Simple Syrup for co*cktails (Does Simple Syrup Go Bad?) (2024)

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Stored in an airtight container, Simple Syrup for co*cktails will last for up to a month in the fridge, making it essential and easy to use for any aspiring mixologist!

In culinary school, I took a mixology course where they taught us the proper way to mix classic co*cktails. Today’s recipe of Simple Syrup for co*cktails is a basic everyone should have on hand.

The beauty of this recipe is literally everyone needs to learn how to make homemade syrup. If you drink alcohol or not, it goes in tons of beverages.

A simple 1:1 ratio of sugar to water is the basic recipe, along with a hot process to dissolve the sugar. The basic ratio is what we are focusing on in this post.

But, along with showing you how to make sugar syrup, I’m going to be focusing on the proper way to store it.

You may think you must make it every time you intend to mix drinks, but you don’t!

Make a large batch, store it in a sterile container, and it lasts up to a month.

Ready to learn how to make and store Simple Syrup for co*cktails? Continue reading below!

Some of our other favorite beverages we have on our site include: Boba Tea Recipe, Valentine’s Sherbet Punch, and Creamy Peach Tea.

WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS:

1. This recipe can sit out at room temperature or in the fridge for a long shelf life.
2. Homemade simple syrup can be used in more than just beverages, and it doesn’t take much sugar to make.
3. With only 2 ingredients that I bet you already have on hand, this comes together in no time.

INGREDIENTS NEEDED (SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR THE FULL RECIPE):

• Granulated sugar
• Water

HOW TO MAKE SIMPLE SYRUP FOR co*ckTAILS:

1. Place the water and sugar in a small saucepan and stir to combine.

2. Place over medium heat and cook until the sugar dissolves, stirring constantly. You know it is done when the liquid is completely clear.
3. Take off the heat and let it cool to room temperature. Transfer to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 4 weeks.

HOW TO MAKE COLD PROCESS SIMPLE SYRUP:

If you don’t want to warm up the sugar and water to dissolve the sugar, you can use a cold process instead.

1. Place the equal parts of sugar and water into a container and whisk vigorously for 2 minutes.
2. Allow the mixture to sit for 10 minutes and whisk vigorously again for 2 minutes.
3. Repeat this process until all of the sugar has dissolved completely.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS RECIPE:

DOES SIMPLE SYRUP GO BAD?

Yes, even though this recipe uses only 2 simple, fresh ingredients, the homemade syrup can go bad and has an expiration date.

Placing it in an airtight container is a must, and I recommend storing it in the refrigerator if you aren’t going to use it in a few days.

Bacteria can still grow, so it does have a shelf life.

HOW CAN I TELL IT’S GONE BAD?

The best way to tell when simple syrup goes bad is if it has a cloudy appearance to it.

This indicates bacterial growth. It would be a good idea to throw it out and make a new batch.

CAN YOU BUY SIMPLE SYRUP FOR co*ckTAILS?

You can, you can buy it at most grocery stores by the wine section or liquid stores.

You can also get it on amazon here, along with other store-bought syrups.

WHAT OTHER RECIPES CAN I USE THIS IN?

Even though this is used often in co*cktails, I use it in many other recipes too.

Limeade and lemonade, along with mocktails, all get homemade simple syrup.

It is also used as a soak for cakes. Normally for layer cakes, you will brush each layer with simple syrup.

This helps keep the cake moist.

HOW TO MAKE RICH SIMPLE SYRUP?

Basic simple syrup is a 1:1 ratio of part water to sugar, but you can make it richer by adding more sugar to the mix.

You can really make this to your taste. The more sugar, the more rich simple syrup you will have.

A 2:1 sugar-to-water ratio is the basic recipe for making rich simple syrup.

I like to use rich simple syrup when serving guests iced unsweetened tea, that way it is easy to sweeten each glass without watering it down.

CAN IT BE STORED AT ROOM TEMPERATURE?

Yes, if you intend to use it within a couple of days, you can store it in a glass container like a mason jar or an airtight container.

But this method results in a shorter shelf life, so it is best to keep it at cold temperatures.

More than 2 days, and it needs to be stored in the refrigerator.

WHAT IS THE SHELF LIFE OF SIMPLE SYRUP?

As stated above, stored at room temperature, the simple syrup last for 2 days.

However, for a longer shelf life, it can be kept in the fridge for up to 1 month.

Since it can last for such a long time, I like to make a large batch and keep it readily available as my go-to homemade co*cktail syrups.

TYPES OF SUGAR TO MAKE SIMPLE SYRUP:

You can use a variety of sweeteners to make different types of simple syrup.

Our recipe today, and the basic recipe, use white sugar. However, you can use other ingredients such as:

• Brown sugar
• Raw sugar

If you need a substitute for simple syrup you can use:

• Agave syrup
• Maple syrup
• Corn syrup

HOW TO STORE:

Store in airtight containers such as glass jars at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Place in the fridge for up to 1 month. Remember, any cloudy appearance, and it needs to be thrown out.

You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.

A little trick I love is freezing them into ice cubes so I can pop them into any beverage I want a little extra sweetness added to.

Ready to make your own basics right at home? Start with Simple Syrup for co*cktails to use with all your mixed beverages and more!

If you’ve tried this SIMPLE SYRUP FOR co*ckTAILS, let me know how it turned out in the comments! You can follow me over on PINTEREST, INSTAGRAM OR FACEBOOK to find some more of our mouthwatering recipes!