🍯 How to Make Simple Syrup
The easiest 2-ingredient recipe every baker and beverage lover should know.
👩🍳 What Is Simple Syrup?
🧂 + 💧 + 🔥 = 🍯
Simple syrup is just sugar and water, briefly heated until the sugar dissolves. That’s it!
🧁 In baking:
It’s used to moisten cake layers, especially if they’re a bit dry. Just drizzle it on after baking.
🥤 In drinks:
It sweetens iced coffee, lemonade, tea, or cocktails — without leaving gritty sugar behind.
🍰 Why Use It for Cakes?
🎂 Cakes dry out sometimes (it happens!). Simple syrup = insurance policy.
💧 Gently drizzle over cake layers before frosting for extra moisture and better flavor absorption.
🧵 Pro tip:
Don’t trim the cake top? Use a skewer to poke tiny holes — let the syrup sink in!
🧰 Tools to Apply It
| Tool | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 🧴 Squeeze Bottle | Everyday use | Easy control & storage |
| 🖌️ Pastry Brush | Flavored syrups, quick jobs | Great for soaking evenly |
| 🥄 Teaspoon | Old school, still awesome | Nostalgia and precision |
🔬 The Simple Syrup Formula
🥄 Standard:
1 part sugar : 1 part water – perfect for most uses
🍯 Rich:
2 parts sugar : 1 part water – thicker, sweeter, lasts longer
🍲 Step-by-Step Instructions
🕒 Total time: 5 minutes
You’ll Need:
-
¾ cup granulated sugar
-
¾ cup water
-
Optional flavorings (herbs, spices, citrus peel, liqueurs)
Method:
-
👉 Add sugar + water to a small pot
-
🔥 Heat on medium-high, stir to dissolve
-
🌊 Bring to boil, simmer 1 min
-
❄️ Let cool before using or storing
🌿 Flavor Ideas
✨ Infuse your syrup to match your recipe or drink:
| Add-In | Flavor Boost For |
|---|---|
| 🍋 Citrus peel | Lemon cakes, iced tea |
| 🌱 Mint / Basil | Cocktails, mojitos, lemonade |
| 🍯 Vanilla bean | Cakes, lattes |
| ☕ Espresso shot | Tiramisu, coffee frosting |
| 🥃 Liqueurs | Amaretto, Kahlua, or Grand Marnier |
🔒 Add liqueurs only after removing from heat to keep the alcohol!
🧊 Storage Tips
| Syrup Type | Fridge Life | Freezer Life |
|---|---|---|
| 1:1 Regular | 1 month | 12 months |
| 2:1 Rich | 6 months | 12 months |
📦 Store in an airtight container — squeeze bottles work great!
🚫 Avoid glass in the freezer (it can crack!).
🥂 Other Delicious Uses
✅ Cocktails
✅ Iced coffee or tea
✅ Lemonade
✅ Fruit salads
✅ Layer cakes
✅ Tiramisu
✅ Bundt cakes
💬 Seriously, why don’t more cafés offer this for iced drinks?!
📋 Quick Recap
📝 Tips for Success
-
Standard ratio: 1:1
-
Richer version: 2:1
-
Infuse herbs, spices, or booze
-
Add flavor after boiling
-
Always cool before using
🍬 Simple Syrup Recipe
🧾 Yield: 1 cup | ⏱ Total Time: 5 mins | 🔥 Calories: 580 kcal
Ingredients
-
¾ cup granulated sugar
-
¾ cup water
-
(Optional) flavor additions
Instructions
-
Combine sugar + water in a saucepan
-
Stir and heat over medium-high
-
Boil for 1 minute
-
Cool and store
🧴 Keep chilled and enjoy the convenience!
Want to level up your cakes even more?
🎂 Check out my Ultimate Cake Collection — 50+ tried-and-true recipes for every occasion.