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
  • Bernheim Buck — Wheat Whiskey, Strawberry, Ginger beer, Simple syrup, Lime juice, Lime
  • Mexican Cloud — Tequila, Rhubarb bitters, Pomegranate juice, Simple syrup, Herbal liqueur
  • The Secret Is in the Telling — Rum, Falernum, Lime juice, Simple syrup
  • Bogged Down Mule — Bison grass vodka, Cranberry liqueur, Bitters, Ginger beer, Lime juice, Simple syrup
  • Selinon Soother (OG Version) — Gin, Bianco Vermouth, Jamaican #1 bitters, Seltzer water, Lemon juice, Celery syrup, Simple syrup, Lemon peel
  • The Antioxidant — Cranberry Vodka, Aperol, Tangerine juice, Simple syrup, Lime juice, Strawberry, Orange peel
  • Constructive Summer — Hefeweizen, Suze, Reposado Tequila, Lemon juice, Simple syrup
  • Pliny's Tonic — Gin, Lime juice, Simple syrup, Cucumber, chili tincture, Mint
  • Williams Christ Superstar — Champagne, Pear eau de vie, Jägermeister, Lemon juice, Simple syrup, Mint
Explore more Simple syrup cocktails.