Learn how to make Simple Syrup at home in minutes with just 2 ingredients: water and sugar. Use it in cocktails, iced tea, or brush it over baked goods.
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup water and 1 cup sugar. Stir until sugar is dissolved (do not boil).
Remove from heat and cool completely. Pour into a sterilized container and store covered in the refrigerator.
Notes
Sugar: Regular white granulated sugar is the standard here. Use a 1:1 ratio (1 part sugar to 1 part water) for basic simple syrup, and a 2:1 ratio for rich simple syrup.
Yield: 1 cup sugar + 1 cup water = 1 1/2 cups simple syrup
Storage: Store simple syrup covered in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 weeks. Discard the simple syrup if it starts to get cloudy. To extend the shelf life to 3 months total, add 1 tablespoon vodka to the simple syrup before refrigerating. Sterilizing the jar(s) before adding simple syrup also extends the shelf life, too.