Go Back Email Link
–+ servings
Glass bottle filled with homemade simple syrup on a white marble counter

Homemade Simple Syrup Recipe

Simple syrup is sugar and water heated until smooth and clear. It gives cold drinks, milkshakes, lemonade, iced tea, and fruit drinks, even sweetness without gritty sugar at the bottom.
Servings 16 Tablespoon
Prep Time 2 minutes
Cook Time 7 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 19 minutes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Equipment

  • Small Saucepan
  • Spoon
  • Glass Jar or Bottle with lid
  • Funnel (Optional)
  • Strainer (Optional)

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup water

Instructions
 

  • Add the sugar and water to a small saucepan. Stir to help it start dissolving.
    1 cup granulated sugar, 1 cup water
    Water being poured into a saucepan to make homemade simple syrup
  • Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir gently while the sugar melts into the water.
    Sugar and water heating in a saucepan for homemade simple syrup
  • Stir gently until the liquid looks clear and no sugar is sitting at the bottom.
    Simple syrup being stirred in a saucepan as the sugar dissolves
  • Take the pan off the heat as soon as the syrup is clear. Then let the syrup sit in the saucepan for about 10-15 minutes. This keeps it light and pourable.
    Clear simple syrup in a saucepan after the sugar has dissolved
  • Once cool, pour it into a clean jar or bottle. Optional: Use a strainer to catch any sugar that did not dissolve.
    Simple syrup being poured into a glass bottle through a funnel
  • Make sure the syrup cools completely before covering and storing it in the fridge.
    Glass bottle filled with homemade simple syrup on a white marble counter

Notes

  • Use equal parts sugar and water.
  • Stir often so the sugar dissolves evenly.
  • Do not let it boil for too long, or the syrup can thicken and start to caramelize.
  • Use a strainer if you see any sugar that did not dissolve.
  • Add vanilla, cinnamon, orange peel, or lime peel to flavor it.
  • Let the syrup cool before adding it to cold drinks.
  • Store it in a clean jar or bottle with a lid.
  • Start with a small amount, then taste and add more if needed.

Nutrition

Calories: 48kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Fat: 0.04g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 0.3mg | Sugar: 12g | Calcium: 1mg | Iron: 0.01mg
Calories: 48kcal
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Keyword: homemade simple syrup, simple syrup for cocktails, simple syrup for drinks, simple syrup recipe,