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
- Eucalyptus Martini — Gin, Triple sec, Simple syrup, Lime juice, Egg white
- Jakarta Mai Tai — Batavia Arrack, Rhum Agricole, Curaçao, Lime juice, Simple syrup, Salt, Lime peel, Curry leaf
- Bastille — Sparkling white wine, Calvados, Pineau des Charentes, Suze, Bitters, Lemon juice, Simple syrup
- Curried Away — Rye, Batavia Arrack, Ginger liqueur, Bitters, Lime juice, Simple syrup, Mint
- Mode Pour les Jeunes — Cognac, Bitters, Simple syrup, Cinnamon, Pear
- Strawberry Roan — Rye, Strawberry Soda, Strawberry, Brucato Amaro Chaparral, Lime juice, Simple syrup, Mint
- Mount N' Rita — Whiskey, Bourbon liqueur, Lime juice, Simple syrup
- London Calling (Chris Jepson) — Gin, Sherry, Orange bitters, Lemon juice, Simple syrup, Grapefruit peel
- Christmas in a Glass — Rum, Pomegranate Liqueur, Triple sec, Cranberry juice, Simple syrup, Orange, Cranberry
Explore more Simple syrup cocktails.