Classic Cocktails & Drinks With A Funky Twist

How to Make Simple Syrup

5 from 5 votes
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Updated: 01/10/18

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy
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This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy

Learn all you need to know for how to make simple syrup for cocktails!  An essential for any bar, simply syrup is easy to make.  You can even make flavored simple syrup.  Use your simple syrup in all sorts of great cocktails like this Wine and Whiskey Cocktail, this Cinnamon Sangria, or this Grapefruit Champagne Cocktail.

There are so many great cocktail recipes out there that require simple syrup – you might be tempted to buy it. But don’t!  It is so easy to make, and much less expensive to make at home than go out and buy.

HOW DO YOU MAKE SIMPLE SYRUP

Making simple syrup requires boiling equal parts sugar and water.  Though there are some versions that do a 2 to 1 ratio of sugar to water, we stick with the 1 to 1 ratio for our cocktails.

There is a method of making simple syrup that requires just shaking the sugar in the water until it dissolves, but we will stick with the boiling method.

Start with one cup of sugar.

Never buy simple syrup again with this easy tutorial!

Add in one cup of water.

Learn the simple syrup ratio and how to make it at home!

Mix together over low heat.

It is easy to make simple syrup at home, you never have to buy it again!

Bring to a boil and continue to cook until the sugar is completely dissolved, and the liquid has slightly thickened.

Learn all you need to know for how to make simple syrup for cocktails!  An essential for any bar, simply syrup is easy to make.

Remove the simple syrup from the heat, allow to cool, and use in all your cocktails.

HOW DO YOU MAKE FLAVORED SIMPLE SYRUP?

Flavored simple syrup is a great way to add something special to a cocktail.  What about a rosemary twist on your gin and tonic?  Or a basil twist to your vodka lemonade?  It is simple and easy to do.

Make the simple syrup as you normally would, and then just when you are done and removing the syrup from the heat, add whatever flavor you want (basil leaves, a sprig of rosemary, lemon peel, a cinnamon stick).  We like to remove the basil, the lemon peel, or the cinnamon stick before making our cocktails, but that is up to you.

HOW DO YOU STORE SIMPLE SYRUP?

Simple syrup has a good shelf life.  Simple syrup that is a one to one ratio (as is described here) has a one month shelf life if stored in a clean airtight container in the refrigerator.  Syrup that is a 2 to 1 ratio has a six week shelf life if stored in a clean airtight container in the refrigerator.

WHAT CAN I USE SIMPLE SYRUP IN?</3>
There are so many great cocktails out there that use simple syrup.  Start with these ones:

Learn how to plan and flavored simple syrup!

Learn all you need to know for how to make simple syrup for cocktails!  An essential for any bar, simply syrup is easy to make.
5 from 5 votes

How To Make Simple Syrup

(tap # to scale)
Prep: 2 minutes
Cook: 5 minutes
Total: 7 minutes
An essential for any bar, simple syrup is easy to make and is a great staple to keep on hand. Made with just two ingredients, this really is the best simple syrup recipe!

Ingredients

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup water

Instructions

  • Combine the water and the sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat.  Bring to a boil and simmer, stirring, until the sugar has completely dissolved and the syrup has thickened, about 5 minutes.
  • Cool completely.
  • Use in all your cocktails and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one month.
Learn all you need to know for how to make simple syrup for cocktails!  An essential for any bar, simply syrup is easy to make.

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How To Make Simple Syrup

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Simple syrup for cocktails is easy to make at home!

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Lisa Longley has been creating great recipes for more than a decade. While it is too hard for her to pick her favorite cocktail, she is known to love our dirty martini.

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  1. Tracy says

    How can I make diabetic friendly simple syrup?

    • Nathan Longley says

      You could use stevia in place of the sugar, just follow their instructions for the ratio between sugar and stevia.

  2. Lillie Hill says

    5 stars
    Love the recipes

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