Simple syrup is the simple solution to sweetening your margarita without adding any other weird flavors that could just muck it up.
I know that a really cool, sophisticated person makes margaritas without any sugar or sweetness. But I’m confidant enough to admit that I like a drizzle of simple syrup in mine. The nice thing is that it’s really simple to make and keep on hand for margaritas and other cocktails or mocktails.
Scroll down to read more about how it all comes together or click here to jump straight down to the recipe.
Why Use Simple Syrup?
The question is, why simple syrup and not just sugar? Well, straight up sugar doesn’t always fully dissolve. I may be uncool enough to allow sweet in my drink, but not uncool enough to allow grains. What you want is something that is already liquid so that graininess of the sugar is never an issue.
The options are honey, agave nectar, or simple syrup. I find that honey and agave nectar add extra flavors to my margarita. That may be perfect for other drinks, but I want to really taste the tequila, lime, and orange when I make my best ever margarita recipe. Simple syrup is the way to go.
It’s the perfect neutral-flavored sweetener for margaritas and other cocktails. Also fabulous in iced tea and lemonade. The only ingredients are sugar and water, which is why it doesn’t taste like much. You heat together equal parts of the two (say, 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water) and then simmer until the sugar dissolves completely. It will stay dissolved even after you cool the syrup down. Store it in a sealed container in your fridge for up to a month.
(If you want it to have more flavor, you can try Strawberry Simple Syrup and experiment from there.)
How To Make Simple Syrup, Step By Step
Step #1
Measure 1 cup of sugar into a small saucepan.
Step #2
Add 1 cup of water.
Step #3
Heat over medium heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. It’ll look cloudy like this for awhile:
Step #4
Then, when all the sugar has dissolved, it will suddenly be clear. Remove from heat at that point.
Step #5
Let it cool and then pour it into a jar or other sealable container. Seal and store in the refrigerator for up to 1 month. It’s now ready to be used in all your delicious drink recipes!
Simple Syrup Recipe
It’s so simple to make and adds the perfect touch of sweetness to your cocktails or mocktails.
- Prep Time: 0 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 cup 1x
- Category: Drink
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Measure sugar and water into a small saucepan. Heat over medium, stirring occasionally. It’ll look cloudy for awhile.
- When all the sugar has dissolved, it will suddenly be clear. Remove from heat.
- Let it cool and then pour it into a jar or other sealable container.
- Seal and store in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
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This post originally appeared in March 2016 and was revised and republished in June 2023.
Yes. Simple syrup freezes just fine. You might want to use a zip lock bag or freezer container though. I dont use glass in my freezer. It will last up to 6 months in the freezer. Also try freezing it an ice cube tray and put the cubes in a zip lock freezer bag. Then you can pull out only what you need!
Thanks for your tips, April!
Can this Simple Syrup be frozen?
Mary, I actually don’t know. If you try it and find out, do let us know. Great question!