How to Make Simple Cane Sugar Syrup: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Combine Sugar and Water

Start by adding equal parts sugar and water to a medium-sized pot. For a standard simple syrup, use 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1 cup of water. If you're looking to make a lighter version, you can use ¾ cup of sugar with 1 cup of water, but keep in mind that the syrup will be less sweet. 

Step 2: Heat the Mixture

Place the pot over medium heat. Stir the sugar and water mixture regularly as it heats. The goal is to dissolve the sugar completely without allowing the mixture to boil. 

Step 3: Bring to a Simmer

As you stir, the mixture will begin to heat up and eventually start to simmer. You'll notice small bubbles forming around the edges of the pot. This is where you need to be careful—don’t let the syrup reach a full boil or start to foam. Just before the mixture boils, reduce the heat to low or turn it off entirely. 

Step 4: Dissolve the Sugar

Keep stirring until all the sugar has dissolved completely. The liquid should be clear, without any visible sugar granules. Once the sugar is fully dissolved, remove the pot from the heat.

Step 5: Cool the Syrup

Transfer the simple syrup to a clean jar or glass container. Let it cool to room temperature before sealing it with a lid.

Step 6: Store the Syrup

Once cooled, store the simple syrup in a sealed jar or container in the refrigerator. This will keep the syrup fresh for 1 to 3 months.

Notes on Sugar Content and Variations:

Standard Simple Syrup Ratio:

The classic ratio for simple syrup is 1-to-1, meaning you use equal parts sugar and water (e.g., 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water). This produces a syrup that is sweet and versatile for use in cocktails, coffee, and other recipes.

Lower Sugar Option:

If you prefer a less sweet syrup, you can reduce the sugar to ¾ cup while keeping the water at 1 cup. The resulting syrup will be less sweet, which might be desirable for certain beverages or recipes. 

Low Sugar, Same Sweetness:

For those looking to reduce sugar content while maintaining sweetness, you can use a combination of sugar and a sugar substitute like allulose, erythritol, or monk fruit. These substitutes can replicate the sweetness of sugar with fewer calories, making them ideal for a keto-friendly or low-sugar simple syrup. 

This simple syrup recipe yields approximately 1½ cups, which is perfect for adding a touch of sweetness to drinks or desserts.