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    Home » Cocktails » Bar Basics » Quick and Easy No-Cook Simple Syrup Recipe in a Jar

    Published: May 11, 2023 · Updated: May 6, 2023 by Sharon Garofalow | This post may contain affiliate links. See the privacy policy linked in my footer.

    Quick and Easy No-Cook Simple Syrup Recipe in a Jar

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Close up of a mason jar half filled with sugar syrup.

    If you're looking for an easy No-Cook Simple Syrup recipe that is ready in minutes and does not require any cooking look no further than this Simple Syrup Recipe in a Jar! Perfect for making a big batch of last-minute cocktails, this simple method teaches you how to make simple syrup quickly, without any of the fuss!

    Jar of simple syrup on the counter with cocktail ingredients in the background.
    A last-minute simple syrup recipe that takes just minutes to make!
    Jump to:
    • Quick Simple Syrup Recipe for Cocktails
    • Why I love this recipe
    • Ingredients
    • Directions
    • Recipes that use simple syrup
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • More simple syrup recipes
    • No Cook Simple Syrup in a Jar

    Quick Simple Syrup Recipe for Cocktails

    This jar simple syrup recipe is for you if you plan to make cocktails but always forget to make homemade simple syrup far enough in advance to let it cool before adding it to a chilled drink. I've been there.

    There are plenty of different ways to make simple syrup. There is the traditional method on the stovetop, you can make it in the microwave, and I've even shown you how to make simple syrup for just one cocktail out of a sugar cube.

    Or you could just be lazy and buy a bottle.

    But, this way is so quick and easy to make, (not to mention really cheap!). And this method does not even require any heat!

    Why I love this recipe

    This no-cook sugar syrup keeps really well in the fridge so you can easily make a big batch, and it is perfect for adding a little sweetness to drinks.

    Simple syrup is not just for cocktails, I love adding it to iced coffee recipes where there is no heat to dissolve regular sugar, and it helps sweeten up mocktails too.

    Also in a pinch, you can use simple syrup in any drink that calls for agave syrup. I can never be bothered to go to the store when I've run out of just one thing.

    Ingredients

    Bowls of sugar and water on a white marble countertop.
    This really is all you need to make a no-cook simple syrup!

    Here's what you need to make a quick simple syrup in a jar:

    • ½ cup sugar
    • ½ cup water

    I used white sugar in this recipe as it has a neutral flavor that will work in all drinks and cocktails.

    Slightly warm water will help the sugar dissolve, but don't use hot water as it will make the jar hot to hold and shake (!) and the syrup won't be cold enough to add to your drink right away.

    See the printable recipe card for quantities and full recipe.

    Directions

    Learn how to make a cocktail simple syrup in moments using just two easy ingredients and a jar with a tight-fitting lid!

    Woman pouring water into a mason jar.

    Step 1

    Add the water to a mason jar.

    Woman pouring sugar into a mason jar of water.

    Step 2

    Add the sugar.

    Woman shaking a jar of sugar and water to make simple syrup.

    Step 3

    Secure the lid and shake well until the sugar has dissolved. This will take approximately 2 minutes.

    Woman pouring a jar of simple syrup into a measuring cup.

    How to use this simple syrup

    Measure out the amount of simple syrup that your cocktail recipe calls for and add to it your drink or cocktail shaker.

    Recipes that use simple syrup

    • Moscow Mule Mocktail Recipe
    • Vodka Lemon Drop Recipe
    • Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey Sour
    • Dairy Free Bourbon Milk Punch Recipe
    • Gin and Herbal Tea Cocktail Recipe
    • Refreshing Watermelon Gimlet Recipe
    • Pitcher Margaritas
    • Spiced Rum and Aperol Cocktail Recipe
    • Strawberry Whiskey Sour Recipe

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How should I store this simple syrup?

    Store the simple syrup in the jar you made it in in the fridge for up to 1 month. This plain simple syrup should keep much longer than infused simple syrups.

    Do I have to use white sugar to make this syrup?

    No, but remember you'll get caramel flavors if you use brown sugar so the simple syrup then might not work with all cocktail flavors. But it will add a certain something to cozy fall drinks! Just remember to choose a sugar with crystals no bigger than regular sugar as they may be harder to dissolve in the jar.

    Can I make this syrup thinner or thicker?

    1:1 is the traditional sugar-to-water ratio, but for a thicker syrup, you can use a little less water, or add a little more for a looser syrup which is a little less sweet when added in the same quantity to drinks. You can also use less sugar than water if you want it to be less concentrated.

    Can I add other flavors to this simple syrup recipe?

    As you're not heating the sugar here this recipe is best used for a plain simple syrup since the colder temperature won't allow all the flavors to steep as well. I do however have recipes for vanilla cinnamon simple syrup, blueberry simple syrup and strawberry simple syrup if you're looking for something with extra flavor!

    More simple syrup recipes

    • Best Simple Syrup Recipe for Cocktails and Coffee
    • How To Make Simple Syrup In The Microwave
    • How To Make Simple Syrup For One Cocktail (Sugar Cube Simple Syrup)
    • Basil Simple Syrup Recipe for Cocktails and Mocktails
    • Vanilla Simple Syrup Recipe for Coffee and Cocktails

    And if you want to flavor a cocktail with lavender without adding any extra sweetness you can use this lavender tea recipe.

    Save and pin this recipe for later!

    Make sure you don’t lose this recipe by saving it for later! Also, for more recipes make sure you’re following me on Pinterest, Instagram and like my page on Facebook. If you make this recipe, be sure to leave a star rating and tag me in your pictures!

    Jar of simple syrup on the counter with cocktail ingredients in the background.

    No Cook Simple Syrup in a Jar

    Perfect for making a big batch of last minute cocktails this easy simple syrup recipe teaches you how to make simple syrup for drinks and cocktails quickly, without any of the fuss!
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate Save Saved!
    Course: cocktails
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 4 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 4 minutes minutes
    Author: Sharon Garofalow

    Ingredients

    • ½ cup sugar
    • ½ cup water warm

    Instructions

    • Add the sugar and the water to a Mason Jar with a tight fitting lid.
    • Shake until all the sugar is dissolved. This should take approximately 2 minutes.

    Notes

    Store the simple syrup in the jar you made it in in the fridge for up to 1 month. 
    1:1 is the traditional sugar to water ratio, but for a thicker syrup you can use a little less water, or add a little more for a looser syrup which is a little less sweet when added in the same quantity to drinks.
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @CupcakesCutlery or tag #cupcakescutlery!

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    About Sharon Garofalow

    Sharon lives in Southern California with her adorable family. She loves to share ideas to make mom life easier and encourage busy gals to make time for themselves too! Sharon's "me" time often includes watching Hallmark Channel movies, sipping sauvignon blanc, trying not to eat Salt and Pepper potato chips, and planning girlfriend getaways.

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    Based in Southern California, I am the mom to two amazing boys and married to the raddest man in all the land. Cupcakes and Cutlery is your resource for simple solutions to help you be an awesome wife and mother and not lose yourself in the process. Email me at [email protected]

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