This Easy-to-Make Simple Syrup Will Elevate Your At-Home Cocktails

When I first started learning how to make cocktails at home, I had no idea people made their own simple syrup. I was the person who went to the store to buy a bottle of what I later learned to be sugar water. That’s right — sugar dissolved in water.

Simple syrup is an essential ingredient in cocktails and other beverages because it blends so well with other liquids, and it’s super easy to make yourself — we promise. When you learn how easy it is, you’ll end up creating all different types of amazing herb and fruit syrups for your cocktails at home.

Simple syrup is liquified sugar that is primarily used as a key ingredient in cocktails, but can also be used as a sweetener for teas, coffees, and even baked goods.

Traditional simple syrup is made from one part water to one part sugar (1:1). White granulated sugar is the standard sweetener, but once you’ve mastered that basic base, feel free to experiment with different sugars, while being sure to keep the ratio the same.

One common simple syrup variation is rich simple syrup. Instead of the traditional one part sugar to one part water, it calls for two parts sugar to one part water (2:1). The process of making it is exactly the same.

Many bartenders and home cocktail enthusiasts prefer to use rich simple syrup because of the rich syrup’s thicker texture. It can add a little more body to your cocktails.

Measuring might be the most complicated part of making simple syrup. Measuring by volume is most common. All you need to do is:

• Measure one cup of water with a liquid measuring cup.
• Combine with one cup of sugar with a dry measuring cup.

The second way to measure your ingredients is by weight, which is more precise (if only by a fraction). To keep it consistent:

• Weigh eight ounces of water.
• Weigh eight ounces granulated sugar.

After you measure, you’re ready to heat:

• Heat the water first, before adding the sugar. Heating the sugar and water together won’t ruin the syrup — it just takes longer to heat. Also, note that you do not bring the water to a boil.
• Once the sugar is dissolved, let the syrup cool. Store it in a glass container in the refrigerator for two to three weeks.

If stored correctly in a glass container in the fridge, homemade simple should last two to three weeks.

Homemade syrup is versatile, but it’s primarily used for:

• Cocktails
• Sweetening coffees or teas
• Drizzling over cakes
• Make simple sorbet or granita with fresh fruit

The world of simple syrup is endless. You can get pretty creative with fruit syrups, herb syrups, spiced syrups, and more.

Making your own syrups at home is a great way to take your home creations to a new level by introducing different flavor profiles into your cocktails and other beverages.