You can easily elevate your cocktails at home with DIY simple syrup intensely flavored with the citrus fruit of your choice!
Happy hour at home has become a monthly (or biweekly, depending on my workload) ritual for me and I delight in finding little ways to flex my skills and make it a high quality experience. That doesn't mean I want to wear myself out in the process, though. Homemade flavored simple syrups are an easy way to help curate the experience at your home bar. If you've ever wondered how to add flavor to simple syrup, you're in the right spot today. I'm about to walk you through my recipe for easy sugar syrup for drinks with three versions to highlight citrus season. Let's get into it.
And if you enjoy this recipe, you'll love my hibiscus simple syrup, too!
I first developed this recipe to add zing to my citrus champagne sparklers cocktails. You should definitely check them out, while you're here. But you don't have to drink alcohol to try this recipe. You can use this citrus syrup for soft drinks. Make your own fizzy fun by adding it to sparkling water or club soda. Perfect for Dry January or the sober curious folks among us.
If you're into easy ways to add flavor to food and drink, check out these recipes next!
What You'll Need for this Recipe
This easy simple syrup recipe calls for very few ingredients and is flexible on which kind of fruit you add to the mix. Depending on what's in season and looking particularly good at the grocery store or farmer's market, I like to make blood orange simple syrup, grapefruit simple syrup, or meyer lemon simple syrup. Here's what's in it.
- Granulated Sugar
- Water
- Citrus Fruits (grapefruit, oranges, lemons, limes, etc.)
As far as tools to make this simple syrup at home, grab a sturdy cutting board and a sharp knife to cut the fruit, a squeeze juicer to get all the juice out, and a small saucepan to cook the syrup in. I also recommend these handy 8-ounce bottles with lids for storing your syrup in.
Tips for Making Citrus Syrup at Home
- How do I store fresh simple syrup? Store fresh sugar syrup in an airtight container chilled in the fridge. These bottles work wonderfully and will make you feel all official.
- Does simple syrup go bad? Yes. Simple syrup made at home is free of preservatives and keeps for about a month when stored properly in the refrigerator.
- How to make homemade simple syrup last longer? Consider doubling the sugar in my recipe card to make what is called a rich syrup. This typically lasts up to six months in the fridge.
- Can I freeze simple syrup? Yes, you can absolutely freeze simple syrup as long as you use a freezer-safe container. Note that this syrup will freeze solid so it's best to divide it into one-ounce freezer trays for ease of thawing. This also gives you the ability to grab one or two servings at a time, as needed. You can freeze rich syrup, too, and it won't freeze solid because of all the sugar in it.
Now that you're up on one of my favorite recipes to make during citrus season, I invite you to share the love. Make it, share on Instagram, and tag me so I can shower you in compliments--and pin this post over on Pinterest, too. Thanks for reading!
Easy Citrus Flavored Simple Syrup Recipe
📖 Recipe
Easy Citrus Simple Syrup
Ingredients
- 3 citrus fruits
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Add granulated sugar and water to a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Squeeze juice of each citrus fruit into saucepan and stir until mixture is uniform and sugar is dissolved.
- Remove peels from juiced fruits and add into saucepan.
- Bring mixture to a boil (about 5 minutes) then reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to fully cool before using in cocktails, homemade fountain drinks, or other recipes.
Toni says
Have you tried this with preserved lemons?
Jazzmine Woodard says
Hi, Toni! I have not tried this recipe with preserved lemons but if you are referring to Moroccan style preserved lemons, they won't work here because of the salty briney flavor, which is more suited for savory dishes. Hope this is helpful.
Kelly says
This turned out amazing and way better than the store bought stuff!
Jazzmine Woodard says
Thanks for your feedback, Kelly! So glad you enjoyed this one.
Ginny Wright says
I want to make this recipe! Do I refrigerate after bottling?
Jazzmine Woodard says
Hi, Ginny! Yes, I recommend you refrigerate the syrup to store it. Hope you enjoy!
Ginny Wright says
Jazzmine-This is fantastic! I used my vanilla sugar to make the lemon syrup & it was absolutely wonderful. Thank you so much for the recipe!
Jazzmine Woodard says
You're so welcome, Ginny! Glad you enjoyed.
Tamara says
I was making a cocktail the other day that called for a simple syrup. This was the most delicious and simple recipe to follow! I’ll have this one on standby at all times.
Britney says
I made this for some bahama mamas as a nice way to add more flavor. It was so good! I will definitely be making a big batch of this for cocktails and mocktails in the future. Thanks!
Jessica says
I hosted friends for a bbq over the weekend and made a batch of this syrup to mix cocktails. It was so easy and fun and everyone loved it. Perfect way to add a nice touch to a party!
Kaluhi says
I always love how sunny citrus flavors feel and these syrups were simply perfect!! I first used them in cocktails I made and later on added some onto my freshly baked cake and it was magical!
Robin Sparks says
This was the most clever idea! Now I am never without citrus simple syrup on hand in case friends stop by for an impromptu cocktail hour.
Camille says
Thanks for the recipe Jazzmine - made it this week and its super easy to whip up and so refreshing. Thanks for the tip on how to make it last longer...very helpful info. Thanks again, girl! xx
Marta says
This citrus simple syrup is a much for those of us who love making our own cocktails. Especially so if you like making Italian sodas. I used it in both and was so happy to have it .
Lilly says
I made grapefruit citrus simple syrup using your recipe and it turned out great! I also took your advice and added it to club soda to create a delicious fizzy drink. I am hooked now! It's so simple and refreshing. Thanks for the recipe!
Taneisha says
I made these simple syrups for a summer backyard party we were having at home, and it was a hit with our family and friends. The recipe is super simple and it tastes amazing - 10/10!
Elsie says
Do I cook the peels with the sugar, water & juice??
Jazz says
Hi, Elise! Yes, cook the peels with the other ingredients then strain them out when done. This helps concentrate the citrus flavor.