The Complete Guide to Making Sugar Syrups for Cocktails

Sugar syrup is the little unsung hero of the home bar – and the best part g is that there are so many sugar syrup flavours to play with! Essentially, it’s just sugar and water having a dance party, creating this sweet, versatile canvas that you can customise with almost anything. From herbs, and fruits, to coffee and spices, making your own flavoured sugar syrups couldn’t be easier.  

Sugar syrup is a reliable companion when you’re shaking up cocktails, jazzing up desserts or experimenting with new recipes. Keen to start experimenting? Here’s our ultimate guide, featuring 20 of our best sugar syrups recipes! 

What you’ll need to make DIY cocktail syrups

Infused sugar syrup recipes require only a few basic tools that are commonly found in most kitchens. Here’s a list: 

Saucepan. You’ll need a small to medium-sized saucepan to heat the water and sugar mixture. Stainless steel or non-stick pans are commonly used. 

Stirring utensil. We’re talking wooden spoons or silicone spatulas to stir the syrup as it heats up. 

Measuring cups. To accurately measure the water and sugar for different sugar syrup recipes. Both liquid and dry measuring cups can be used. 

Measuring spoons. Essential for measuring smaller quantities of ingredients like herbs or spices. 

Strainer. A fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth is useful for straining out any solids, (like herbs or fruit), after infusing the syrup using a homemade cocktail syrup recipe.  

Storage container. A clean jar, bottle, or airtight container to store the sugar syrup. Glass jars or bottles with tight-fitting lids are ideal for storing in the refrigerator.   

Funnel (optional). A funnel can be helpful for transferring the syrup into bottles or jars without spilling. 

Thermometer (optional). While not 100% necessary, a candy thermometer can be used to monitor the temperature of the syrup when you are following different syrup recipes for drinks. 

Top tips for making syrups for cocktail recipes

Here are some insider tips to help you make perfect simple syrup every time: 

Proportions. The standard ratio for simple syrup is equal parts water and sugar (1:1). However, you can adjust the ratio to make it richer (2:1 sugar to water) or lighter (1:2 sugar to water) based on your preferences. 

Dissolving sugar. Heat the water gently until all the sugar has dissolved. Don’t boil the mixture, as it can lead to caramelisation and affect the syrup’s flavour and clarity.  

Infusing flavours. If you’re experimenting with flavoured sugar syrup ideas with herbs, fruits or spices, add them to the syrup after the sugar has dissolved. Let the ingredients simmer in the syrup for a few minutes to infuse their flavours, then strain them out before storing the syrup. 

Cooling. Make sure the syrup cools to room temperature before pouring it into the storage container. This is to prevent condensation from forming inside the container and diluting the syrup flavours. 

Storage. Store simple syrup in a clean, airtight container in the refrigerator. It can typically last for up to two weeks, although some flavoured syrups will have a shorter shelf life depending on the ingredients you use. 

Labelling. Label your sugar syrup bottles or jars with the date of preparation and flavours of sugar syrup. This makes it easier to track freshness and identify different syrups in your fridge.  

Consistency. Aim for a smooth and clear syrup by straining out any solids or impurities after infusing or dissolving the sugar. This will give your syrups a consistent texture and appearance. 

Batch size. If you don’t need a lot of syrup. make smaller batches to ensure freshness. You can always scale up the recipe as needed for larger quantities.   

Safety. Be careful not to burn yourself when working with hot sugar syrup. Keep children and pets away from the stove and use heat-resistant utensils and containers. 

1. Basic sugar syrup (1:1 ratio)

Ingredients 

• 1 cup water 
• 1 cup granulated sugar 

Method 

1. Combine water and sugar in a small saucepan.  
2. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar completely dissolves. 
3. Once the sugar is fully dissolved, remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the syrup to cool to room temperature. 
4. Transfer the sugar syrup to a clean, airtight container or bottle. 

2. Rich sugar syrup (2:1 ratio)

Ingredients 

• 1 cup water 
• 2 cups granulated sugar 

Method 

1. Combine water and sugar in a small saucepan.   
2. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar completely dissolves. 
3. Once the sugar is fully dissolved, remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the syrup to cool to room temperature. 
4. Transfer the rich sugar syrup to a clean, airtight container or bottle. 
5. Store the rich sugar syrup in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.  

3. Honey sugar syrup

Cocktail suggestion: Bee’s Knees 

Ingredients 

• 1 cup water 
• 0.5 cup honey 

Method 

1. Combine water and honey in a small saucepan.   
2. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the honey is completely dissolved into the water. 
3. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. 
4. Remove from heat and let the syrup cool to room temperature. 
5. Transfer the honey syrup to a clean jar or bottle. Store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. 

