Simple syrup is the perfect way to sweeten up your cold beverages! Dry granulated sugar won't dissolve easily or quickly in a cold drink, but simple syrup takes care of that problem, and my method of making it is quick, easy, and no-fuss!
What Is Simple Syrup?
Simple syrup is (quite simply) sugar dissolved in water, making it a liquid sweetener. It is most commonly used to add to cold beverages without having to worry about sugar granules settling at the bottom of your glass. It is colorless and a neutral sweetener, making it ideal to sweeten beverages without impacting the appearance or flavor in a negative way.
Ingredients
- Just-boiled water
- Sugar
You will often see instructions that entail boiling the water and sugar together in a pot on the stove. But I'm going to show you a MUCH simpler and faster way to do it!
How To Make Simple Syrup
Boil water in a kettle or pot. Measure out the water into a measuring cup or bowl and add an equal amount of sugar.
Stir with a spoon, fork, or whisk until the sugar is completely dissolved and the liquid is clear.
That. Is. It!
Let it cool to room temperature before transferring to a bottle or jar. Store it in the fridge and it's ready to use whenever you need some sweetener for your cold drink!
How to Use Simple Syrup
Add it to any cold drink that needs sweetening. Instead of adding granulated sugar which will only end up pooling at the bottom of your glass, simple syrup will blend smoothly and immediately into your drink. You can also taste the sweetness immediately, giving you greater control over how much to add.
It is perfect for sweetening iced coffee, iced tea, or blended fruit drinks. I use it for adding sweetness to Cold-Brewed Coffee, Iced Milk Tea, Iced Matcha Tea Latte, Triple Layer Iced Coffee, Fresh Fruit Sparklers, or drinks that use Fruit Ice Cubes.
You can also mix it with fresh fruit if the fruit is a bit too sour, or add a little to your unsweetened yogurt.
Commonly Asked Questions
You can use honey or maple syrup, but they impart a stronger flavor that may affect your drink. They are also brown in color, which will also affect the appearance of your drink if it's clear. If you're sweetening something like iced tea, iced coffee or any cold beverage that has color, this isn't an issue. You can also use brown sugar.
Yes! Infuse the syrup by adding mint leaves, citrus peels, fresh ginger, coffee beans, or cinnamon sticks right after you have finished stirring and dissolving the sugar. Let the items steep for 20-30 minutes, or taste it until you have the desired level of flavor infusion. Remove the solids before storing the syrup in the refrigerator.
Simple syrup is equal parts water to sugar. It is better to add less of the syrup to your drink if you don't want it as sweet.
You can make what is called a rich syrup by using two parts sugar to one part water. It is thicker and sweeter and might be better suited for using in crushed ice beverages or in some cocktails. Again, it is better to err on being conservative and taste testing the sweetness before adding more.
Store the syrup in a jar or bottle in the fridge for about one month. Rich syrup will last a few months in the refrigerator.
If you're sipping on an icy cold beverage that needs a bit of sweetness, make sure you have some simple syrup ready in the fridge! With my easy method of making it, there's no excuse!
~ Lisa.
How To Make Simple Syrup
Ingredients
- 1 cup just-boiled water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Measure out the just-boiled water and add the sugar.
- Stir the sugar in the hot water until completely dissolved. Let it cool down completely to room temperature.
- Transfer the simple syrup to a bottle or jar with a lid and store it in the fridge for about a month.
Notes
- Granulated sugar is used because it is a colorless, neutral sweetener that doesn't affect the appearance of your drink and doesn't impart a strong flavor.
- You can use other sweeteners such as honey, maple syrup, etc. but keep in mind that they have a stronger flavor and color that will affect your beverage.
- Infuse your syrup with mint leaves, fresh ginger, coffee beans, citrus peels, etc. Add them to the syrup right after the sugar has completely dissolved. Check the flavoring after about 30 minutes; remove the solids before storing the syrup in the fridge.
- Store the simple syrup in the fridge until ready to use. Add sparingly, tasting your drink before deciding to add more.
- Simple syrup in the fridge will last about a month.
- Use a ratio of two parts sugar to one part water for rich syrup. This will last a few months in the refrigerator.
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