Homemade Simple Syrup
Updated Jun 30, 2025
Homemade simple syrup is easy to make at home with just water and granulated sugar. It takes 2 minutes to make and lasts up to a month in the fridge.
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Simple Syrup is so easy to make!
This simple syrup recipe is one of those base recipes I always have in my back pocket. It’s just sugar and water, but it comes in handy for everything from sweetening lemonade to brushing over semolina cake to keep it moist. I usually keep a jar of this simple syrup in the fridge, especially in the summer when I’m making iced drinks more often. It takes just a couple of minutes to make, and once you do it once, you’ll never need to look it up again.
Happy Cooking!
– Yumna
Homemade Simple Syrup Ingredients
- Water– For the purest flavor, filtered water is best
- Sugar– Use granulated or superfine sugar, which will dissolve faster. For a richer flavor for coffee or tea drinks, try using raw sugar.
How to Make Homemade Simple Syrup
Homemade Simple Syrup
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1 ⅛ cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Combine sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, then lower heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved, about 1-2 minutes.
- Pour syrup into a heat proof container and allow to cool.
Equipment
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.
Popular Variations
- Add citrus flavor: Add the peel of lemon, lime or orange to the simple syrup as it’s coming to a boil. Let it infuse as it cools, then discard the citrus peel before storing.
- Add floral waters: In the Lebanese version of the recipe, we commonly add rose water or orange blossom water to add an aromatic floral scent to the simple syrup that compliments Middle Eastern desserts.
- Infuse with spices or herbs: Some options to try: 1 teaspoon culinary grade lavender, 2 cinnamon sticks, 1 sprig rosemary of thyme, 3 cracked cardamom pods, 1 star anise pod. Add one or a combination of the above options into the simple syrup as it comes to a boil, then let it sit and infuse as it cools. Strain out the herbs or spices before storing.
Recipes to Make with Homemade Simple Syrup
