A homemade simple syrup is a great addition to mixed drinks. Simply put it’s just water and dissolved sugar boiled down to make a syrup. Additions of mint, lavender, and jalapeño, make the flavor options endless!
Summa-time in Miami means a ton of heat and humidity. Enter hydrating fruits and a ton of refreshing drinks. Water, water, and more water is the name of the game. However, every now and then an adult beverage enters the mix (and if you don’t drink, this recipe can still be helpful. Just keep reading). You’re going to want to mark this recipe for simple syrup.
I ALWAYS have a jar of homemade simple syrup in my refrigerator. Simple syrup is an easy way to make a homemade cocktail have that extra little oomph. Could you buy this at the store? Definitely! However, this recipe will actually save you time and money! Not to mention it’s so simple (pun intended!) to make. Plus you can totally customize the flavors. Think lavender, mint, and jalapeño, really the options are endless. Additionally, it’s a great way to use up your herbs that are past their prime which helps with food waste.
How To Make Simple Syrup
Making simple syrup from scratch is as “simple” as heating water and sugar on the stove until the sugar dissolves. If you’ll be adding a flavor variation, you’ll add that as the syrup cools. If you’re adding lavender or mint, I’ll strain the herb since they turn dark in color (and that can be unattractive). On the other hand, if I’m adding jalapeños, I sometimes leave them in the syrup since they’ll become candied. Simply be careful of that stray seed when you go to add the syrup to your drinks!
Once completely cooled, you can store the syrup in a jar in the refrigerator for up to 30 days. It’s great that it lasts for so long because one, you don’t need that much, and two, you’ll always be ready to make a drink when the mood strikes.
How To Store Simple Syrup
Once cooled, store the syrup in an airtight container (I like mason jars best) in the refrigerator for up to 30 days. Trust me, you’ll have no problem using it all in that amount of time! This is a double batch to make a full cup, you can always make half the amount.
Let me know the most interesting combinations you’ve either made or tried in a cocktail/mocktail. Leave me a comment below and let me know. They’re such a fun way to jazz up your drinks with a relatively minimal amount of effort.
Ways To Use Simple Syrup
- Tajín Watermelon Margarita
- Espresso Martini
- Pistachio Latte
- Give as a gift! Tie a bow around the rim and pair it with some flowers and card. Such a fun and unique gift to receive, a little homemade DIY.
Homemade Simple Syrup
A homemade simple syrup is a great addition to mixed drinks. Simply put it’s just water and dissolved sugar boiled down to make a syrup. Additions of mint, lavender, and jalapeño, make the flavor options endless!
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 16 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup sugar
Instructions
- Combine – in a medium saucepan the sugar and water.
- Bring to a boil, stirring, until sugar has dissolved.
- Allow to cool. Add to drinks – start with a tablespoon & add more as needed (if needed).
Notes
*Mint Simple Syrup: Add 1 cup of mint leaves with the sugar and water. Remove from heat and let syrup steep, about 30 minutes. Pour syrup into a glass jar through a mesh strainer to remove mint leaves; let cool.
*Jalapeño Simple Syrup: Add jalapeño slices after you’ve dissolved the water and sugar. Add one jalapeño for the ever so slightest bite of heat. Add 2 if you do want more spice.
*Blueberry Syrup: Add 1-pint (fresh or frozen) blueberries to the water and sugar. Boil until the berries begin to burst, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from the heat and cool for 5-10 minutes. Transfer the mixture to a blender and blend until smooth. Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up-to one month (if it lasts that long).
*Lavender Simple Syrup: Add 1 tablespoon fresh lavender leaves (culinary grade) to the sugar and water. Remove from the heat and let syrup steep, about 30 minutes. Pour syrup into a glass jar through a mesh strainer to remove blossoms; let cool.
*I’m using the simple here mixed into an alcoholic drink, however, these can be used in teas, coffees, and even for desserts. Hello, oat milk lavender latte!
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 5
- Category: Drinks
5 thoughts on “Homemade Simple Syrup”
Always have mint in my refrigerator too! Definitely need to try lavender. That sounds phenomenal!
What about the lemon lovers? I’m trying to make lemon syrup. Right now I’m seeping the peels in the syrup. Not sure if I should just leave them in or strain them out later? I also juiced 2 lemons and added that for good flavor. I wanna use it in iced tea. And I may make a dessert with it!!!
Lemon Syrup sounds like a great idea! I’d use just lemon juice and sugar (no water). Quickly looked online and see 1/2 cup lemon juice to 1/2 cup sugar. Bring to a boil and then simmer for 10 minutes to reduce to a syrup. You can use some zest to sit in the syrup as it cools to enhance the flavor even more and then strain. Enjoy!
If I’m making vanilla simple syrup, how much vanilla extract should I add? Thank you.
For the amount listed, 1 cup water and 1 cup sugar, I’d add 1 tablespoon vanilla extract. It can be a personal preference, but that’s a good starting point (can always add more if you like!) Thanks for stopping by!