Simple syrup is an easy way to sweeten cold drinks without waiting for sugar to dissolve. They also work perfectly in hot drinks. The basic version needs just sugar and water, but a few extra ingredients can take it in all kinds of directions, from cozy coffee shop flavors to fruity or a little jalapeño heat. Whether you’re mixing cocktails, making an iced latte, or looking for a sweet drizzle for dessert, these 10 syrups offer plenty of ways to add flavor.
Classic Simple Syrup
Start with the essential: a smooth, two-ingredient syrup made with sugar and water. Keep a jar in the fridge to sweeten cocktails, lemonade, iced tea, or coffee.
Get the recipe: Classic Simple Syrup
Brown Sugar Simple Syrup
Brown sugar brings a warm, caramel-like flavor to this easy variation. Try it in coffee or tea when you want something richer than classic simple syrup.
Get the recipe: Brown Sugar Simple Syrup
Vanilla Bean Syrup
Vanilla adds a fragrant, mellow sweetness that works especially well in lattes and other coffee drinks. It’s also an easy way to give homemade beverages a coffee-shop feel.
Get the recipe: Vanilla Bean Syrup
Gingerbread Syrup
Made with brown sugar, molasses, and warm spices, gingerbread syrup is a natural fit for coffee. You can also spoon some over pancakes or stir it into oatmeal.
Get the recipe: Gingerbread Syrup
Jalapeño Simple Syrup
This syrup balances sweetness with a little peppery heat. Add it to a margarita or another cocktail when you want a spicy kick without muddling fresh jalapeños into the drink.
Get the recipe: Jalapeño Simple Syrup
Mint and Vinegar Syrup
Sekanjabin stands out from the other drinks with its combination of sugar, vinegar, and fresh mint. This sweet and sour simple syrup makes a refreshing drink with water, rosewater, and cucumber.
Get the recipe: Mint and Vinegar Syrup
Lavender Simple Syrup
Dried lavender gives this syrup a floral aroma that can brighten tea, lattes, cocktails, and desserts. Use food-grade lavender, then strain the buds out before storing.
Get the recipe: Lavender Simple Syrup
Strawberry Syrup
Fresh strawberries turn this syrup a lovely red and give it sweet fruit flavor. Drizzle it over ice cream or waffles, or stir it into soda water or a cocktail.
Get the recipe: Strawberry Syrup
Peanut Butter Syrup
For a playful twist, peanut butter syrup brings nutty sweetness to drinks. Try it in coffee or pair it with toasted marshmallow syrup for a Fluffernutter-inspired latte.
Get the recipe: Peanut Butter Syrup
Toasted Marshmallow Syrup
Toasted marshmallows and vanilla give this syrup a sweet, lightly roasted flavor. Stir it into coffee, cold brew, or hot chocolate for a cozy treat.
Get the recipe: Toasted Marshmallow Syrup
