How to Store Simple Syrup

• Extend the syrup’s life by putting it in a sterilized airtight container and storing it in the refrigerator.
• Label the container with the syrup’s estimated use-by date, so you’ll be able to enjoy it in time.
• You can make your own syrup for a longer shelf life using sugar, water, and an optional flavor like vanilla or cinnamon.

Extending the Life of Simple Syrup

Put simple syrup in an airtight container. Choose an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid, like Tupperware or a glass bottle, to reduce the syrup's exposure to oxygen. Don't choose glass if you plan the freeze the simple syrup, however. A bottle with a pour spout is perfect for adding simple syrup to cocktails. Exchange the spout for an airtight lid when storing the syrup in the fridge.

Sterilize your container. To ensure your simple syrup lasts as long as possible, sterilize, rather than simply clean, the container first. To sterilize a glass container, simply pour boiling water over and into it. Dump out the water just before you add the simple syrup to the container. To sterilize a plastic container, put it in a larger container together with a cup full of water and place it in the microwave. Heat it for 3 minutes, then carefully remove it. Take caution not to burn yourself or damage your kitchen surfaces when working with boiling water and heated containers.

Store simple syrup in the refrigerator. Put your sealed container of simple syrup in the refrigerator, rather than leaving it out on the counter where it's exposed to warm temperatures and sunlight. The darkness and cool temperature of the fridge will extend the shelf life of simple syrup.

Use 1:1 hot-process syrup within 1 month. The ratio of sugar to water affects the shelf life of your syrup, and equal parts of sugar and water will make a simple syrup lasting about 4 weeks.

Use 2:1 hot-process syrup within 6 months. The higher sugar content considerably extends the shelf life of the syrup.

Use cold-process and flavored syrups within 2 weeks. Cold-process and flavored simple syrups don't last as long as unflavored hot-process syrups, regardless of the sugar to water ratio. Be sure to use them up within 2 weeks of making them, or they may begin to get cloudy and/or grow mold.

Add 1 Tbsp (14.8 mL) of vodka to hot-process syrup to extend its life. Mix 1 tablespoon (14.8 mL) of vodka into your syrup before storing it in the fridge. It makes 1:1 refrigerated hot-process syrup last 3 months, and extends 2:1 refrigerated hot-process syrup past 6 months.

Freeze hot- or cold-process simple syrup for up to one year. Be sure to use a sterile, airtight container when freezing simple syrup. It may not freeze completely due to its high sugar content. When you're ready to use it, thaw the simple syrup by soaking the container in warm water. Do not freeze simple syrup in a glass jar, which could crack.

Making Simple Syrup

Make hot-process simple syrup for a longer shelf-life. Add equal parts sugar and water to a saucepan. Heat it over medium heat, stirring constantly, until all the sugar is dissolved. Remove it from heat, turn off your burner, and allow the mixture to cool. Make sure you don't let the mixture boil, as this will evaporate the water and affect the ratio of sugar to water.

Make cold-process simple syrup to avoid heating the mixture. Put equal parts sugar and water in a jar or bowl. Mix or shake vigorously until all the sugar has dissolved. This may take some time, as sugar dissolves more slowly in cold water than in hot. You can use any temperature of tap water, it does not need to be cold. The method is called cold-process because you don't heat the mixture on the stove as you do in hot-process.

Play around with the ratios to change the flavor and consistency. Depending on what you plan to use simple syrup for, you may want it more or less sugary. Adjust the ratio of sugar to water (e.g., 2:1) until you find a flavor and consistency you like. Keep in mind that the more sugar you use, the longer the simple syrup will last.

Flavor your simple syrup, if desired. Once you remove the sugar and water mixture from heat, add your chosen flavoring, such as a sprig of rosemary, an orange rind, a cinnamon stick, or a vanilla bean or two. Allow it to steep until the mixture cools, then remove it, and stir or shake the simple syrup to evenly distribute the flavor. For cold-process simple syrup, simply soak the item in the sugar water for a few hours, then remove it. The flavor won't be as strong as it will be for hot-process syrup.