Home » Simple Syrup

Estimated reading time: 12 minutes

Simple syrup is a staple cocktail sweetener that’s incredibly easy to make. With equal parts granulated sugar and water, you can make this versatile syrup with ease. But, that’s not all. The variations of simple syrup are endless. If you like your sweetener sweeter, you can try rich simple syrup, which ups the ratio to two parts sugar to one part water and adds more heft to your cocktails.

simple syrup in a clear glass and bottle
Simple Syrup

Recipe for simple syrup

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup water

Instructions:

  • In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and water.
  • Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves.
  • Once the sugar has dissolved, remove the pan from the heat and let the mixture cool to room temperature.
  • Once the syrup has cooled, pour it into a glass jar or bottle and store it in the refrigerator for up to one month.
simple syrup in a clear glass and bottle

simple syrup

Used in nearly every sweet cocktail understading simple syrup is a must
5 from 4 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Drinks
Cuisine American
Servings 1
Calories 140 kcal

Equipment

  • small saucepan

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup water

Instructions
 

  • In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and water.
  • Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves.
  • Once the sugar has dissolved, remove the pan from the heat and let the mixture cool to room temperature.
  • Once the syrup has cooled, pour it into a glass jar or bottle and store it in the refrigerator for up to one month.

Notes

You can adjust the sweetness level of the simple syrup by using more or less sugar. The most common ratio is 1:1 (equal parts sugar and water), but you can use a 2:1 or 3:1 ratio for a sweeter syrup.
You can also add flavorings to the simple syrup while it’s heating up. Some popular additions include cinnamon sticks, vanilla beans, or herbs like mint or rosemary.
If you want a thicker syrup, use more sugar than water. If you want a thinner syrup, use more water than sugar.
Make sure to store the simple syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator to prevent it from spoiling.
If you want to make a larger or smaller batch of simple syrup, use the same ratio of sugar to water. For example, if you only want to make half a cup of simple syrup, use half a cup of sugar and half a cup of water.
Keyword how to make simple syrup, simple syrup, simple syrup for cocktails, what is simple syrup

Tips:

You can adjust the sweetness level of the simple syrup by using more or less sugar. The most common ratio is 1:1 (equal parts sugar and water), but you can use a 2:1 or 3:1 ratio for a sweeter syrup.
You can also add flavorings to the simple syrup while it’s heating up. Some popular additions include cinnamon sticks, vanilla beans, or herbs like mint or rosemary.
If you want a thicker syrup, use more sugar than water. If you want a thinner syrup, use more water than sugar.
Make sure to store the simple syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator to prevent it from spoiling.
If you want to make a larger or smaller batch of simple syrup, use the same ratio of sugar to water. For example, if you only want to make half a cup of simple syrup, use half a cup of sugar and half a cup of water.

Enjoy your homemade simple syrup in your favorite cocktails, iced teas, lemonades, and more!

Pure Cane Sugar

If plain white sugar isn’t cutting it, try demerara, a type of raw cane sugar with a richer taste. But why stop there? You can also infuse your simple syrup with countless ingredients—including spices, herbs, and fruit. Infusing your simple syrup with different ingredients can help you achieve the desired flavor profile you’re looking for.

Flavors

Looking to add some heat to your Paloma or oomph to your Old Fashioned? Steep a couple of jalapeño slices or cinnamon sticks in your syrup. Want to give your drinks a kick of vanilla? Vanilla simple syrup is the answer. Are you a big fan of ginger? You see where this is going.

The best part? Your homemade simple syrup once sealed and refrigerated can live a happy, productive life for up to a month. That’s 30 days of shaking, stirring, blending, and drinking your own homemade cocktails, from classics like the Daiquiri to new concoctions you create on the fly. The possibilities are endless, and you’re only limited by your imagination.

You see, with simple syrup, you don’t need to be a bartender or a master mixologist to make delicious cocktails. If you can boil water, you can make simple syrup. So, try it and see how it elevates your cocktail game!

Simple Syrup At Home

Are you tired of using store-bought syrups for your cocktails? Well, we’ve got the perfect solution for you- simple syrup! This versatile syrup can be used in a variety of cocktails and even non-alcoholic drinks.

What is simple syrup?

So, what is simple syrup? It’s a sweetener made from two ingredients- sugar and water. The ratio for making simple syrup is usually one part sugar to one part water. It’s easy to make and lasts for a long time if stored correctly.

Instructions

To make simple syrup, add equal parts of sugar and water to a saucepan and heat on low until the sugar dissolves. Let it cool, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. That’s it!

