Simple Syrup isn't just for cocktails; you can use it for many items in replace of your sweetener for all kinds of drinks, baked goods and for cooking. Knowing the Shelf Life of Simple Syrup makes it very economical item to have in your fridge all year long!
Traditionally, Simple Syrup is made with a 1:1 ratio of sugar to water, and has a shelf life of about a month. If you make a thick syrup, also known as rich syrup, which is a 2:1 ratio, the added sugar allows it to be stored in the fridge for up to 6 months! A perfect item to have in the fridge to use at a moments notice.
What is Simple Syrup?
Exactly as it sounds, Simple Syrup is a concentrated syrup, from cooking down to thicken up sugar and water. It is often used in replace of sugar to sweeten cocktails and drinks. The syrup replaces the need to have to dissolve sugar granules within a beverage that isn't hot. Though it is primarily used in drinks and cocktails, it can also be used in cooking and baking too. Flavor enhancers can also be used to make alternative syrups.
Jump to:
- What is Simple Syrup?
- Why You Will Love This Simple Syrup Recipe
- Ingredients
- Substitutions and Variations
- How to Make Simple Syrup
- More Recipes You Will Love
- Shelf Life of Homemade Simple Syrup
- How to Use Simple Syrup
- Top Tip
- Frequently Asked Questions About Simple Syrup
- More Recipes You Will Love
- Shelf Life of Simple Syrup
We sometimes use simple syrup in a lot of our cocktails to ensure it does not go to waste, or to add a little additional sweetness without changing the flavor profile. Some of those recipes are (but not limited to) our Old Fashioned Hot Toddy, Apple Cider Old Fashioned, Apple Cider Moscow Mule, Apple Cider Mimosa, and our Peppermint Mocha Recipe. The possibilities really are endless. We also love making flavoured syrups, check out our Apple Cider Simple Syrup or Blackberry Simple Syrup.
Why You Will Love This Simple Syrup Recipe
- Quick and Easy: In just 15 minutes, you will have a syrup ready to use.
- Versatile: Simple Syrup can be used for hot and cold beverages, cocktails and mocktails, in baked goods, main dishes and more.
- Minimal Ingredients: With just two simple ingredients (if you can call water an ingredient) that you probably already have at home, you can get start right away.
Ingredients
It is pretty likely you already have sugar in the house to start making this immediately!
See the recipe card below for the exact quantities of each ingredient.
- Granulated Sugar: The base for a simple syrup, which thickens into a sweet syrup.
- Water: The liquid used to help cook down the syrup.
For this recipe, you'll want to have on hand a measuring cup, small saucepan and a spatula. If you plan to store it in the fridge, you'll want an airtight jar with a lid.
Substitutions and Variations
Looking to mix up a classic recipe and make it your own?! Here are a few helpful ideas of our favorite Simple Syrup variations.
- Apple Cider Simple Syrup: We love replacing water with apple cider, plus some spices for a great fall twist.
- Fruit Syrups: Try adding equal parts berries to this recipe for a twist on a classic syrup. We have used blackberries for a delicious version of this syrup.
- Light or Dark Brown Sugar: Use brown sugars provide a deeper flavor in a Brown Sugar Simple Syrup.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: Create a Vanilla Extract Simple Syrup by adding some vanilla extract. Vanilla bean works well too.
- Salted Caramel Simple Syrup: Save yourself a trip to a fancy coffee shop and make your own seasonal beverages with a salted caramel version.
- Herbs: Beautiful fresh herbs like mint, rosemary, basil, thyme are some great options.
- Spices: Festive fall spices like cloves, cinnamon, allspice and nutmeg are other ways to mix up this recipe.
How to Make Simple Syrup
In just 1 simple step, you're already on your way to making Simple Syrup.
Bring ingredients to a boil over medium-low heat.
Keep a rolling boil for about 15 minutes, stirring periodically. Adjust the heat if needed.
Allow it to cool slightly, then pour into a glass jar.
Hint: When you leave in the fridge it may start to crystallize. You can place the jar in a shallow bowl with, hot water to help break it down the sugar.
More Recipes You Will Love
Shelf Life of Homemade Simple Syrup
What is the Shelf Life of Simple Syrup you might ask? That depends how you make it.
- Classic Simple Syrup: 1:1 ratio of sugar to water, cooked down and then stored in the fridge should last up to 1 month in an air tight container.
- Thick Simple Syrup: 2:1 ratio of sugar to water, cooked down to form a thicker version and then stored in the fridge should last up to 6 months in an air tight container.
How to Use Simple Syrup
- Cocktails/Mocktails: Add to your so sweetness to your favorite beverages.
- Cold Beverages: Add a tablespoon or two into a pitcher of your favour lemonade or sangria.
- Hot Beverages: Use as a replacement for your sugar in tea or coffee. Try it in or drizzled on our Caramel Mocha Coffee recipe.
- Cooking: Add to a marinade to sweeten your meat dishes.
- Glaze: Drizzle on your vegetables over the final stages of cooking, like our Maple Brussel Sprouts.
- Syrup: If you are out of maple syrup, use a brown sugar version and pour over our Gluten Free Buttermilk Waffles or Blueberry Buttermilk Pancakes.
- Baking: Baste your cake or cupcakes for added sweetness and an extra moist dessert, before adding any toppings/icing.
Top Tip
- Double the sugar content to make a thick simple syrup, also known as rich syrup. This not only gives you an even more concentrated flavor, but it extends the shelf life to up to 6 months in the fridge.
- When you leave in the fridge it may start to crystallize. You can place the jar in a shallow bowl with, hot water to help break down the sugar.
Frequently Asked Questions About Simple Syrup
Do you have questions about the Shelf Life of Simple Syrup or about making Simple Syrup?
Yes, you can make a Brown Sugar Simple Syrup. It adds a deeper flavor, that is rich in molasses.
If you do not have Simple Syrup you can use maple syrup or honey, but the flavor will change. For beverages, often sugar is a great substitute.
Yes, with sugar being the only ingredient in traditional simple syrup, it is naturally gluten free.
There are many ways to enhance and change the flavor. You can add any spices or fresh herbs to the pan when boiling it down and strain them out at the end. You can also sub the water for a juice flavor of your choice. We love making simple syrup with cinnamon sticks, vanilla bean, cranberries, apple cider, mint, and brown sugar!
More Recipes You Will Love
Check out some more of our recipes you will want to try!
Ready to get cooking? Save time by having a grocery list automatically generate for you by clicking the "Add to Shopping List" below.
Shelf Life of Simple Syrup
Equipment
- Measuring Cup
- Small Saucepan
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 200 grams granulated sugar (about 1 cup)
Instructions
- Bring ingredients to a boil over medium-low heat.
- Keep a rolling boil for about 15 minutes, stirring periodically. Adjust the heat if needed.
- Allow it to cool slightly, then pour into a glass jar.
Nutrition
We would be so grateful for you to leave us a rating and review on any recipes you try. If you make any alterations, let us know how they turned out.
Kimberly Garrido says
Definitely, better than store-bought!
Eva Filer says
We agree - thanks!
Eva Filer says
This is such a quick recipe that we whip up usually once a month now and keep it in the fridge. You just never know when you need it, and it can be used in so many drinks.