How to Make Simple Syrup at Home

Combine equal parts white sugar and water in a small saucepan — for example, 1 cup sugar to 1 cup water. Heat over medium, stirring, just until the sugar fully dissolves. Let it cool before using.

You don't have to use heat: sugar will dissolve in room-temperature water with enough stirring, it just takes longer.

For a syrup that adds sweetness with less dilution, use two parts sugar to one part water. This is useful in shaken drinks where you want body without watering down the spirit.

Store simple syrup in a sealed bottle or jar in the fridge. Basic 1:1 syrup keeps for about a month; rich 2:1 syrup keeps a bit longer thanks to its higher sugar concentration.

Steep fresh mint, sliced ginger, or a cinnamon stick in the syrup while it cools to infuse extra flavor — great in a Mojito, Moscow Mule, or spiced Old Fashioned.