How to Make The Easiest Simple Syrup for Cocktails

Measure out one cup of sugar and add it to your saucepan.

Measure out one cup of water and add it to your saucepan, pouring it directly in with the sugar.

Place your saucepan of sugar and water on your stove over medium-high heat.

Bring mixture to a simmer, stirring your pan occasionally. Only heat until the sugar has completely dissolved. Once the sugar has dissolved, turn off the heat.

Your simple syrup will now have a thick consistency.

Note: Don't let your simple syrup brown. If you let your mixture brown, you'll have caramel on your hands, not simple syrup.

To cool your freshly made simple syrup, remove your pan and place it away from your stove.

You don't have to stir your simple syrup while it cools. Instead, let it cool down for around 15-20 minutes before pouring it carefully into a mason jar (or the airtight container of your choosing).

Store your container for up to 4 weeks in your refrigerator.

Pro tip: Once you've transferred your simple syrup to your mason jar, clean your saucepan. Once most of the water has evaporated from the leftover sugar in your pan, it will become crystalized sugar which is super annoying to remove.

Cleaning immediately after you pour your cooled simple syrup makes the process a lot easier.