How To Make Sugar Syrup for Cocktails

Learn how to make sugar syrup for cocktails quickly, easily and affordably. You never need to buy simple syrup at the store again!

Original recipe: May 2016 | Updated: July 2022

Why This Recipe Works

I remember the first (and only) time I purchased a bottle of simple syrup to make cocktails after I got married because my husband was like, “What are you doing?!” I thought it was normal to do this!

Then he showed me just how easy it is to create a quick batch using a single ingredient and I never made that silly mistake again.

Have you ever looked at the price of a bottle of sugar syrup? OMG! We’re being robbed, people. We are paying dollars for a bottle of sugar water. Please learn from my folly and start making your own sugar syrup for cocktails or cakes or whatever else you may need it for.

Recipe Ingredients

Sugar – Use granulated sugar! This is literally the only ingredient required, aside from water.

How To Make Homemade Simple Syrup Recipe for Cocktails and Other Uses

Step 1

Combine 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil and stir until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and let cool.

Step 2

Pour into a mason jar or airtight container and store in the fridge for 3 to 4 weeks.

Recipe Notes

• Replace granulated sugar with brown sugar for a delicious twist on this syrup. Use equal parts sugar and water, just as this recipe calls for.
• Make a big batch and have this on hand at all times to save grocery costs.
• Increase the amount of sugar used for an even sweeter end result. Do not exceed 2 parts sugar to one part water.
• The consistency will be similar to that of liquor.
• Create a batch of honey simple syrup to compare flavors.

Ways To Use Simple Syrup

This simple syrup recipe can be used for a variety of purposes:

• To sweeten fruit salads in the summer.
• Sweeten cocktails with it. Options include Mint Juleps, lemon drops, mai tais, margaritas, this delicious bootleg cocktail or an old fashioned.
• Use as a sweetener for non-alcoholic beverages such as lemonade or iced tea.
• Used to brush onto baked good recipes such as cakes and cupcakes to glaze, sweeten and “seal” surfaces before spreading the frosting.

FAQ About Simple Syrup

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