Key Takeaways:
- Simple Syrup Basics: Made with just two ingredients—granulated sugar and water—simple syrup is a versatile sweetener for cold drinks, cocktails, mocktails, and more.
- Avoid Gritty Textures: Unlike granulated sugar, simple syrup fully dissolves, eliminating the grainy texture often found in beverages and dressings.
- Quick and Easy Recipe: Combine equal parts sugar and water, heat until dissolved, cool, and store in the fridge for up to 6 months.
- Great for Families: Even kids can make simple syrup—it’s easy enough for an 8-year-old to prepare for smoothies and other treats.
- Versatile Uses: Perfect for sweetening frozen mojitos, smoothies, salad dressings, fruit dressings, and any recipe that requires smooth sweetness.
- Affiliate Disclaimer: This guide contains affiliate links, meaning the author may earn a commission from purchases made through these links at no extra cost to you.
Simple Syrup is so simple to make. It has only two ingredients. Use it to sweeten cold drinks, cocktails, and mocktails. Perfect for a frozen mojito.
I used to get frustrated when I would try to sweeten a cold beverage with sugar. Either I would have to wait a long time for the sugar to dissolve or taste the grainy texture of the undissolved sugar. Depending on the beverage, sometimes the sugar sinks to the bottom of the pitcher and never dissolves. The result was a disgustingly, sweet, gritty liquid at the bottom of the pitcher. YUCK
I make several salad dressings and fruit dressings that I sweeten. The granulated sugar never completely dissolves, leaving a gritty texture to the dressing. The solution to this problem is simple syrup.
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How Do I make Simple Syrup?
Mix together equal amount of granulated sugar and water. Heat the mixture until the sugar is dissolved. Let the simple syrup cool before storing it in a clean glass jar with a lid. Once cooled, store the simple syrup in the fridge for up to 6 months.
This recipe is so easy. My 8-year-old granddaughter makes up a batch of it and uses it to sweeten the smoothies that she loves to prepare for her brothers.
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FAQ:
Q: What is simple syrup used for?
A: Simple syrup is used to sweeten cold drinks like cocktails, mocktails, smoothies, and iced tea, as well as salad and fruit dressings.
Q: Why can’t I just use sugar to sweeten cold drinks?
A: Granulated sugar often doesn’t dissolve in cold beverages, leaving a gritty texture or sinking to the bottom. Simple syrup ensures smooth sweetness.
Q: How do I make simple syrup?
A: Mix equal parts sugar and water, heat until the sugar dissolves, then cool. Store in a clean jar in the refrigerator.
Q: How long does simple syrup last?
A: Simple syrup can be stored in the fridge for up to 6 months when kept in a clean, sealed container.
Q: Can kids make simple syrup?
A: Yes! The recipe is so simple that even kids, with supervision, can prepare it for their favorite beverages like smoothies.
Q: Is there a specific type of sugar I need to use?
A: Granulated white sugar is standard, but you can experiment with alternatives like brown sugar or honey for different flavors.
Simple Syrup
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- In a saucepan add the sugar to the water and heat on medium.
- Stir occasionally until the sugar is completely dissolved in the water.
- Cool and store in a clean glass container for up to 6 months in the refrigerator.
