Simple syrup is a sugar syrup made from equal parts of sugar and water, cooked lightly into a syrup. There are many types of simple syrup, depending on the ratio of sugar to water and the type of sugar used. Rich simple is a 2:1 ratio of sugar to water.
Simple syrup is used to provide a neutral sweetness to cocktails, and ensures no grainy undissolved sugar in the finished drink. While there are commercial versions of this bar staple, most of them are full of preservatives and other chemicals, and it is easy to make. Making a batch, letting it cool, and adding about a quarter cup of vodka per cup of syrup to preserve it takes twenty minutes.
Simple syrup should be stored in the refrigerator, labeled with the type and date.
Some popular cocktails containing Simple syrup
- Coffee Cobbler — Venezuelan rum, Coffee liqueur, Orange liqueur, Simple syrup, Lemon juice
- Williams Christ Superstar — Champagne, Pear eau de vie, Jägermeister, Lemon juice, Simple syrup, Mint
- Whispering Pines — Gin, Triple sec, Bitters, Lemon juice, Simple syrup, Egg white
- Gomá — Fino sherry, Shochu, Tequila, Simple syrup, Sesame oil
- Cucumber Lavender Sour Punch — Gin, Ginger liqueur, Crème Yvette, Lemon juice, Simple syrup, Cucumber, Lavender Tea
- Spare Parts — Bourbon, Rhubarb liqueur, Lemon juice, Simple syrup
- The Dandy Brandy Smash — Applejack, Cognac VSOP, Simple syrup, Egg white, Mint, Lemon
- Elske Sour #2 — Gin, Sake, Bitters, Simple syrup, Lemon juice, Yeast
- Well-Hung Trellis — Dimmi, Genever, Lime juice, Simple syrup
- Ramp it Up — Tequila, Vodka, Celery bitters, Lime juice, Simple syrup
Explore more Simple syrup cocktails.