I make this strawberry simple syrup when I want a quick way to add fresh, fruity flavor to drinks. It has a bright berry taste, a beautiful red color, and a smooth sweetness that works wonderfully in lemonade, iced tea, cocktails, mocktails, and even coffee drinks.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
8 oz strawberries, stems removed and sliced
1 cup water
1 cup granulated sugar
Directions
I combine the sliced strawberries, water, and sugar in a saucepan over medium-high heat.
I bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, until the liquid turns a deep red and the strawberries become very soft.
Then I strain the syrup through a fine-mesh strainer without pressing on the strawberries so the syrup stays clear.
I transfer the syrup to a container and chill it in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours, or until cold.
I use it in drinks as desired and store any leftovers in the fridge.
Servings and timing
I prepare this recipe in 10 minutes, cook it for 20 minutes, and finish it in a total of 30 minutes. This recipe makes 8 servings, and each serving contains about 106 kcal.
Variations
I sometimes add a splash of vanilla extract for a softer, dessert-like flavor. I also like adding a little lemon juice when I want the syrup to taste brighter and slightly tangy. For a deeper fruit note, I mix in a few raspberries with the strawberries. When I want a more herbaceous twist, I simmer the syrup with a few fresh mint leaves or a small piece of basil.
Storage/Reheating
I store this strawberry simple syrup in a sealed jar or container in the refrigerator. It stays best when kept chilled and used within about 1 week. Since this is a syrup, I usually do not need to reheat it, but I can warm it gently for a few seconds if I want it to mix more easily into a hot drink.
FAQs
How do I keep the syrup clear?
I strain the syrup through a fine-mesh strainer and avoid pressing on the strawberries. That helps keep the liquid smooth and clear instead of cloudy.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
I can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones are not available. I may need to simmer the mixture a little longer to get the same deep color and flavor.
What drinks can I use this syrup in?
I use it in lemonade, iced tea, sparkling water, cocktails, mocktails, and even coffee or milk-based drinks. It is a very flexible syrup for homemade beverages.
Can I make it less sweet?
I can reduce the sugar a little, but the texture and shelf life may change. I find that the original ratio gives the best balance of sweetness and consistency.
Why do I chill the syrup before using it?
I chill the syrup so it tastes fresh and blends well into cold drinks. It also gives the flavors time to settle and makes the syrup easier to store.
Conclusion
I think this strawberry simple syrup is one of the easiest ways to bring fresh fruit flavor into homemade drinks. It is simple, beautiful, and incredibly useful to keep on hand. I love how a small amount can transform lemonade, tea, or cocktails into something bright, sweet, and refreshing.
📖 Recipe:
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Strawberry Simple Syrup
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A bright and fruity strawberry simple syrup with a vibrant red color and smooth sweetness, perfect for enhancing drinks. Made with just three ingredients, it is fresh, versatile, and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
8 oz strawberries, stems removed and sliced
1 cup water
1 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Combine the sliced strawberries, water, and sugar in a saucepan over medium-high heat.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes until the liquid turns deep red and the strawberries soften.
- Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh strainer without pressing on the strawberries to keep the syrup clear.
- Transfer the syrup to a container and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours until fully chilled.
- Use in drinks as desired and store leftovers in the refrigerator.
Notes
Add a splash of vanilla extract for a softer, dessert-like flavor.
Mix in a little lemon juice for a brighter, slightly tangy taste.
Combine with raspberries for a deeper fruit flavor.
Simmer with fresh mint or basil for an herbaceous twist.
Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
No reheating is necessary, but it can be gently warmed for hot drinks.
Use frozen strawberries if needed, simmering slightly longer for full flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Simmer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 106 kcal
- Sugar: 26 g
- Sodium: 1 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
