How to Make Simple Syrup worth repeating

Learn how to make simple syrup for cake, cocktails, and more. It's so simple!

Simple syrup is one of those recipes that is truly named for exactly what it is. It's simply a boiled mixture of water and sugar.

Yet this two-ingredient recipe can be used for so many different foods and beverages! And you can infuse the syrup with different herbs, berries, or aromatics to make flavored simple syrups. Those make fantastic gifts for the foodies in your life.

Read on to learn more ways you can use simple syrup, and for the simple instructions on how to make it.

What are some ways you use simple syrup?

Simple syrup is mostly used in these three ways:

simple syrup for cake
to use in cocktails
as a liquid sweetener for non-alcoholic iced beverages.

Simple syrup for cake

If you're baking a cake, you can use this simple syrup for cake to help make it moist and fluffy. There are a few different methods different bakers use.

One way is to poke holes with toothpicks or slim straws into the tops of the cake. Then pour the simple syrup into the holes. This helps moisten the cake from within.

Some bakers simply pour the syrup over the baked cakes. This can work, too, but you have to be more careful in your pours. It's simple to overpour and soak a cake this way.

Simple syrup for cocktails

This simple syrup is used in so many different types of cocktails. Because it is in liquid form, it's easier to blend into drinks compared to using plain old sugar. You get the sweetness of the sugar, without the grainy texture.

Simple syrup for iced beverages

Many people use this simple syrup recipe to sweeten iced drinks, such as iced tea and iced coffee. Like in its use for cocktails, using a simple syrup (sometimes also called sugar syrup) helps you create a sweetened drink without the grainy texture of sugar.

Kitchen tools and equipment

For this recipe, you simply need a few basic kitchen tools:

Large pot – You can use a heavy bottom pot to make the simple syrup.

Whisk – Use a large whisk to mix together the ingredients.

Two ingredients to make simple syrup

You only need TWO ingredients to make simple syrup: water and sugar. Yup, that's it! Two ingredients you probably always have at your fingertips!

No matter how much you decide you need to make for your cake, cocktails, or iced drinks, it's always a 1:1 ratio of water and sugar.

Water – You can use tap water or filtered water, whatever you prefer.

Sugar – use classic granulated white sugar.

How to make simple syrup for cake, cocktails, and more

Heat a pan over medium-high heat.

Add the water to the pot.

Add the sugar to the pot.

Whisk together the sugar and water until the sugar dissolves.

Boil the water for one minute. Remove from heat.

Pour into a jar.

That's it! So simple, right?

Recipe FAQs

What's the best way to store simple syrup?

Allow the syrup to cool, then store in an airtight mason jar or other airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay good for about two to three weeks.

Can We add flavor to the simple syrup?

Absolutely! You can flavor simple syrup with herbs, like rosemary, mint, or basil. And consider flavoring it with aromatics like vanilla bean, lavender. Or use berries like blackberries, raspberries, or cranberries.

Cake and cocktail recipes that can use simple syrup

Simple Syrup

By Marlynn Schotland Prep Time: 5 mins Cook Time: 5 mins Total Time: 10 mins Servings: 1 It's so simple to make simple syrup for cake, cocktails, and more!

Equipment

stockpot

Ingredients

1 cup water
1 cup granulated sugar

Instructions

Heat a heavy bottom pot over medium-high heat. Add the water and the sugar. Whisk together. Once the sugar dissolves, bring the mixture to a boil and let it boil for one minute. Turn off the heat and pour into a glass jar.

Notes

Storage: Allow the simple syrup to cool completely, then store in an airtight glass jar in the refrigerator for up to two to three weeks.

Nutrition

Calories: 770 kcal, Carbohydrates: 199 g, Fat: 1 g, Sodium: 14 mg, Potassium: 4 mg, Sugar: 200 g, Calcium: 9 mg, Iron: 1 mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.