Don’t Have Simple Syrup? Here’s What To Use Instead

Simple syrup is a simple and delicious way to sweeten cocktails, coffee, pancakes, and much more. But what can you do if you’ve run out and don’t have the time, ingredients, or energy to prepare more?

Good alternatives to simple syrup include agave, maple syrup, and honey. The best option depends in part on what you plan to use the sweetener for. You can also use a sugar substitute like granulated stevia to make simple syrup, but the taste may differ and it won’t be as sweet as usual.

Let’s take a closer look at how simple syrup is made, as well as reliable alternatives you can use in a pinch.

How Is Simple Syrup Made?

Homemade Sugar Simple Syrup

The good news is that if you can boil water, you know how to make simple syrup. Simple syrup is easily made by boiling water together with sugar in equal parts until it thickens and melts together.

You can then pour the mixture through a strainer and bottle it, creating a delicious and very easy syrup that can be added to a whole host of drinks and foods.

There’s also what’s known as “rich simple syrup,” which uses two parts sugar to one part water. This is made in the same way but takes a little longer, and will end up much sweeter.

Simple syrup is also very customizable. We just described the basic recipe, but many people choose to add other things to their simple syrup such as vanilla extract. It’s also common to add fruit (strawberries, blackberries, and other berries work very well) or different herbs and spices.

There are few limits to what can be added to simple syrup!

What Are the Best Substitutes for Simple Syrup?

If you don’t have sugar on hand, don’t want to go through the process of making simple syrup, or just prefer a different sweetener, there are several great alternatives. The best option depends on what you intend to use it for.

Agave

Agave nectar (on Amazon) works great in cocktails that call for simple syrup if you don’t have any, but you should use half the amount of simple syrup that it calls for, as agave nectar is very sweet. 

Maple Syrup

Maple syrup works great on foods such as pancakes if you’re craving sweet simple syrup but don’t have any. You can also use maple syrup in drinks like cocktails, mocktails, and coffees. It should create a similar subtle sweetness that doesn’t taste too strongly of maple.

Honey

Just like maple syrup, honey can be used one-for-one in a variety of different recipes that typically call for simple syrup. It doesn’t come across quite as neutrally as agave or maple syrup though, and you will definitely taste the honey — so whether this works or not for you depends on your personal tastes.

Can You Make Simple Syrup Using a Sugar Substitute?

You can make a simple syrup with a sugar alternative such as granulated stevia (on Amazon) and the method will be the same to make it. However, it’s important to be aware that the syrup won’t taste quite the same (or as sweet) as it would have if you had used sugar.

For those trying to cut down on the sugar they’re consuming, however, stevia can be a great option. It will taste even better in simple syrups that are also using other flavors and the difference won’t be as significant.

If you’re not concerned about the sugar content, brown sugar syrup is just as easy to make and adds a richer flavor to your cup.

Can You Buy Simple Syrup?

Many companies sell bottled simple syrup for those who don’t want to make it themselves, but it’s always important to check the ingredients. Some companies include a lot of fillers and preservatives, which may help the syrup to last longer but could also be unhealthy. 

Some syrups also include food coloring to give it a different appearance, which doesn’t necessarily indicate flavor.

Lastly, some companies use high fructose corn syrup instead of sugar. Since many people try to avoid consuming high fructose corn syrup, it’s important to check this if it matters to you. It can also make the syrup much sweeter than real sugar would.

Can You Freeze Simple Syrup?

You can freeze simple syrup, but there are a few things to bear in mind. The first is that frozen simple syrup will only last around three months maximum, so consider that if you were planning to make huge batches of the substance — it may not be the most practical idea.

The second is that glass can break when frozen, so make sure you buy plastic bottles (like these on Amazon).

When you’re ready to consume the simple syrup, you can remove it from the freezer and put it in the fridge to thaw overnight.

How Long Does Simple Syrup Last?

While simple syrup can last for around three months in the freezer, that’s not the case when left at room temperature or in the fridge. It will only last for a couple of days at room temperature and, in the fridge, it should keep for around two to four weeks. 

Rich simple syrup will last a little longer than this thanks to the high sugar concentration.

What Happens if Simple Syrup Goes Bad?

If your simple syrup is going bad, you’ll be able to tell because it’ll take on a cloudy appearance. This means that bacteria has started to grow in the mixture and it shouldn’t be consumed anymore. If left long enough, you may also notice an unpleasant odor when you open the bottle.

It’s important to keep track of how long you’ve had the simple syrup and to monitor for any signs that it’s starting to go bad. Not only will the taste deteriorate, but the bacteria could also make you sick.

What Else Can Be Added to Simple Syrup?

Homemade Sweet Hibiscus Tea Simple Syrup

The possibilities of what can be added to simple syrup to create different flavors are nearly endless. A lot of people choose to add fruit to their simple syrup, which you can simply boil along with the water and sugar before putting it through a strainer.

Popular fruits for simple syrup include:

  • Strawberries
  • Blackberries
  • Blueberries
  • Oranges
  • Mango
  • Raspberries

Others choose to use extracts in their simple syrup, such as vanilla (on Amazon). This creates a hint of flavor, but extracts should be used lightly, as they can be very strong.

You can also add herbs or spices to your simple syrup if desired, but it’s important to be aware that some ingredients can change the lifespan of simple syrup.

The Final Word

Overall, simple syrup is a great condiment for many cocktails, mocktails, coffees, and even foods such as pancakes. It can be made with alternative ingredients like granulated stevia, and you can change up the amount of sugar you use to suit your taste.

Just make sure to use plastic bottles if storing it in the freezer and be aware of its lifespan in different environments.

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