Stored

Simple syrup stored in a clear glass bottle, showing its transparent liquid consistency.

Shows the finished product in its typical stored form, teaching readers what to look for.

Sweeteners

Simple Syrup

Dissolved sugar syrup for sweetening drinks and cocktails

Equal parts sugar and water cooked smooth, simple syrup sweetens cocktails, iced tea, and lemonade evenly without graininess. Easy to make; keep it cold in the fridge.

Simple syrup is exactly that — sugar dissolved in water — and it's the bartender's and baker's secret for adding sweetness that blends instantly into cold liquids, where granulated sugar would just sink and grit. A standard 1:1 syrup is all-purpose; a richer 2:1 keeps longer and sweetens more per pour. It's the backbone of cocktails, iced drinks, sorbets, and the soaking syrup that keeps cakes moist.

Measured in: ml
Storage: Refrigerate

Find it in

BeveragesBaking Aisle

Types & varieties

1:1 simple syrup

Equal sugar and water; the standard bar syrup.

Rich (2:1) simple syrup

Double sugar; sweeter, keeps longer, less dilution.

Demerara / brown-sugar syrup

Deeper, caramel notes for whiskey cocktails.

Flavored simple syrup

Infused with herbs, citrus, or spice while warm.

How to make

Heat equal parts sugar and water until the sugar dissolves (or shake them in a jar until clear for no-cook syrup). For rich syrup, use two parts sugar to one water. Infuse herbs, ginger, or citrus peel by steeping while warm.

Cocktails and iced tea/coffee
Sorbets and granitas
Brushing onto cake layers to keep them moist
Sweetening fruit and lemonade

How to store

Keep it refrigerated in a clean sealed jar. A 1:1 syrup lasts about a month; the higher sugar in a 2:1 syrup preserves it longer. Discard if it turns cloudy or smells off.

Common uses

Cocktails (daiquiris, mojitos, sours)Iced tea, coffee, and lemonadeSorbets and granitasSoaking cake layersSweetening fruit saladsFlavored-syrup baseGlazing pastries