Simple syrups are used in thousands of drink recipes and are a great way to impart some extra flavor. Using flavored simple syrup can dress up mocktails and desserts too. Because of this, we are going to teach you how to make simple syrup in three different ways.

Sugar is a funny substance, from the outside it looks like a powder, a solid. But with a little heat, it starts behaving like a liquid. That’s because sugar is hygroscopic. This means it loves water and wants to be next to it. Making it into a syrup is probably what sugar would want to do on its weekend if sugar could plan weekends.

So this handy guide is going to teach you how to make three different simple syrups. The first is your basic simple, then we will dive into a brown sugar simple syrup recipe, then round it out with strawberry simple syrup. Ready to get simple? Me too. Let’s get started.

Basic Simple Syrup Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 Cup Granulated White Sugar
• 1 Cup Water

Procedure

In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the water and the sugar and stir until dissolved. Let cool and pour into a lidded container. Will keep for one month. Don’t forget to label the date!

All it takes is a bit of water and sugar.

If you don’t have a saucepan or stove available, you can make simple syrup in the microwave. First, put your ingredients into a microwave safe and heat safe container. Then microwave 10 seconds at a time and stir until dissolved. Most importantly, don’t let the microwave run too long because water and sugar are very responsive to microwave cooking and can easily turn into a sticky mess. Trust me on this one. More valuable advice every bartender needs to know, here.

Brown Sugar Simple Syrup

Try using different types of brown sugar for different intensity of flavor in your simple syrup.

Ingredients

• 1 Cup Brown Sugar
• 1 Cup Water

Procedure

Just the same as the standard simple syrup you will want to start with your saucepan on medium-high heat, then add the water and brown sugar. After that, stir the mixture constantly and watch the temperature until it’s completely dissolved. Above all, be careful not to burn the sugar or you could get some bitter flavor in the finished syrup.

Big thanks to Make It Your Own for the recipe. Go check out their site it’s full of great recipes for infusing alcohol and making infusions. Super cool!

Strawberry Simple Syrup Recipe

Make a Strawberry Mojito with this simple syrup. Find the recipe on our Instagram or Facebook feed!

Ingredients

• 2 Lbs Strawberries (thawed or fresh)
• 2 Cups Sugar
• 2 Cups Water

Procedure

In a large saucepan combine all the ingredients and bring to a low simmer. Let the mixture cook for 10 minutes. Lightly mash the strawberries with a wooden spoon to release some extra flavor. Strain hot into a heat safe container and let cool. Bubbles can form on top and can be skimmed off.

Pro tip: put your strawberry mash on some shortcakes or pancakes. Literally, anything ending in “cake” would work well.

Shout out to Noshing with the Nolands for the inspiration for this syrup. Their site is full of great food recipes, cooking essentials and more. Check em out here.

Conclusion

No matter what kind of simple syrup you choose its important to remember that sweetness plays an important role in a cocktail. Sweet flavors help balance bitter and sour. A good syrup can bring together the finest ingredients into one harmonious drink. Because of this knowing how to make simple syrup is essential for every mixologist out there.