DIY Flavored Simple Syrups Recipe (2024)

Jump to Recipe

One of the easiest ways to sweeten up your drinks and add some extra flavor to your desserts is by making your own plain or flavored simple syrups.

DIY Flavored Simple Syrups Recipe (1)

What can I use simple syrup for?

Have you ever made lemonade that requires the sugar to be stirred in until it’s dissolved? Or tried to sweeten a cold drink with sugar? It always seems to take a hot minute to get it all to come together and dissolve that sugar!

Making a simple syrup not only quickly sweetens your lemonades and cold drinks, but it also is a must for mixing cocktails and mocktails.

Why should you have a bottle of plain or flavored simple syrups waiting for you in your fridge?

Uses for simple syrup:

  • Iced tea or coffee
  • Cocktails and mocktails (YES! Be that home bartender!)
  • Pouring over cake and desserts
  • Mixing up your own flavored sparkling drinks
  • Use as a quick glaze for meats, fish or poultry
  • Pour over pancakes and waffles
  • Or evento help make that medicine go down (thank you Mary Poppins)

Some of the flavors that my kids enjoy the most are raspberry lime and blueberry lemon… strawberry, blackberry – okay, so they enjoy just about all of the fruity ones.

The wonderful thing about making your own flavored simple syrups is that you can take just about any fruit, herb or spice, and experiment until your plum tuckered. Plus, you can also try the different sugars or sweeteners with all of the different sweet notes to give the syrup a different flavor and even color.

I used a regular white sugar for a basic simple syrup which of course is clear, but I also like to use the pure cane sugar that gives a hintof molasses and is a golden amber color.

DIY Flavored Simple Syrups Recipe (2)
If you need more inspiration,you can check out these great recipes fromSaveur, I’m thinking of the chili-spiked one myself.

Think of what you are wanting to use it for and flavor the syrups accordingly.

Can you buy simple syrup at the store?

Yes! Here’s where you can buy simple syrup:

  • At your local grocery store, usually found in the cocktail mixer aisle.
  • You can also find it online at Amazon
  • At Sur la Table
  • Or try this fun collection of pre-prohibition collection of flavors from Uncommon Goods.

How to store simple syrup?

Keep stored sealed in a bottle or jar in the refrigerator.

How long can you keep simple syrup?

Most recipes will last between 4 – 7 days. It’s best to make the recipes in small batches (the quantities given in recipes are ideal) so that it will retain its freshness.

Is there a sugar-free simple syrup recipe?

Here are a few sans the sugar options for substituting with erythritol, Truvia or sucralose to make a sugar-free simple syrup:

Simple Syrup with Truvia natural sweetener by AllRecipes

Sugar-Free Simple Syrup by Big Oven

Keto Simple Syrup (erythritol simple syrup) by The Urban Cowgirl

Flavored Simple Syrup Recipe Ideas to use from fruit flavored to herb to spiced:

  • Mint Simple Syrup! There’s many to try such as: spearmint, winter mint, chocolate mint, pineapple mint, lemon balm, lemon verbena, apple mint, lavender mint, and more. Think mint juleps and mojitos!
  • Strawberry, fresh (preferred) or frozen work well.
  • Vanilla simple syrup, so nice! Use a whole vanilla bean, or extract.
  • Demerara sugar for a golden amber color and slight molasses flavor.
  • Jalapenos, habanero, hatch, scotch bonnets, Tabasco, they are all great for adding a nice bit of heat to create a sweet and spicy chili simple syrup. Perfect to serve with a tasty chicken and waffles recipe.
  • Lemon, lime, orange, all make wonderful simple syrups for glazing cakes, fruit cakes, donuts, sweetbreads (I used a simple syrup glaze with this babka!) and more.

DIY Flavored Simple Syrups Recipe (3)

Just about any fruit can be turned into a syrup. Just get creative and mix up some flavors such as:

  • coconut and lime
  • lemon and blueberry
  • strawberry lemon
  • raspberry lime
  • ginger and lemon (perfect for a ginger beer recipe)
  • standard vanilla (great over desserts, ice creams, and in coffees)

I love using simple syrups any time of the year, but in the summer, I love to make a pitcher of ginger beer!

What is ginger beer?

It is a balance lovely blend of just the right amount of kick from ginger mingleswith a bit ofsweet and then you get that hint of lemon. Theyallcome together perfectly in this version of flavored simple syrup, pour some in a glass and top offwithsome sparkling water, add a sprig of mint or twist of lemon and life is good.

