called Classic Syrup, which is what Starbucks uses.  

You may come across another simple syrup recipe, that has you combine a 2:1 ratio.  That is two parts sugar with one part water.  This is called Rich Simple Syrup.  

What is simple syrup?

Just a neutral liquid sweetener.  Made by mixing granulated white sugar and water.  Simple syrup is a base to many cocktails.

What is rich simple syrup?

Same ingredients used in simple syrup, except you use more granulated white sugar to water.  This creates more of a viscous (thicker) simple syrup to add in to your cocktails.  By using rich simple syrup in cocktails lets say, since it has more sugar, it will be more sweet.  So you don’t have to use as much syrup to sweeten your cocktail as you would regular simple syrup.  

What do you need to make simple syrup at home?

Water and sugar.  Plain and simple.

How to make simple syrup: (1:1 ratio)

• Combine equal parts sugar with equal parts water

How to make a rich syrup: (2:1 ratio)

• Mix two parts sugar with one part water.

What can I put my simple syrup in?

Coffee, sweet tea, cocktails and not so sweet smoothies that need extra sweetness to name a few.  Simple syrup can also be used in baking and I have also seen cake bakers use it in between cake layers to keep moist.  Really, you can put it into just about anything that needs a little added sweetness.

Step By Step instructions to Make Simple Syrup:

Step One: Measure equal parts granulated white sugar and equal parts water.

Step Two:  Place ingredients into a small saucepan and turn on low heat.

Step Three:  Whisk syrup until sugar has fully dissolved.  You don’t want the syrup to boil, just warm up long enough for the sugar to dissolve.

Step Four:  Remove from heat and let cool.

Step Five:  Using a funnel, pour simple syrup into a glass jar.  I like to use these BORMIOLI ROCCO GLASS JARS to store my syrups in.

Step Six: Store in fridge for up to 14 days.

MORE SIMPLE SYRUP RECIPES

• Honey Simple Syrup for Cocktails