What is a substitute for simple syrup?

There are some substitutes for simple syrup but, generally, we will make this two-ingredient recipe rather than use a substitute because it is so easy to make and we always have sugar and water on hand. If you need a substitute, try honey or maple syrup.

Do you need to boil simple syrup?

Yes, classic simple syrup calls for heating the water and sugar to dissolve the sugar and create a syrup. There are some no-boil options. These call for stirring sugar and water together rather than heating them—we prefer the classic method of making the simple syrup on the stovetop.

Does simple syrup go bad?

Yes, eventually simple syrup will go bad. The good news is that this takes a while. As sugar is a preservative and the only other ingredient is water, simple syrup lasts well. Bartenders recommend using homemade simple syrup within three months.

Simple Syrup Recipe (With Step-by-Step)

Yield:

Makes about 1 1/2 cups

Simple syrup is made with just two ingredients, sugar and water, and is one of the easiest sweeteners to use. If you've enjoyed simple syrup in your iced coffee or tea at the coffee shop, homemade simple syrup is for you. It’s easy to make and so versatile to use. It's an essential ingredient in classic and new cocktails and can be used in desserts, too. Keep a bottle of this liquid sweetener in your refrigerator because you’ll be using it all the time.

How to Use Simple Syrup

Simple syrup is best known as an ingredient in cocktails, but that is not the only way to use this easy liquid sweetener:

Experiment using simple syrup as an ingredient in non-alcoholic cocktails.

Use it to sweeten iced tea.
Sweeten cold brew or iced coffee (many coffee shops have simple syrup on hand for this).
Use it to make lemonade.
Brush simple syrup on cake layers before assembling the cake.
Use simple syrup when making a fruit salad: fruit + simple syrup = instant fruit salad.

Variations

A basic simple syrup is just the starting point. Try making flavored variations such as lemon simple syrup for iced tea or cinnamon simple syrup for iced coffee. Experiment by adding different spices or fresh herbs to your simple syrup. You can even make a coffee variation by infusing coffee beans in the simple syrup.

How to Make Flavored Simple Syrup

For any flavored syrup, first make the simple syrup then infuse the ingredients in the warm syrup for about 30 minutes. (Test to see if you prefer a stronger syrup with a longer infusion or if 30 minutes is enough.)

Tips for Making Simple Syrup

As its name suggests, simple syrup is simple to make. Keep these pointers in mind, and it will be even easier and better:

Heat the water first: Heating the sugar and water together won’t ruin the syrup—it just takes longer to heat. To save time, heat the water first before adding the sugar.

Don't boil for too long: The water should be hot enough to dissolve the sugar completely, but you don’t want to boil simple syrup for too long (or you’ll end up with caramel).

Be sure to cool the simple syrup completely: Whether you are going to use it or refrigerate it for future use, let the syrup cool first.

Ingredients

1 cup sugar
1 cup water

Directions

Ingredients for simple syrup — Rachel Marek

In a small saucepan, stir together water and sugar.

Rachel Marek
Bring to a boil over medium-high heat; cook, stirring, until sugar is dissolved and mixture is translucent, about 30 seconds.

Rachel Marek
Let cool completely before storing in an airtight container.

Rachel Marek

Storing Simple Syrup

Let the syrup cool before transferring to a container for storage. Use a funnel to transfer the syrup. We recommend you store simple syrup in a glass container—so you can see how much syrup you have and because glass is better for long-term storage.

Simple syrup should be refrigerated and will last up to three months.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a substitute for simple syrup?

There are some substitutes for simple syrup but, generally, we will make this two-ingredient recipe rather than use a substitute because it is so easy to make and we always have sugar and water on hand. If you need a substitute, try honey or maple syrup.
Do you need to boil simple syrup?

Yes, classic simple syrup calls for heating the water and sugar to dissolve the sugar and create a syrup. There are some no-boil options. These call for stirring sugar and water together rather than heating them—we prefer the classic method of making the simple syrup on the stovetop.
Does simple syrup go bad?

Yes, eventually simple syrup will go bad. The good news is that this takes a while. As sugar is a preservative and the only other ingredient is water, simple syrup lasts well. Bartenders recommend using homemade simple syrup within three months.