Equal parts by volume is standard; two parts sugar to one water is rich syrup, which is what most bars actually use because it sweetens without watering the drink down. Rich syrup also keeps far longer — a month or more, against a week or two for the standard ratio.
The ratio1:1 sugar to water for standard, 2:1 for rich. Rich keeps a month; standard keeps two weeks.
By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026
Prep2 min
Cook5 min
Makes1½ cups
CuisineBasics
Cost$
VeganGluten-free
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for1servings
Our ratio, your call. The amounts below are a tested starting point — a version, not the one and only. Anything tagged to taste is the knob you turn: start there, then make it yours.
Sugar
White for a clean, neutral syrup. Turbinado gives colour and a faint molasses note.
A teaspoon, optional, added cold. It roughly doubles the keeping time.
1 tspto taste
Local / market
The Rundown
Greedometer●●●●●Barely a splurge
A light hand — your arteries say thanks.
EffortEasy
Cook it with
No-cook
The Method
Warm, don't boilSugar and water in a pan over medium, stirring until the liquid goes completely clear. Boiling evaporates water and changes the ratio you just measured.
Cool completelyWarm syrup melts ice and ruins a drink's dilution.
Bottle cleanA sterile bottle roughly doubles the shelf life. Refrigerate always.
Make it yoursSteep aromatics in the hot syrup for twenty minutes and strain: lemongrass, ginger, cinnamon, chili, rosemary, vanilla bean, or coffee. Honey and water at 3:1 makes honey syrup for whiskey drinks.
Can you make How to Make Simple Syrup ahead of time? — Partly
You can batch the mix and keep it cold, but add the ice, soda, and garnish and shake or stir to order — a made-up drink goes flat and watery if it sits.
Is How to Make Simple Syrup gluten-free? — Yes
Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.
Is How to Make Simple Syrup vegan? — Yes
Yes — no meat, seafood, dairy, egg, or honey in it as written.
Community Notes
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