This quick microwave simple syrup recipe is perfect in your cocktails, for decorating cakes, and for sweetening coffee. Learn how to make it with sugar, honey, or brown sugar. With stovetop and microwave instructions.
Table of Contents
Simple syrup is often called for in cocktail recipes like Espresso Martinis, French 75 Cocktails, Bees Knees and Margaritas.
To be honest, in the past, when I would see that ingredient mentioned, I’d pass by the recipe just because I didn’t want to go through the process of making simple syrup.
But, once I learned how quick & easy it was to make simple syrup in the microwave, that thinking passed, and I embraced the process.
Keep reading to find out how easy it actually is!
What is Simple Syrup Made of?
- Standard simple syrup is made with equal parts white sugar to water. However, once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, feel free to experiment with other sweeteners like honey or brown sugar, keeping the ratio the same.
Simple Syrup Ratio
- Traditional simple syrup is made from one part sugar to one part water (1:1). However, you can play around with this ratio, making a richer syrup by using more sugar, and vice versa.
How to Make Simple Syrup in the Microwave
- Add sugar and water to a large pyrex measuring cup of other heat proof container.
- Heat on HIGH for 3-4 minutes until the syrup just begins to boil.
- Carefully remove from microwave and stir.
- Let cool then store in a covered glass container in the refrigerator.
Stovetop Directions
- Combine equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan.
- Heat over medium heat until sugar dissolves and syrup becomes clear.
- Let cool then store in a covered glass container in the refrigerator.
Simple Syrup Substitute
- Even though it’s super easy to make simple syrup at home, if you still would like to forego the process, you can substitute simple syrup with maple syrup or agave syrup.
Recipe FAQs
It’s best to keep simple syrup stored in the refrigerator for extended periods of time.
Standard simple syrup will last up to 4 weeks in the refrigerator. Honey and flavored simple syrups should be used within two weeks.
You can freeze simple syrup, though it may not turn solid in the freezer. I like to store mine in a mason jar. However, be sure to leave about an inch of space in the jar to allow for expansion.
How to Make Flavored Simple Syrup
- Honey Simple Syrup – Use equal parts honey and water. Delicious in this Bees Knees Cocktail.
- Brown Sugar Simple Syrup – Use equal parts brown sugar and water. Delicious in this Espresso Martini.
- Vanilla Simple Syrup – Add 1 split vanilla bean to 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water. Bring to simmer and cool. Use it in these Vanilla Bean Fig Cocktails.
- Berry Simple Syrup – Add ½ cup berries to 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water. Bring to simmer and cool. Use it in these Blackberry Tea Cocktails.
- Cinnamon Simple Syrup – Add 2 cinnamon sticks to 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water. Bring to simmer and cool. It’s delicious used to sweeten your morning coffee.
- Spicy Simple Syrup – Add 1 habanero (spicier) or jalapeno (milder) to 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water. Bring to simmer and cool. Use it in these Spicy Grapefruit Margaritas.
Erin’s Favorite Ways to Use Simple Syrup
- In cocktails – like this cosmopolitan cocktail, espresso martini, or French 75. Or, try one of these 17+ drinks that use simple syrup!
- To sweeten coffee, lemonade or iced tea.
- Drizzled over a fruit salad.
- As a topping for pancakes or waffles (berry and cinnamon simple syrup are delicious for this).
- To moisten cakes. Drizzle a bit of simple syrup over your cake layers.
Did you try this quick simple syrup?
If you loved this microwave simple syrup I would appreciate it so much if you would give this recipe a star review! Also, be sure to snap a picture of your finished dish and share it with me on Instagram using the hashtag #platingsandpairings and tagging me @platingsandpairings.
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PS – Be sure to check out my recipe for Honey Simple Syrup too!
Full Recipe
Microwave Simple Syrup
Equipment
- Saucepan (optional)
- Glass Bottle (optional)
- Pyrex Measuring Cup (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 cup white sugar (or honey or brown sugar)
- 1 cup water
Instructions
Microwave Directions
- Add sugar and water to a large pyrex measuring cup or other heat proof container.
- Heat on HIGH for 3-4 minutes until the syrup just begins to boil. Carefully remove from microwave and stir.
- Let cool then store in a covered glass container in the refrigerator.
Stovetop Directions
- Combine sugar and water in a saucepan.
- Heat over medium heat until sugar dissolves and syrup becomes clear.
- Let cool then store in a covered glass container in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
This post was originally published in 2020. It was updated in 2023 to add new information and to focus on making simple syrup in the microwave. The simple syrup recipe remains the same. Enjoy!
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