Easy peasy ginger beer! It’s so refreshing and tastes amazing.

Other refreshing drinks to try:

  • Brazilian Lemonade, a creamy blend of limes and sweetened condensed milk, you have to give it a go!
  • Cherry Limeade! My kids’ favorite drink! It’s all lemony lime, with a nice punch of cherry, perfect any time of day.
  • Sweetened Iced Tea, as a southerner this is how we stay hydrated. You can make it unsweetened and then give everyone the bottle of basic simple syrup on the side to sweeten to taste.
  • For the adults try this stunning cocktail recipe y’all. A Scarlet O’Hara cocktail punch recipe put on some of your favorite music, I like a bit of country music, and enjoy over ice! Great for cookouts, picnics, dinner parties, or any warm-weather occasion. (Please always drink responsibly).

Below is my basic recipe to make the simple syrup. For the base recipe below I’m using my go-to simple syrup ratio of 1:1, one cup of water to 1 cup of water.

But what if you’re looking to make a thicker simple syrup. It’s one easy adjustment. To make simple syrup thicker use the following, make it a 1:2 ratio, that is 1 cup of water and 2 cups of sugar. This is the perfect ratio to use over pancakes and waffles. Just remember, it will be twice as sweet, so do a taste test and add as needed.

Here’s how to make simple syrup!

DIY Flavored Simple Syrups Recipe (4)

Yield: 1 1/2 cups

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Whether you want to make a plain or flavored simple syrup, this is one of the best ways to add a hint of sweetness to your desserts or drinks. Learn how to customize your own flavored simple syrups.

Ingredients

Basic Simple Syrup

  • 1 cup Sugar
  • 1 cup Water

Blueberry Lemon

  • 1 cup fresh or frozen Blueberries
  • Juice of 1 Lemon

Raspberry Lime

  • 1 cup fresh or frozen Raspberries
  • Juice of 1 Lime

Ginger Beer

  • 1/4 cup sliced or grated fresh Ginger
  • Juice of 2 - 3 Lemons (1/4 cup)
  • Sprigs of fresh Mint, optional or to garnish

Mint

  • Handful of fresh Mint

Vanilla

  • 1 Vanilla pod or 1 tsp. Vanilla extract or paste
  • Lime
  • Juice of 3 Limes

Instructions

  1. In a saucepan over medium heat, add the water and sugar and bring to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally or until the sugar has fully dissolved.
  2. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
  3. Store in airtight jar, can be kept in the refrigerator for up to a week.

To Make Flavored Simple Syrup:

  1. Add your favorite fruit, herb or spice to the basic simple syrup mixture and continue as above, reduce heat and allow to simmer or mellow for about 5 - 8 minutes (depending on the flavor your using), sieve if necessary, allow to cool and store as directed above.

Notes

Will keep in an airtight container for 4 - 7 days in the refrigerator. To make a thicker simple syrup, increase the amount of sugar to 2 cups so that your ratio is 1:2 (1 cup of water and 2 cups of sugar).

DIY Flavored Simple Syrups Recipe (5)

Disclaimer: The links in this post may contain affiliate links.

[Updated: 6/13/19]

DIY Flavored Simple Syrups Recipe (6)

Stacey Doyle

Stacey is a Southern girl with a taste for travel, thriving on the discovery of the world through food. After spending many years traveling and living overseas, she’s now back home in her beloved deep south enjoying life with her three little ones and loving the adventure. She’s a food stylist and food photographer, as well as, the creative behind Little Figgy Food, where she loves to inspire others to try new flavors and foodie techniques.

DIY Flavored Simple Syrups Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What are the ingredients in flavored syrup? ›

Filtered Water, Citric Acid, Natural and Artificial Flavors, Sodium Benzoate as a Preservative and May Contain Gum Arabic, Proplyene Glycol, Caramel Color, FD&C Red #40, Yellow #5, Yellow #6, Blue #1, Salt and Potassium Sorbate.

How are Flavoured syrups made? ›

Flavored syrups are very simple to make. They are a combination of sugar, water and high quality extracts and flavorings. Begin with a basic simple syrup recipe; a one-to-one ratio of sugar and water simmered over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.

How to make long lasting simple syrup? ›

According to Camper English of Alcademics, the shelf life of simple syrup can be lengthened two ways: upping the ratio of sugar to water, or adding neutral spirit. The difference is surprising. Simple syrup (1:1 ratio of sugar to water) will only stay good for about a month.