Now, let’s talk about simple syrup recipe for cocktails. The most common ratio is one part simple syrup to two parts alcohol, but this can be adjusted to your taste preference. Some popular cocktails that use simple syrup include the old fashioned and the simple dimple.

To make an old-fashioned, muddle sugar and bitters in a glass, add ice and whiskey, then pour in a splash of simple syrup. Stir and enjoy! For a simple dimple, mix vodka, grapefruit juice, and simple syrup in a shaker with ice, then strain into a glass and garnish with a grapefruit slice.

Uses

The great thing about simple syrup is that it can also be used to sweeten non-alcoholic drinks like lemonade and iced tea. And, if you want to get creative, you can add different flavors to the syrup while it’s heating up, like cinnamon or vanilla.

One of the best things about simple syrup is how long it lasts. As long as it’s stored in an airtight container in the fridge, it can last for up to a month.

Old Fashioned Drink Recipe

Here is a full recipe for an old-fashioned:

Old Fashioned drink cocktail on a table with smoke
old fashioned drink

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz. bourbon or rye whiskey
  • 1 tsp. simple syrup
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  • 1 orange slice
  • 1 maraschino cherry
  • Ice

Instructions:

  • In an old fashioned glass, muddle the orange slice, cherry, and simple syrup.
  • Add a few ice cubes to the glass and pour in the bourbon or rye whiskey.
  • Add the bitters and stir well.
  • Top up the glass with more ice cubes.
  • Garnish with another orange slice and cherry.
Old Fashioned drink cocktail on a table with smoke

old fashioned

old fashioned is a classic cocktail that uses simple syrup
5 from 4 votes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course Drinks
Cuisine American
Servings 1
Calories 180 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 oz. bourbon or rye whiskey
  • 1 tsp. simple syrup
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  • 1 orange slice
  • 1 maraschino cherry
  • Ice

Instructions
 

  • In an old fashioned glass, muddle the orange slice, cherry, and simple syrup.
  • Add a few ice cubes to the glass and pour in the bourbon or rye whiskey.
  • Add the bitters and stir well.
  • Top up the glass with more ice cubes.
  • Garnish with another orange slice and cherry.

Notes

Tips:
The type of whiskey you use can greatly affect the taste of your old fashioned. Bourbon has a sweeter taste, while rye whiskey has a spicier taste.
You can adjust the amount of simple syrup you use to your taste preference. If you like your drinks sweeter, add more simple syrup.
The key to a good old fashioned is the muddled fruit. Make sure to muddle the fruit well to release the flavors.
Use a large ice cube instead of small ones to avoid diluting the drink too quickly.
You can also use a sugar cube instead of simple syrup. Muddle the sugar cube with the bitters and fruit before adding the whiskey.
Keyword How to make an old fashioned, Old Fashioned, Old Fashioned Drink, Old Fashioned Drink Recipe

Tips:

  • The type of whiskey you use can greatly affect the taste of your old fashioned. Bourbon has a sweeter taste, while rye whiskey has a spicier taste.
  • You can adjust the amount of simple syrup you use to your taste preference. If you like your drinks sweeter, add more simple syrup.
  • The key to a good old fashioned is the muddled fruit. Make sure to muddle the fruit well to release the flavors.
  • Use a large ice cube instead of small ones to avoid diluting the drink too quickly.
  • You can also use a sugar cube instead of simple syrup. Muddle the sugar cube with the bitters and fruit before adding the whiskey.

photo credit

Simple Dimple Drink Recipe

Simple Dimple Cocktail Drink
Simple dimple drink

Here is a full recipe for simple dimple:

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz. vodka
  • 2 oz. fresh grapefruit juice
  • 1 oz. simple syrup
  • Ice
  • Grapefruit slice for garnish

Instructions:

  • Fill a shaker with ice.
  • Add the vodka, grapefruit juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
  • Shake well for about 10-15 seconds until the mixture is well combined and chilled.
  • Strain the cocktail into a glass filled with ice.
  • Garnish with a slice of grapefruit and serve.
Simple Dimple Cocktail Drink