Try these: 12 Honey Syrup Cocktails that Zzzing with Sweetness 

4. Mint sugar syrup

Cocktail suggestion: Mint Julep 

Ingredients 

• 1 cup water 
• 1 cup granulated sugar 
• 1 bunch fresh mint leaves 

Method 

1. Combine water and sugar in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. 
2. Add mint leaves and simmer for 5 minutes. 
3. Remove from heat and let the syrup cool to room temperature. 
4. Strain out mint leaves and transfer the syrup to a clean jar or bottle.  

5. Berry sugar syrup

Cocktail suggestion: Strawberry Daiquiri

Ingredients 

• 1 cup water 
• 1 cup granulated sugar 

• 1 cup fresh or thawed, frozen berries (e.g., strawberries, raspberries, blueberries) 

Method 

1. Combine water and sugar in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. 
2. Add mixed berries and simmer for 10-15 minutes, until berries break down and the syrup thickens slightly. 
3. Remove from heat and let the syrup cool to room temperature. 
4. Strain out the berry pulp and seeds, then transfer the syrup to a clean jar or bottle.  

6. Cinnamon sugar syrup

Cocktail suggestion: Hot Toddy 

Ingredients 

• 1 cup water 
• 1 cup granulated sugar 
• 2-3 cinnamon sticks 

Method 

1. Combine water and sugar in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. 
2. Add cinnamon sticks and simmer for 10 minutes. 
3. Remove from heat and let the syrup cool to room temperature. 
4. Remove cinnamon sticks and transfer the syrup to a clean jar or bottle. 

7. Lavender sugar syrup

Cocktail suggestion: Gin Sour 

Ingredients 

• 1 cup water 
• 1 cup granulated sugar 
• 2-3 tablespoons dried lavender flowers (culinary grade) 

Method 

1. Combine water and sugar in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved. 
2. Add dried lavender flowers and simmer for 5 minutes. 
3. Remove from heat and let the syrup cool to room temperature. 
4. Strain out the lavender flowers and transfer the syrup to a clean jar or bottle.  

8. Citrus sugar syrup (lemon-lime)

Cocktail suggestion: Lime Margarita 

Ingredients 

• 1 cup water 
• 1 cup granulated sugar 
• Zest of 1 lemon and 1 lime (avoiding the bitter white pith) 

Method 

1. Combine water and sugar in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. 
2. Add lemon and lime zest to the saucepan and simmer for 5 minutes. 
3. Remove from heat and let the syrup cool to room temperature. 
4. Strain out the citrus zest and transfer the syrup to a clean jar or bottle.  

Read next: How to Make Homemade Sweet and Sour Mix (+ 7 Amazing Sweet and Sour Cocktails) 

9. Hibiscus sugar syrup

Cocktail suggestion: Ramos Gin Fizz 

Ingredients 

• 1 cup water 
• 1 cup granulated sugar 
• 2-3 tablespoons dried hibiscus flowers 

Instructions  

1. Combine water and sugar in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. 
2. Add dried hibiscus flowers and simmer for 5 minutes. 
3. Remove from heat and let the syrup cool to room temperature. 
4. Strain out the hibiscus flowers and transfer the syrup to a clean jar or bottle. 

10. Ginger sugar syrup

Cocktail suggestion: Mulled Wine 

Ingredients 

• 1 cup water 
• 1 cup granulated sugar 
• 2-3 inches fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced 

Method 

1. Combine water and sugar in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. 
2. Add sliced ginger and simmer for 10 minutes. 
3. Remove from heat and let the syrup cool to room temperature. 
4. Strain out the ginger slices and transfer the syrup to a clean jar or bottle. 

Sweet sensations: Easy Syrup Variations for Cocktail Making 

11. Chamomile sugar syrup

Cocktail suggestion: Tequila Sour 

Ingredients 

• 1 cup water 
• 1 cup granulated sugar 
• 2-3 tablespoons dried chamomile flowers 

Method 

1. Combine water and sugar in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. 
2. Add dried chamomile flowers and simmer for 5 minutes. 
3. Remove from heat and let the syrup cool to room temperature. 
4. Strain out the chamomile flowers and transfer the syrup to a clean jar or bottle.  

12. Vanilla bean sugar syrup

Cocktail suggestion: Hot Pumpkin Pie Cocktail

Ingredients 

• 1 cup water 
• 1 cup granulated sugar 
• 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise 

Method 

1. Combine water and sugar in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. 
2. Add the split vanilla bean and simmer for 10 minutes. 
3. Remove from heat and let the syrup cool to room temperature. 
4. Remove the vanilla bean and transfer the syrup to a clean jar or bottle.  