Why is my homemade simple syrup not thickening? ›

Pour the syrup into a saucepan, then turn the burner on low. Bring the sauce to a low simmer and let it sit for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally so it doesn't burn. Leave the lid off so that some of the liquid can evaporate, which is what will cause the syrup to thicken.

What are the 4 usual components of syrups? ›

Components of Syrups:

Most syrup contains the following components in addition to the purified water and any medicinal agents present: (a) The sugar, usually sucrose, or sugar substitute used to provide sweetness and viscosity; (b) Antimicrobial preservatives; (c) Flavorants; and (d) Colorants.

What is simple syrup made of? ›

What Is Simple Syrup? Simple syrup is made by cooking equal parts sugar and water until the mixture is slightly thickened. It can be used as a sweetener in cooking and baking, but it's most commonly used as an ingredient in cocktails.

What are the four 4 methods for preparing syrups? ›

1-Solution Method with Heat . 2- Agitation Method. 3-addition of a Medicated Liquid to Syrup. 4- Percolation Method.

How do you create flavor? ›

These elements: salt, fat, acid, and heat all add a unique layer of flavor to a dish. Salt not only makes foods taste saltier, which we humans enjoy because it's essential to our diet, but also enhances the flavors of other elements in a dish (i.e., adding salt to cookie dough enriches the overall cookie).

What is the process of making syrup? ›

The five steps involved from start to finish are: (1) preparing for the season; (2) determining WHEN to tap; (3) identifying the trees to be tapped and tapping them, (4) collecting the sap and processing (boiling/evaporating) it; (5) filtering, grading and packing the syrup.

What is the formula of simple syrup? ›

Traditional simple syrup is made from one part water to one part sugar (1:1). White granulated sugar is the standard sweetener, but once you've mastered that basic base, feel free to experiment with different sugars, while being sure to keep the ratio the same.

What is the best preservative for simple syrup? ›

Citric Acid is the recommended acid for use with the Sodium Benzoate. However, most other approved food acids such as phosphoric, tartaric and Malic acids will suffice. Simple syrup can be preserved for months by adding 1 ounce of sodium benzoate with ¼ ounce of citric acid, per gallon of simple syrup.

How long does flavored homemade simple syrup last? ›

Infused simple syrups are good for around three months, according to Saveur, although they also suggest giving the syrup a sniff test to make sure it still smells good. Syrups that incorporate juices or purees, however, will only last around two or three weeks.

How do you keep homemade simple syrup from crystallizing? ›

To prevent the crystals from forming you need to prolong the heating or cooking time. Instead of just bringing the sugar and water to a boil you need to simmer it covered for 10 minutes. In this process you inverted enough of the sugar and water without changing the flavor.

Why does my simple syrup mold? ›

One final tip, don't store simple syrup with a speed pour in the bottle. Even that small access to air will expedite the growth of mold. Always cover it when not using.

Should simple syrup be refrigerated? ›

Simple syrup should be stored in the fridge, and not kept at room temperature for extended periods of time. Unflavored syrup can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a month.

What are the ingredients in store bought syrup? ›

Here is a list of ingredients for one of the top brands: High Fructose Corn Syrup, Corn Syrup, Water, Salt, Cellulose Gum, Molasses, Natural And Artificial Flavors, Potassium Sorbate (Preservative), Sodium Hexametaphosphate, Citric Acid, Caramel Color, Polysorbate 60.

What is Torani syrup made of? ›

Ingredients. Pure Cane Sugar, Water, Natural Flavors, Sodium Benzoate (to preserve freshness), Potassium Sorbate (to preserve freshness), Citric Acid. The nutrition information contained here is based on our current data.

What is maple Flavoured syrup made of? ›

Ingredients: Cane Sugar, Water, Maple Flavouring, Caramelised Sugar Syrup.

What is store bought syrup made of? ›

If you look at the back of a pancake syrup bottle, you'll likely find corn syrup and high fructose corn syrup listed as the first two ingredients. Other ingredients include caramel color and natural and artificial flavors.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Wyatt Volkman LLD

Last Updated:

Views: 5970

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (46 voted)

Reviews: 93% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Wyatt Volkman LLD

Birthday: 1992-02-16

Address: Suite 851 78549 Lubowitz Well, Wardside, TX 98080-8615

Phone: +67618977178100

Job: Manufacturing Director

Hobby: Running, Mountaineering, Inline skating, Writing, Baton twirling, Computer programming, Stone skipping

Introduction: My name is Wyatt Volkman LLD, I am a handsome, rich, comfortable, lively, zealous, graceful, gifted person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.