If you are looking for a deliciously easy way to jazz up your drinks, breakfasts, and desserts, look no further than my Strawberry Simple Syrup recipe! This sweet and scrumptious berry simple syrup is the perfect way to add fruity goodness to everything from drinks like cocktails, teas, and lemonades to your morning pancakes, oatmeal, and smoothies.
Strawberries are popping up left and right in Oregon lately, and I couldn’t be happier about it. In fact, I went a little overboard at our Farmer’s Market this weekend and got about a half dozen baskets of the juicy, sweet delights. I couldn’t help myself! 🤷♀️
While we’ve been having a delightful time scarfing down berries by the handful and baking up a storm with my Strawberry Banana Bread and Protein Strawberry Shortcake, I wanted to preserve a bit of the bounty to add sweet, springy flavor to all my favorite drinks, desserts, and breakfast dishes. Making a batch of fruit simple syrup seemed like a no-brainer!
Made with just sugar, water, and a pile of fresh, juicy strawberries (and only 20 minutes of active time!), this simple strawberry syrup is an ideal way to capture the flavor of the season.
Jump to:
What is strawberry simple syrup?
Strawberry simple syrup is a magical elixir that turns ordinary drinks and desserts into fruity, refreshing masterpieces! It’s a syrup made from fresh strawberries, water, and sugar that have been simmered until it becomes thick and syrupy.
Think of it as liquid sunshine in a bottle — it’s sweet, tangy, and bursting with strawberry flavor. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile and can be used to add a delicious twist to everything from lemonades and cocktails to smoothies and pancakes. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll never want to go back to boring old drinks again!
What does it taste like?
Oh my goodness, where do I even begin? It’s like taking a big juicy bite out of a ripe, sun-kissed strawberry on a warm summer day! The sweetness hits first, followed by a burst of tangy, fruity flavor that dances on your tongue like a naïve melody.
Trust me, you’ll want to savor every sip or bite that’s been blessed with this delicious strawberry syrup for drinks, desserts, and more. It’s the kind of flavor that makes you want to dance around in a field of strawberries, or, at the very least, in your kitchen with a delicious drink in hand!
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Simple Syrup Recipe
Aside from adding a burst of berry-licious pizzaz to everything it touches, this strawberry drink syrup is also:
- Quick & Easy – Wash and prep your strawberries, simmer them in sugar water, and strain. The whole process takes just 20 minutes of active time (if that).
- Made With Only 3 Ingredients – And one of them is WATER, so you know your shopping list will be minimal.
- Super Versatile – Not only does this strawberry flavoring for drinks have dozens of possible uses (we’re talking margaritas and mojitos, smoothies and sun teas, cakes and confections, just to name a few!), but it can also be customized to fit your needs and preferences. Read on below for lots of ideas!
Ingredients
As promised, this strawberry coffee syrup requires just 3 simple ingredients:
- Water – If possible, use filtered water for the best possible taste.
- Sugar – Plain, white granulated sugar has the cleanest, most neutral flavor of any sweetener, allowing the spectacular strawberries to take center stage.
- Strawberries – While spring is in the air, fresh strawberries are abundant. However, if you have a craving for a taste of warmer weather in the middle of January, feel free to swap in frozen berries instead!
Substitutions
If you need to tweak your strawberry syrup recipe for drinks and nibbles, here are a few easy swaps you can make:
- Water – Consider using fruit juice in place of water and cut back on the amount of sugar you add.
- Sugar – You’re welcome to add a layer of molasses-y, caramelly flavor by swapping in brown sugar for white. You can also use your favorite cup-for-cup sugar-free sweetener like stevia or monkfruit for a diabetic-friendly syrup.
- Strawberries – Allergic to or not a fan of strawberries? Swap in blackberries, blueberries, boysenberries, or raspberries. Want a wintry take? Use cranberries instead!
How To Make Strawberry Simple Syrup
Add all the ingredients to a medium saucepan.
Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes until the strawberries become mushy.
Strain the strawberries from the liquid, discarding the strawberries and reserving the liquid.
