How to Make Your Own Simple Syrups for Cocktails
A great cocktail starts with balance. And one of the easiest ways to add sweetness—and personality—to your drinks is with simple syrup.
Homemade simple syrups are quick, cheap, and more versatile than the store-bought stuff. You control the ingredients. You control the flavor. And when you make your own, you can infuse syrups with everything from fresh herbs to spicy peppers.
Whether shaking up a margarita or stirring an old-fashioned, having a few homemade syrups on hand makes you a better home bartender.
Let’s break down how to make, store, and use them like a pro.
What Is Simple Syrup?
Simple syrup is just sugar and water. That’s it. It’s a liquid sweetener that blends easily into cold or hot drinks, which is why bartenders love it.
The standard recipe uses a 1:1 ratio—equal parts sugar and water by volume—but there are variations depending on how sweet or thick you want the syrup.
Basic Simple Syrup Recipe (1:1 Ratio)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
Instructions:
- Combine sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir until the sugar fully dissolves—don’t let it boil.
- Remove from heat and let cool.
- Transfer to a clean glass bottle or jar.
Storage:
Refrigerate and use within 3–4 weeks.
Use it in:
- Mojitos
- Whiskey sours
- Daiquiris
- Lemonade
- Iced tea
Tip: Want a thicker syrup? Use a 2:1 ratio – 2 parts sugar to 1 part water. This “rich simple syrup” is more shelf-stable and adds extra body to spirit-forward drinks like an old-fashioned.
Flavored Simple Syrup: Lavender Infusion
Lavender syrup adds floral elegance to drinks like gin fizzes or lemon-based cocktails.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons dried culinary lavender (don’t use lavender oil or soap-grade)
Instructions:
- Combine sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir until the sugar dissolves.
- Add lavender and simmer for 1–2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let steep for 30 minutes.
- Strain out the lavender using a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth.
- Pour into a clean jar or bottle.
Storage:
Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
Use it in:
- Gin and tonics
- French 75s
- Lavender lemonade
- Sparkling water with lemon
Flavor tip: For stronger floral notes, steep longer – just don’t overdo it or it’ll taste soapy.
Flavored Simple Syrup: Spicy Jalapeño
This one’s for the spicy cocktail fans. It works especially well in margaritas or mezcal drinks.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1–2 jalapeños, sliced (keep seeds in for more heat)
Instructions:
- Combine sugar, water, and jalapeño slices in a saucepan.
- Stir and heat until sugar dissolves.
- Simmer for 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Let steep for 10–30 minutes, depending on desired heat level.
- Strain and bottle.
Storage:
Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
Use it in:
- Spicy margaritas
- Bloody Mary twists
- Mezcal cocktails
- Palomas
Pro move: Mix with grapefruit juice and a salted rim for a fiery summer cocktail.
Tips for Making and Storing Simple Syrups
Use clean bottles:
Glass bottles or mason jars work best. Sterilize with hot water before using to extend shelf life.
Label your jars:
Date and name each batch so you know when to toss them.
Get creative:
Try infusing with:
- Fresh herbs (mint, basil, thyme)
- Fruit (berries, citrus peel, pineapple)
- Spices (cinnamon, star anise, cloves)
- Tea (chamomile, Earl Grey)
Adjust sweetness:
For less sweetness, use a 2:1 water-to-sugar ratio. For richer sweetness, use 2:1 sugar-to-water.
Batch ideas for beginners:
- Mint syrup for mojitos
- Cinnamon syrup for fall cocktails
- Vanilla syrup for espresso martinis
- Lemon peel syrup for sours
Why Homemade Beats Store-Bought
- Fresher flavor
- No preservatives
- Customizable
- Cheaper per ounce
Plus, you impress guests when you say, “Oh, I made that syrup myself.”
Final Thoughts
Once you make your first simple syrup, you’ll wonder why you didn’t start sooner. It’s one of the easiest upgrades you can make to your home bar.
Start with the basic recipe. Then experiment with flavor infusions. Try herbs, spices, fruits—whatever pairs well with your favorite spirits.
Simple syrups give you control. You’re not just mixing drinks—you’re crafting them.
Ready to experiment?
What flavor will you try first—floral, fruity, or fiery?
Let us know in the comments or tag your syrup creations on Instagram with #CocktailServersDIY.
