Simple Syrup

A liquid sweetener made by dissolving sugar in water, used to incorporate sweetness smoothly into cold cocktails.

Simple syrup is the workhorse sweetener of the cocktail world. This solution of sugar dissolved in water allows sweetness to incorporate smoothly into cold drinks where granulated sugar would not dissolve. The basic recipe is elegantly simple: equal parts sugar and water by volume, stirred until the sugar dissolves. This one-to-one ratio produces standard simple syrup suitable for most cocktail applications. No heat is required - sugar will dissolve with persistent stirring at room temperature. Rich simple syrup uses a two-to-one ratio of sugar to water, creating a thicker, sweeter product. Rich syrup adds more sweetness with less dilution, useful when you want concentrated sweetness or when making stirred drinks where extra water is undesirable. The decision between standard and rich syrup affects recipes. When a recipe calls for simple syrup, it typically assumes one-to-one. Using rich syrup without adjustment will make the drink sweeter. Conversely, substituting standard syrup in a recipe designed for rich syrup produces a less sweet result. Simple syrup stores well refrigerated, typically lasting two to four weeks. Signs of spoilage include cloudiness, off odors, or visible mold. Adding a small amount of vodka (about half an ounce per cup of syrup) extends shelf life by inhibiting bacterial growth. Making simple syrup at home takes minutes and costs a fraction of store-bought versions. Dissolve one cup of white sugar in one cup of water, stirring until clear. Store in a clean bottle or jar in the refrigerator. Label with the date. Variations on simple syrup open creative possibilities. Demerara syrup uses raw demerara sugar for richer, more caramelized flavor - essential for authentic Mai Tais. Honey syrup dilutes honey with water for easier mixing. Maple syrup, agave nectar, and other sweeteners can be thinned similarly. Flavored simple syrups infuse additional ingredients during or after preparation. Mint syrup, ginger syrup, cinnamon syrup, and lavender syrup add complexity to cocktails. Heating helps extract flavors from herbs and spices. Strain and store refrigerated. Simple syrup is essential because granulated sugar does not dissolve well in cold liquids. Shaking sugar with cold lime juice and rum leaves gritty undissolved crystals. Simple syrup integrates instantly, producing smooth, properly sweetened cocktails.

💡 Pro Tips

• 1:1 ratio is standard, 2:1 is rich simple syrup
• No heat needed - sugar dissolves with stirring alone
• Add half an ounce of vodka per cup to extend shelf life
• Make small batches and use within a month

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Making too much and letting it spoil
• Using rich syrup when a recipe calls for standard
• Storing at room temperature instead of refrigerating
• Not labeling with the date made

🍹 Drinks That Use This