Cool the strawberry syrup in the fridge for at least an hour, then add to your favorite teas, smoothies, and drinks!
Optional Variations
The great thing about making your own fruit syrup for drinks is you have full creative control over the end result. Here are a few fun variations and dietary adaptations to consider:
- Get Herby – After simmering and removing the syrup from heat, add a large handful of your preferred herbs (strawberry basil syrup or strawberry mint syrup sound lovely!). Let them steep for 20 minutes off the heat, then strain and proceed as instructed.
- Swoon for Citrus – Add a big squeeze of fresh lemon, lime, or orange juice for a tart twist.
- Some Like It Hot – Add a few coins of fresh jalapeño and/or a generous pinch of cayenne to the mix for a sweet and spicy mashup that’s sure to tickle your tastebuds.
- Reduced-Sugar or Sugar-Free – If you’re avoiding added sugar, consider swapping in your favorite fruit juice (e.g. apple or pomegranate) for water and using your favorite sugar alternative to sweeten it to taste.
- Vegan – If you’re based in the US, opt for organic granulated sugar or a minimally processed sugar (e.g. coconut sugar) to ensure that it is entirely plant-based.
- Rich Strawberry Syrup – You can double the sugar (keeping the other ingredients the same) to create what is known as a “rich simple syrup.” Since sugar is a natural preservative, this will extend the shelf life of the syrup to upwards of 6 weeks!
Making Simple Syrup With Other Berries
You’re also welcome to switch things up and change with the seasons by using different types of berries in place of strawberries.
Making simple syrup with other berries is just as easy and delicious as making it with strawberries! Simply substitute your favorite berries (e.g. blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries) for the strawberries in the recipe. You can also mix and match for a fun and flavorful blend.
Follow the same 1:1 ratio of sugar and water (or juice), and simmer as instructed. Strain the mixture, and voila! You now have a sweet and fruity syrup that can be used in a variety of drinks and desserts. Experiment with different berry combinations and let your taste buds guide you to berry bliss!
How To Enjoy Strawberry Simple Syrup
Once you make a batch of this strawberry syrup, I have a feeling you’ll find plenty of ways to use it up. Here are a few of my favorites:
- Easy Strawberry Milk Tea – With a mixture of jasmine green tea, sweet strawberry, creamy milk, and chewy boba, this is a springtime sipper if I ever saw one.
- Strawberry Lemonade – Mix the syrup with freshly squeezed lemon juice and water for a deliciously refreshing summer drink.
- Use strawberry syrup for cocktails, such as mojitos, margaritas, and bellinis.
- Add a splash to your favorite smoothie or shake for an extra boost of fruity flavor.
- Drizzle it over ice cream, pancakes, waffles, or cheesecake for a deliciously sweet and fruity topping.
- Use the syrup to sweeten cake layers for a moist and fruity twist. You can also use it to flavor your favorite frostings.
- Mix the syrup with balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and Dijon mustard for a sweet and tangy salad dressing.
- Use the syrup to sweeten your fruit salad for an added burst of fruity yumminess.
These are just a few fun and flavorful ideas to get you started, but there are endless ways to use strawberry simple syrup to add a sweet and fruity kick to your drinks and desserts. If you come up with a genius idea for using it, let me know in the comments below!
Storing & Freezing Instructions
Allow the syrup to cool completely before transferring it to a glass jar or squeeze bottle with a tight-fitting lid. Store the syrup in the refrigerator for up to 2-4 weeks.
Before using, give the syrup a quick shake or stir to recombine any separated ingredients.
You can also freeze the simple syrup for up to 6 months. To use it, defrost it overnight in the fridge and proceed as normal.
Tips & FAQ
- Opt for organic. Strawberries are consistently on EWG’s Dirty Dozen list, which is an indicator of pesticide usage. If possible, opt for organic berries to limit your exposure. Either way, make sure to clean them thoroughly.
- Use a funnel and a squeeze bottle. I love storing my homemade simple syrup infusions in squeeze bottles for several reasons: they’re easier to measure into drinks or soak onto cake layers, plus they’re easier to store without any sticky drips. Use a funnel to get every last bit of fruity goodness into the bottle.
