Picture a warm stream of liquid sugar cascading into a glass, glistening with a soft golden hue as it mixes seamlessly with your favorite beverages. Simple syrup is all about pure sweetness—perfect for stirring into iced coffee, balancing out cocktails, or drizzling over desserts. It’s effortlessly smooth, instantly brings out rich flavors, and has a taste that keeps you coming back for more.
Simple syrup is a staple for sweetening iced coffee, tea, cocktails, and even drizzling over desserts. Experiment with different flavors to find your perfect blend!
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar (or adjust to taste)
- 1 cup water
tip
Customize this recipe by making your own blends.
- Classic Vanilla: Add a bit of vanilla bean paste, or vanilla extract.
- Citrus Twist: Add a strip of lemon, orange, or lime zest while the syrup simmers, and remove it before storing.
- Herbal Infusion: Steep fresh herbs like mint, basil, or rosemary in the hot syrup for 10–15 minutes, then strain them out.
- Spiced Option: Drop in a cinnamon stick or a few whole cloves for a warm, fragrant note.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat the Water: Pour the water into a small saucepan and place it over medium heat.
- Add Sugar: Once the water is hot, stir in the sugar until it fully dissolves.
- Simmer: Let the syrup come to a gentle simmer, then turn off the heat. (No need to boil hard or for long periods—just ensure the sugar has dissolved thoroughly.)
- Cool: Remove from the heat and allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
- Store: Transfer the syrup to a clean, airtight container. It should keep well in the fridge for about a month.
Enjoy this simple recipe anytime you want a sweet-tart accompaniment to your meal.
Serving Tips
Here are a few ideas for enjoying your simple syrup:
- Cocktail Companion: Stir it into your favorite drinks to create a smooth, balanced sweetness without gritty sugar particles.
- Coffee & Tea Upgrade: Sweeten iced or hot beverages by adding just the right amount of syrup to taste.
- Fruit Glaze: Drizzle over fresh fruit like berries or sliced peaches to highlight their natural flavor.
- Dessert Drizzle: Top pancakes, waffles, or even ice cream for a quick sweetener.
- Homemade Lemonade: Mix into freshly squeezed lemon juice and water for an easy, refreshing treat.