Last Updated on November 27, 2023 by David Michael
Simple Syrup
Simple syrup is sugar that is dissolved in water. It disperses easily in a cocktail where sugar might leave a gritty residue.
It is simply equal parts sugar and water. We like to simmer the syrup on the stove to dissolve the sugar. It gives the syrup a little body, and ensures that the syrup is crystal clear.
Store the syrup in the refrigerator, it will keep for a few weeks.
We like to put the simple syrup in a small bottle with a pourer when we put it out on the bar for mixing drinks.
Simple Syrup Recipe
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
In a saucepan combine the sugar and water.
Simmer until the sugar is dissolved, stirring occasionally.
Allow to cool completely.
Store covered in the refrigerator.
Simple syrup is perfect when adding sweetness to cold drinks. It disperses instantly into drinks without any grittiness from undissolved sugar. It’s great not only for bar use, but for iced tea and iced coffee as well.
Try it in a Whiskey Sour, or a French 75.
Browse all of our cocktail recipes in our Cocktail Recipe Index.
Sour Mix
You can use simple syrup as a base to make your own homemade Sour Mix.
Just stir equal amounts of cooled simple syrup and fresh squeezed lemon juice together.
Store tightly covered in the refrigerator for approximately two weeks.
Simple Syrup Flavor Variations
Once you see how easy it is to make simple syrup try adding some flavors while you simmer the sugar and water.
Add a cinnamon stick or two and you have a spicy simple syrup that is great with winter cocktails and chai teas.
Fresh ginger makes a ginger infused syrup that gives an exotic flavor to even the most straight forward drinks.
Herbs like rosemary makes an herbal syrup that pairs well with gin based drinks.
Heat things up with spicy peppers and give your margaritas a kick.
Be sure to store any infused simple syrups in the refrigerator.
Let your imagination run wild and have fun.