Simple syrup being poured into coffee

Simple Syrup for Cakes, Coffee, and Cocktails

Prep Time 1 minute
Cook Time 4 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes

Simple syrup is a mixture of sugar and water that have been boiled together. This sweet mixture can be used to sweeten coffee drinks or cocktails, it is also commonly used to keep cakes moist and to candy citrus peels. Simple syrup is a standard component in a baker or cook's arsenal.

Ingredients

  • 1 part granulated sugar
  • 1 part water

Instructions

  1. Combine equal parts granulated sugar and water by volume in a saucepan. (For example: 1 cup sugar and 1 cup of water)
  2. Stir the mixture together to saturate the sugar and turn on the burner to medium heat. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  3. When the mixture begins to boil, stir it one more time to ensure the sugar is completely saturated. Allow to boil for 3 minutes without stirring further.
  4. Remove from the heat and allow to cool completely.
  5. Simple syrup can be stored indefinitely in the refrigerator, however I suggest using it within 6 months.
  6. If you would like to infuse your syrup with herbs, citrus peel, or spices, add them once the syrup is removed from the heat. Allow to steep for several hours before straining and storing. Ingredients that would work well for infusing include orange peel, lemon peel, lime peel, fresh basil, mint, thyme, or rosemary, cinnamon sicks, coffee beans, and vanilla bean.