Simple dimple

Simple dimple is a popular cocktail that’s refreshing and perfect for a hot summer day. It’s a variation of the classic Greyhound cocktail, with the addition of simple syrup. Simple dimple is a citrusy and sweet cocktail that’s easy to make at home. To make simple dimple, you will need vodka, grapefruit juice, and simple syrup. Start by filling a shaker with ice, then add 2 ounces of vodka, 2 ounces of fresh grapefruit juice, and 1 ounce of simple syrup. Shake well for about 10-15 seconds until the mixture is well combined and chilled. Next, strain the cocktail into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with a slice of grapefruit and serve. It’s that easy! You can adjust the amount of simple syrup depending on your preference. If you like your drinks sweeter, add more simple syrup. Simple dimple is a perfect cocktail for entertaining guests or just enjoying a relaxing evening at home. It’s light and refreshing, with the perfect balance of sweet and sour flavors. It’s also a great cocktail for those who are not big fans of strong drinks, as the grapefruit juice masks the taste of the vodka.
5 from 4 votes
Total Time 4 minutes
Course Drinks
Cuisine American
Servings 1
Calories 180 kcal

Equipment

  • cocktail shaker

Ingredients
  

  • 2 oz. vodka
  • 2 oz. fresh grapefruit juice
  • 1 oz. simple syrup
  • Ice
  • Grapefruit slice for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Fill a shaker with ice.
  • Add the vodka, grapefruit juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
  • Shake well for about 10-15 seconds until the mixture is well combined and chilled.
  • Strain the cocktail into a glass filled with ice.
  • Garnish with a slice of grapefruit and serve.

Notes

Tips:
If you don’t have fresh grapefruit juice, you can use bottled juice. However, the flavor may not be as fresh and bright.
You can adjust the amount of simple syrup depending on your preference. If you like your drinks sweeter, add more simple syrup.
To make a large batch of simple dimple, multiply the recipe by the number of servings you want to make and mix in a pitcher.
If you don’t have a cocktail shaker, you can use a mason jar or any container with a tight-fitting lid.
Keyword How to make a Simple Dimplej, Simple Dimple, Simple Dimple Cocktail, what is a simple dimple

Tips:

If you don’t have fresh grapefruit juice, you can use bottled juice. However, the flavor may not be as fresh and bright.
You can adjust the amount of simple syrup depending on your preference. If you like your drinks sweeter, add more simple syrup.
To make a large batch of simple dimple, multiply the recipe by the number of servings you want to make and mix in a pitcher.
If you don’t have a cocktail shaker, you can use a mason jar or any container with a tight-fitting lid.

Enjoy your refreshing and tasty simple dimple cocktail!

Simple dimple is a popular cocktail that’s refreshing and perfect for a hot summer day. It’s a variation of the classic Greyhound cocktail, with the addition of simple syrup. Simple dimple is a citrusy and sweet cocktail that’s easy to make at home.

To make simple dimple, you will need vodka, grapefruit juice, and simple syrup. Start by filling a shaker with ice, then add 2 ounces of vodka, 2 ounces of fresh grapefruit juice, and 1 ounce of simple syrup. Shake well for about 10-15 seconds until the mixture is well combined and chilled.

Next, strain the cocktail into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with a slice of grapefruit and serve. It’s that easy! You can adjust the amount of simple syrup depending on your preference. If you like your drinks sweeter, add more simple syrup.

Simple dimple is a perfect cocktail for entertaining guests or just enjoying a relaxing evening at home. It’s light and refreshing, with the perfect balance of sweet and sour flavors. It’s also a great cocktail for those who are not big fans of strong drinks, as the grapefruit juice masks the taste of the vodka.

Lavender Simple Syrup

Lavender simple syrup is a delicious and versatile syrup that can be used in a variety of cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks. It’s easy to make at home and can add a unique floral and sweet flavor to your favorite beverages.

lavendar simple syrup
lavender simple syrup uses the lavender plan

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 tbsp. dried culinary lavender

Instructions:

  1. Combine the sugar, water, and dried lavender in a small saucepan.
  2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
  3. Once the sugar has dissolved, let the mixture simmer for 5-10 minutes until the lavender flavor has infused into the syrup.
  4. Remove the pan from the heat and let the syrup cool to room temperature.
  5. Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh strainer to remove the lavender.
  6. Pour the syrup into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to one month.
lavendar simple syrup

Lavender simple syrup

Lavender simple syrup is a delicious and versatile syrup that can be used in a variety of cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks. It’s easy to make at home and can add a unique floral and sweet flavor to your favorite beverages.
5 from 4 votes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Drinks
Cuisine American
Servings 1
Calories 140 kcal

Equipment

  • saucepan
  • fine-mesh strainer
  • airtight container

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 tbsp. dried culinary lavender

Instructions
 

  • In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, water, and dried lavender.
  • Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
  • Once the sugar has dissolved, let the mixture simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the lavender flavor has infused into the syrup.
  • Remove the pan from the heat and let the syrup cool to room temperature.
  • Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh strainer to remove the lavender.
  • Pour the syrup into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to one month.

