Simple Syrup Recipes

Simple syrup really is simple — it’s just a mixture of sugar and water that is heated and stirred until fully combined. A staple at any decent cocktail joint or home bar, simple syrup appears in many cocktail recipes as a way to add sweetness and, sometimes, flavors extracted from additional ingredients.

Making simple syrup for cocktails with Rollins Distillery spirits

Rich Simple Syrup

The simple syrup we use in many of our favorite cocktails uses a 2:1 ratio of sugar to water, also known as a “Rich Simple” or “Bartenders Simple.” The result is a thicker, more stable syrup that allows you to use less syrup per drink.

  • 2 parts granulated sugar
  • 1 part hot water
  1. Step 1

    Stir the mixture until all the sugar is dissolved.

  2. Step 2

    Transfer the syrup to an airtight container and store in the fridge.

Honey Simple Syrup

Just as easy to make as the standard simple syrup, using honey to sweeten the mixture adds flavors that compliment many cocktails.

  • 2 parts honey
  • 1 part hot water
  1. Step 1

    Add all ingredients and stir until the honey has fully dissolved.

  2. Step 2

    Transfer the syrup to an airtight container and store in the fridge.

Light Honey Simple Syrup

Made with granulated sugar and honey, this versatile simple syrup is a great way to incorporate the subtle flavors of your favorite local honey. We enjoy using products from East Hill Honey Co. in Pensacola.

  • 1.5 parts granulated sugar
  • 0.5 parts honey
  • 1 part hot water
  1. Step 1

    Add all ingredients and stir until the honey and sugar has fully dissolved.

  2. Step 2

    Transfer the syrup to an airtight container and store in the fridge.

Vanilla Simple Syrup

The addition of a real vanilla bean to the basic simple syrup recipe is an easy way to add depth of flavor to the mixture. The 2:1 ratio makes a thick, stable syrup with floral and fruity notes from the vanilla that add a smooth, unexpected twist to many classic cocktail recipes.

  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 whole vanilla bean
  1. Step 1

    Add the water and granulated sugar to a sauce pan and heat —  but don’t boil! — over medium heat. Split the vanilla bean in half lengthwise and scrape out the seeds directly into the saucepan. Stir until all the sugar is dissolved.

  2. Step 2

    Transfer the syrup to an airtight container and store in the fridge. If desired, use a fine-mesh strainer to remove the seeds (but we prefer to leave them in).

Jalapeno Honey Simple Syrup

Featured in our Jalapeño Honey Lemonade, this sweet and spicy syrup is an easy way to fire up your favorite cocktails. We use a light ratio of honey to granulated sugar so the floral elements compliment the heat without overwhelming the other flavors in finished cocktails.

  • 1.5 parts granulated sugar
  • .5 part honey
  • 1 part water
  • 1 medium jalapeño, sliced
  1. Step 1

    Add the water, granulated sugar and honey to a sauce pan and bring to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat. Add the jalapeno wheels — seeds and all — and simmer for three minutes or until all the sugar and honey is dissolved.

  2. Step 2

    Remove pot from heat and let the syrup steep for 15–30 minutes. The longer it steeps, the more heat you’ll extract from the jalapenos. Strain out the solids and store in an air-tight container in the fridge.