- Waste not, want not. Once you strain the strawberries from the syrup, you can definitely still use them in other ways! Rather than tossing the mashed-up berries in your compost, repurpose them as a spread for toast, swirl them into yogurt or oatmeal, spoon them over ice cream, or toss them in your favorite smoothie. You can also turn them into homemade fruit leather using a food dehydrator. Or, give your doggies a dollop of berry deliciousness!
Using simple syrup instead of sugar can be a game-changer in your kitchen! Simple syrup dissolves quickly and easily into drinks, desserts, and baked goods, ensuring that your recipes come out perfectly every time without any gritty or grainy texture.
So long as it is kept under refrigeration, it should last for 2-4 weeks in the fridge or about 6 months in the freezer. Note that by doubling the sugar and making a “rich syrup,” you can extend the refrigerated shelf-life by several weeks.
As a Registered Dietitian, I would say that while strawberry simple syrup is certainly delicious, it should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Like any sweetener, simple syrup contains sugar, which can contribute to excess calorie intake and potential health concerns such as tooth decay and blood sugar imbalances when consumed in excess.
However, making your own simple syrup from scratch can offer some benefits since you have control over the amount of sugar used and can also incorporate real, whole fruit like strawberries for added nutrients and fiber.
Additionally, using a small amount of simple syrup to sweeten a drink or dessert can help you enjoy a sweet treat without going overboard on added sugars. So, while strawberry simple syrup is not necessarily a health food, it can be a fun and tasty way to add flavor to your recipes when enjoyed in moderation.
Nutritional Info
Alright, let’s break down the nutritional stats for this delicious strawberry simple syrup!
First off, one serving (which is about 2 tablespoons) contains 149 calories. Now, that might seem like a lot at first glance, but keep in mind that simple syrup is typically used as a sweetener, so you’re not going to be consuming it in large quantities. Plus, those calories come from carbohydrates, which provide your body with energy to power through your day!
Speaking of carbs, one serving of strawberry simple syrup contains 38 grams of carbs. Carbs are an important macronutrient that provides your body with fuel, so they’re definitely not something you want to cut out completely. However, it’s important to keep in mind that too many carbs (especially those from added sugars) can contribute to weight gain and other health issues, so moderation is key.
Strawberry simple syrup is fat-free and sodium-free, so it’s a good option for those watching their fat or sodium intake. However, it’s important to keep in mind that simple syrup is still a source of added sugar, which is something to be mindful of if you’re trying to cut back on your sugar intake.
Overall, strawberry simple syrup can be a delicious and fun way to add flavor to your favorite drinks and desserts. Just be sure to enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet!
Total nutritional content per serving is:
- Calories: 149 calories
- Total Fat: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Carbohydrates: 38 grams
- Fiber: 1 g
*This nutritional information is an estimate and calculated based on the ingredients used to create the recipe. The nutritional value of your ingredients may differ slightly. Furthermore, this food is not intended to prevent, diagnose, cure, or treat any disease.
Pricing Info
This is what I personally paid to make this recipe:
- 2 ½ cups chopped strawberries: $2.99
- 1 cup organic cane sugar: $0.64
The total this recipe cost me to make was around $3.63 or roughly $0.61 per serving!
Tried this recipe? Please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating in the comments below! I would really appreciate your feedback!
Recipe
Strawberry Simple Syrup
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups chopped strawberries
- 1 cup organic cane sugar or other granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Add the fresh strawberries, sugar, and water to a medium saucepan.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes until the strawberries become mushy.
- Strain the strawberries from the liquid, discarding the strawberries and reserving the liquid.
- Cool the strawberry syrup in the fridge for at least an hour, then add to your favorite teas, smoothies, and drinks!
Nutrition
If you end up making this and loving it, take a photo and tag me on Instagram! I’d love to see your versions of my recipes! And feel free to rate it down below in the comment section. I would really appreciate it!
xoxo Megan
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