Simple syrup is a two-ingredient sweetener made from equal parts sugar and water, gently heated until the sugar dissolves. It’s versatile for cocktails, coffee, desserts, and baking. Here’s a quick, reliable method you can use right away. What you’ll need
- Granulated sugar (1 cup)
- Water (1 cup)
- Saucepan
- Spoon
- Airtight bottle or jar for storage
Steps
- Combine equal parts sugar and water in a small saucepan.
- Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar fully dissolves. Do not let it boil vigorously; a gentle simmer is enough.
- Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature if you’re not using it immediately.
- Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will typically keep for about 2–4 weeks.
Flavor variations (optional)
- For citrus simple syrup: add citrus zest (lemon, lime, or orange) to the hot syrup, steep for 10–15 minutes after dissolving the sugar, then strain before storing.
- For herb flavors: add fresh mint, rosemary, or basil leaves to the hot syrup and strain after steeping.
- For vanilla: add a split vanilla bean to the syrup as it cools, then remove the bean.
Tips
- If you need thicker syrup for some applications, you can reduce the simmer time slightly to keep more sugar in the solution, but be mindful not to burn or crystallize it.
- If sugar crystals form in storage, gently warm the syrup and stir to re-dissolve.
Common substitutions
- You can use其他 sugars (like superfine sugar) with the same 1:1 ratio, though granulated sugar is most common and reliable for home use.
- If you’re in a hurry, you can dissolve sugar in hot water in a microwave-safe container, just stir until fully dissolved and cool before using.
If you’d like, describe what you’ll use the syrup for (coffee, cocktails, desserts), and the flavor profile you prefer, and this can be tailored with a specific ratio or flavor infusion.