Notes

Use culinary lavender, which is specifically grown for cooking, to ensure that the flavor is safe and delicious to consume.
If you prefer a stronger lavender flavor, you can increase the amount of lavender to 3-4 tbsp.
You can also add other herbs or spices to the syrup while it’s heating up to create a unique flavor profile. For example, you could add a cinnamon stick or a few sprigs of thyme.
Lavender simple syrup can be used in a variety of cocktails, like a Lavender Martini or a Lavender Lemonade. It can also be used to sweeten iced tea or sparkling water.
Keyword how to make lavender simple syrup, lavendar simple syrup, lavendar simple syrup for cocktails, lavendar simple syrup recipe

Tips:

  • Use culinary lavender, which is specifically grown for cooking, to ensure that the flavor is safe and delicious to consume.
  • If you prefer a stronger lavender flavor, you can increase the amount of lavender to 3-4 tbsp.
  • You can also add other herbs or spices to the syrup while it’s heating up to create a unique flavor profile. For example, you could add a cinnamon stick or a few sprigs of thyme.
  • Lavender simple syrup can be used in a variety of cocktails, like a Lavender Martini or a Lavender Lemonade. It can also be used to sweeten iced tea or sparkling water.

How to heat the water

When making simple syrup, there are several ways to heat the mixture and different water sources that can be used to make it.

The most common way to heat the mixture is on a stovetop. Simply combine equal parts sugar and water in a small saucepan and heat over medium heat, occasionally stirring until the sugar dissolves. You don’t need to boil the mixture, just heat it enough to dissolve the sugar. Once the sugar has dissolved, take the pan off the heat and let it cool down to room temperature. Then, transfer the syrup to an airtight container and store it in the fridge.

Microwave

Another way to heat the mixture is in a microwave. Simply combine equal parts sugar and water in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the sugar has dissolved. Once the sugar has dissolved, let the syrup cool down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container.

Sous vide

You can also heat the mixture using a sous vide machine. Combine equal parts sugar and water in a vacuum-sealed bag and seal it using a vacuum sealer. Place the bag in a sous vide machine and heat the water to 135°F. Let it cook for 2 hours, then remove the bag from the water and let it cool down to room temperature. Once the syrup has cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the fridge.

Water

When it comes to the water source, you can use tap water or filtered water. Some people prefer to use filtered water to remove any impurities that may affect the taste of the syrup. It’s important to use clean and safe water to avoid any contamination in the syrup.

As you can see, there are different ways to heat your simple syrup, from stovetop to microwave to sous vide machine. You can also choose to use tap water or filtered water. Experiment with different heating methods and water sources to find what works best for you and your recipe.

Cocktails and Simple Syrup

A cocktail is an alcoholic drink that is made by mixing two or more ingredients, typically including spirits, sweeteners, and flavors. Cocktails come in many different varieties and can be served either straight up, on the rocks, or blended with ice.

Simple syrup is a commonly used sweetener in cocktails because it dissolves easily and blends well with other ingredients. Unlike granulated sugar, simple syrup doesn’t leave any sugar granules at the bottom of the glass and blends evenly with the other ingredients in the cocktail.

Sweet drinks

Using simple syrup in cocktails also allows for greater control over the sweetness level of the drink. With granulated sugar, it’s difficult to control how much sugar will dissolve in the cocktail, which can lead to a drink that’s either too sweet or not sweet enough. Simple syrup, on the other hand, allows you to control the sweetness level by adjusting the ratio of sugar to water.

Flavors

In addition, simple syrup can be infused with different flavors, like herbs, fruits, or spices, to create unique and delicious cocktail recipes. Infusing the syrup with different flavors adds depth and complexity to the cocktail, making it more exciting and flavorful.

To wrap this up, cocktails are alcoholic drinks made by mixing two or more ingredients. Simple syrup is a popular sweetener in cocktails because it dissolves easily, blends well with other ingredients, and allows for greater control over the sweetness level of the drink. Simple syrup can also infuse different flavors to create unique and delicious cocktail recipes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, cocktails are the perfect drink for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just unwinding after a long day, a well-crafted cocktail can make everything better. So why not try making your own cocktails at home? With simple syrup and a little bit of creativity, you can whip up a drink that will impress your friends and make you feel like a pro mixologist. Who knows, you might even discover your new favorite drink. Just remember to drink responsibly and always have a designated driver – because no one likes a hangover or a DUI. Cheers!