Learn how to freeze simple syrup so that you always have your favorite mix-ins on hand. Homemade simple syrups are too delicious to waste, so learn how to extend their life by freezing your leftovers and using them later!
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How to Freeze Simple Syrup
Making a big batch of homemade simple syrup can be so useful! But only if you know how to store it properly and extend its shelf life a bit. That’s why I’ve learned how to freeze simple syrup so that I can easily preserve it and have it whenever needed.
Most recipes make a pretty large quantity of syrup, often more than the average person needs. This sweetener doesn’t last forever, though, so freezing any leftovers makes it super easy to have it ready to go at all times.
Learning how to store simple syrup is a great way to reduce food waste, and keep you party prepared at all time. There are dozens and dozens of cocktails, beverages and other recipes that use a liquid sugar sweetener. So freezing them just makes sense!
Flavored simple syrup recipes: Peach Simple Syrup • Ginger Simple Syrup • Lavender Simple Syrup
Why you’ll love this useful storage method
- You can have your favorite flavors at the ready whenever needed! Have last-minute guests coming over? Quickly thaw your favorite sweetener, and you’re ready to go!
- Make an extra large batch of your favorite flavors and then store for later. You can save your future self some time!
- This is a low effort storage method that is pretty much fail proof. Super simple and doesn’t require a ton of materials.
Tools & equipment
You will need a few basic supplies to make your liquid sweetener, like a saucepan and mixing spoon. Then, if you are storing in the fridge for a while you’ll need a glass jar or airtight container to store leftovers.
If you choose to freeze leftovers, you’ll need a few ice trays!
Ingredients for simple syrup
Make a basic sugar syrup with just two ingredients. But if you want added flavor, there are tons of different things to try! Here’s what you’ll need for the base of any recipe:
- granulated white sugar
- water
- optional flavoring (ex. herbs, spices, fruit, etc.)
How to make simple syrup
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, stir together the water and sugar until all of the granulated sugar is dissolved.
Bring the mixture to a boil for 2 minutes, then remove it from the heat and allow to cool completely. Use immediately or store for later!
How to freeze Simple Syrup
My favorite way to freeze leftover simple syrup is by using ice cube tray molds. Here’s how to freeze simple syrup into little syrup cubes:
Pour leftovers that are completely cool into a clean ice cube tray.
Carefully transfer the tray to the freezer and freeze for up to 6 months! If you have a flavored syrup, freeze for only 3-4 months, as longer could being to affect the flavor.
When you are ready to use the frozen simple syrup, let the cubes thaw in the fridge overnight. You can also use the defrost function on the microwave, or warm it in a saucepan. Use as normal and enjoy!
How long it takes simple syrup to freeze
It takes anywhere from 4-6 hours to fully freeze this classic sweetener. A syrup that is equal parts of sugar and water will freeze better than a syrup with a higher sugar content. That 1:1 ratio has more water and will freeze easily.
However, a rich syrup will eventually freeze, but at a lower temperature/freeze point. You can check out more about the really cool science surrounding the sugar effect. However, all you really need to know is that you’ll need to be patient as you wait for the sweetener to freeze and a recipe that is one part water and one part sugar will freeze more easily.
Tips & tricks
Check out these few tips so that this storage process can go off without a hitch:
- These cubes of simple sweetener will be very sticky. They are so sticky in fact that they can stick to the ice cube tray, even if you run room temp water over the back to release them like regular ice cubes. Use a flexible silicone tray so you can push them out easily.
- Some people use vodka as a preservative in their recipes. This will change the freezing point for the ice cubes, so they may not freeze as well if you do this. However, since I’ve given you the best tips on how to freeze simple syrup to lengthen its life, you really don’t need to add any vodka!
- Place each ice cube mold tray on a baking sheet to make it easier to transfer to the freezer. This is especially important if you are using flimsy silicone trays!
You can also freeze mixers like homemade margarita mix and sour mix! They are very similar to simple syrup.
Uses for simple syrup
There are TONS of ways to use this basic liquid sweetener. You can, of course, use it in hundreds of different cocktail recipes, like the classic strawberry margarita. Most cocktails call for ¼ to 1 ounce of syrup, but it’s best to measure it to taste.
It can be used to add flavor and sweetness to coffees too! My sugar cookie latte uses homemade sugar cookie syrup.
But, you could also use the frozen cubes to sweeten smoothies or frozen cocktails like the frozen margarita or frozen daiquiri.
They could also be used in cooking! For example, if you need sugar syrup for baking (bakers brush cakes with syrup to keep them moist) or if you need a brown sugar glaze, then use a bit of your stored sweetener.
Avoid using the frozen blocks as an ice cube in a cocktail. Even though you technically could, it’s better to let them thaw first.
Simple syrup recipes
I’ve pretty much got a recipe for all the best simple syrups, but here’s a list of a few favorites:
- Vanilla Simple Syrup
- Blackberry Simple Syrup
- Sugar-free Simple Syrup
- Caramel Simple Syrup
- Brown Sugar Simple Syrup
- Rosemary Simple Syrup
FAQ
This will keep in the refrigerator for a month, but you might want to stash it for later on if you tend not to use it a lot. If it is a flavored syrup, it won’t last quite a month, about 2-3 weeks. If simple syrup is cloudy, it should be tossed. Freezing it is a great way to preserve it beyond that time frame.
Leave the frozen cubes in the fridge to thaw overnight. Or, use the defrost function on your microwave to quick thaw the cubes. You can also add them to a pot on the stove top and heat on low until fully thawed!
More Helpful How-To’s
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How to Freeze Simple Syrup
ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- flavoring optional
instructions
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, stir together sugar and water until dissolved.
- Bring to a boil for 2 minutes, then remove from heat. Let cool completely. Use immediately in cocktails.
- Pour any leftover syrup into an ice cube try. You can measure out ½ ounce or 1 ounce at a time or just wing it.
- Store regular simple syrup in the freezer for up to 6 months. Flavored syrups may affect freezing and will be best within closer to 3 to 4 months.
- To use frozen simple syrup, let thaw the amount of cubes you need in the fridge overnight, defrost in the microwave or re-warm it in a small saucepan.
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