13. Jalapeño sugar syrup

Cocktail suggestion: Spicy Margarita

Ingredients 

• 1 cup water 
• 1 cup granulated sugar 
• 1 Jalapeño pepper, sliced (seeds removed for less heat, if desired) 

Method 

1. Combine water and sugar in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. 
2. Add sliced jalapeño pepper and bring to a simmer. 
3. Simmer for about 5-7 minutes, depending on desired spiciness level. 
4. Remove from heat and let the syrup cool to room temperature. 
5. Strain out the jalapeno slices and transfer the syrup to a clean jar or bottle.  

14. Coffee sugar syrup

Cocktail suggestion: Espresso Martini 

Ingredients 

• 1 cup water 
• 1 cup granulated sugar 
• 2 tablespoons finely ground coffee or 2-3 tablespoons instant coffee granules 

Method 

1. Combine water and sugar in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. 
2. Add finely ground coffee or instant coffee granules and stir until fully dissolved. 
3. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 5 minutes. 
4. Remove from heat and let the syrup cool to room temperature. 
5. Strain the syrup through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove any coffee grounds. 
6. Transfer the coffee-infused syrup to a clean jar or bottle. 

15. Tea sugar syrup

Cocktail suggestion: Green Tea Punch 

Ingredients 

• 1 cup water 
• 1 cup granulated sugar 
• 2-3 tea bags (black tea, green tea, or herbal tea of your choice) 

Method 

1. Combine water and sugar in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. 
2. Add tea bags and bring to a simmer. 
3. Simmer for about 5 minutes, then remove from heat. 
4. Let the tea steep in the syrup for an additional 5-10 minutes, depending on desired strength. 
5. Remove the tea bags and let the syrup cool to room temperature. 
6. Transfer the tea-infused syrup to a clean jar or bottle. 

Check here: 35 BBQ Cocktail & Food Pairings for Summer (2024) 

16. Basil sugar syrup

Cocktail suggestion: Gin Gimlet 

Ingredients 

• 1 cup water 
• 1 cup granulated sugar 
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed 

Method 

1. Combine water and sugar in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. 
2. Add fresh basil leaves and bring to a simmer. 
3. Simmer for about 5 minutes, then remove from heat. 
4. Let the basil steep in the syrup for an additional 10-15 minutes to infuse its flavour. 
5. Strain out the basil leaves and transfer the syrup to a clean jar or bottle.  

17. Rosemary sugar syrup

Ingredients 

• 1 cup water 
• 1 cup granulated sugar 

• 2-3 sprigs fresh rosemary 

Method 

1. Combine water and sugar in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. 
2. Add fresh rosemary sprigs and bring to a simmer. 
3. Simmer for about 5 minutes, then remove from heat. 
4. Let the rosemary steep in the syrup for an additional 10-15 minutes to infuse its flavour. 
5. Strain out the rosemary sprigs and transfer the syrup to a clean jar or bottle.  

You might also like: The Easy Guide to Fat-Washing Cocktails at Home 

18. Cherry sugar syrup 

Cocktail suggestion: Vodka Soda 

Ingredients 

• 1 cup water 
• 1 cup granulated sugar 
• 1 cup fresh or thawed, frozen cherries, pitted and halved 

Method 

1. Combine water and sugar in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. 
2. Add fresh or thawed, frozen cherries and bring to a simmer. 
3. Simmer for about 10-15 minutes, until the cherries have softened and released their juices. 
4. Mash the cherries gently with a fork or potato masher to release more flavour. 
5. Remove from heat and let the syrup cool to room temperature. 
6. Strain out the cherry pulp and seeds, then transfer the syrup to a clean jar or bottle.  

19. Pomegranate simple syrup

Cocktail suggestion: Pomegranate Martini 

Ingredients 

• 1 cup pomegranate juice (fresh or store-bought) 
• 1 cup granulated sugar 

Method 

1. Combine water and sugar in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. 
2. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. 
3. Remove from heat and let the syrup cool to room temperature. 
4. Transfer the pomegranate syrup to a clean jar or bottle.  

Learn more: 18 Grenadine Cocktails to Try in 2024 

20. Pineapple simple syrup

Cocktail suggestion: Pineapple Martini 

Ingredients 

• 1 cup pineapple juice (fresh or store-bought) 
• 1 cup granulated sugar 

Method 

1. Combine water and sugar in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. 
2. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. 
3. Remove from heat and let the syrup cool to room temperature. 
4. Transfer the pineapple syrup to a clean jar or bottle.  

There you have it – sugar syrup flavour ideas to fuel your creative fire behind the cocktail shaker at home. Let us know which one you try out and remember to sign up for our newsletter to get more DIY inspiration like this fresh off the presses.