Making microwave simple syrup is an easy and efficient way to make your sweetener. Perfect for adding to coffee, tea, cocktails, and ice cold lemonade.
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We use simple syrup a lot in recipes for homemade lemonade, whether we realize it or not. In my Strawberry Pink Lemonade and Pickle Lemonade, we start with a base of sugar and water- which is exactly what simple syrup is.
Instead of grabbing a pot and turning on the stove, grab a bowl and make simple syrup in the microwave. It's faster and won't heat up the house in the process, which is exactly what you try to avoid doing on those hot summer days.
Microwave recipes are great for keeping on hand during the summer months whether its Popcorn with Almond Bark, Microwave Yellow Squash, or Cake Mix Mug Cakes you'll find that they have a way of showing up when you need them.
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💛 Why You'll Love This Recipe
- It's simple. It's really all there in the name, isn't it? With just 2 ingredients and 2 minutes, this quick simple syrup microwave recipe can't get any easier.
- Multiple uses. You can use simple syrup in cocktail drinks or mocktail drinks like a Blue Lagoon Mocktail. It can also be used as a sweetener in your coffee (hot coffee and iced coffee!) We use it in our Vanilla Iced Latte and Cinnamon Toast Crunch Latte.
- It can be made in advance. This Microwave Simple Syrup
keeps well in the fridge for a long time so you have plenty of opportunity to use it whenever the need strikes!
🛒 Ingredients
Sugar- To make this syrup, you'll need some granulated sugar. This will sweeten and thicken the mixture.
Water- Water is the base of the recipe and will dissolve the sugar into a pourable syrup-like consistency.
See the recipe card below for full ingredients and instructions.
🔀 Substitutions & Variations
Sugar. You can swap out the sugar in this recipe for brown sugar instead of granulated sugar. The flavor profile will be a little different, but depending on what you want to use the simple syrup for, you may find that it works great.
Another option is to use honey instead of sugar, but again, this will change the flavor of the syrup. For a stronger honey flavor, use local honey, but for a softer and more subtle honey flavor, use pasteurized store-bought honey.
📖 Ratios and Scaling
Adjusting Quantity: Easily double or halve the Microwave Simple Syrup
recipe. Microwave time may vary with more content.
Standard Ratio (1:1): Sugar to water is 1:1. Halve with ½ cup each, double with 2 cups each.
Thicker Syrup (2:1): Use 2 cups sugar to 1 cup water for a honey-like consistency. Adjust for preference.
🥣 Recipe Add-Ins
Fresh Fruit: Incorporate 1 cup of fresh fruit such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and more to create a colorful and flavorful simple syrup.
- Mix the fruit or berries with sugar and water before cooking the mixture.
- After cooking, mash everything together well.
- Strain the mixture through a sieve to remove any seeds or skins.
- Store the syrup in an airtight container.
Fresh herbs: Adding herbs like fresh mint leaves can really help to make the mixture flavorful and perfect for tea and cocktails.
🥄 Instructions for Microwave Simple Syrup
Step 1: Measure your sugar out into a microwave safe bowl or glass mixing bowl.
Step 2: Add in the water. You do not need to mix.
Step 3: Microwave on High for 2 minutes.
Step 4: Whisk together until the sugar has fully dissolved into the water. If needed, add another minute in the microwave.
Step 5: Let cool completely before pouring into a storage container or using as needed.
Keep stored in the fridge.
👩🏻🍳 Expert Tips
- Use a microwave-safe container. Glass measuring cups or thick microwave-safe bowls work best. Thin plastic can warp from the heat.
- Handle carefully, it's HOT. Simple syrup looks harmless, but it can reach boiling temperatures. Use oven mitts and let it rest for a minute before touching or pouring.
- Avoid boiling over. A 2-cup measuring cup is usually enough for a single batch, but if doubling the recipe, use a larger bowl so it doesn't bubble up and spill.
- Cool completely before storing. Warm syrup can create condensation inside the jar, which shortens shelf life.
- Label your jar. Especially if you make flavored syrups, write the flavor and date on the lid so you always know what's what.
❄️ Storage, Reheating & Make Ahead
Storage: Store simple syrup in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to 1 month. Discard if it becomes cloudy or develops an off smell.
Freezing: Freeze syrup in an ice cube tray for easy single-use portions. Thaw cubes as needed for lemonade, coffee, or cocktails.
Reheating: If the syrup thickens too much in the fridge, warm it in the microwave for 5-10 seconds and stir.
Make Ahead: Simple syrup is perfect for prepping in advance. Make a batch and keep it chilled to use whenever you need it.
🍵 Usage Ideas
Simple syrup pairs best with drinks and dishes that benefit from a touch of sweetness. Use it to sweeten cocktails, mocktails, iced tea, hot or iced coffee, and all types of homemade lemonade.
It also works beautifully brushed over baked cakes to keep the layers moist, or as a light glaze for pastries and fresh fruit. You can even stir it into smoothies or flavored waters for an easy boost of sweetness.
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❓ Microwave Simple Syrup FAQs
Nope! While heating the water does help the sugar to dissolve more quickly, you can simply whisk sugar and room temperature water together until the sugar has fully dissolved.
You'll know that your mixture is finished when the sugar in the syrup looks clear and not cloudy. The sugar granules will no longer be visible.
Making your own simple syrup at home is a lot cheaper than buying it from the store. Not only that, but you can adjust the quantities and ratios as you want.
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🐝 If you tried this microwave simple syrup, please leave a ⭐️ star rating and share your buzz in the 💬 comments below. I'd truly appreciate it!
📖 Recipe
Microwave Simple Syrup
Instructions
- Combine. Add the granulated sugar to a microwave safe bowl, then pour in the water. Do not stir.
- Microwave. Microwave on High for 2 minutes.
- Dissolve. Whisk until the sugar is fully dissolved. If needed, microwave for 1 additional minute, then whisk again.
- Cool and store. Let cool completely, then transfer to a storage container and refrigerate.
Notes
- Ratios and Scaling. This recipe uses a standard 1:1 sugar to water ratio. Scale up or down as needed, adjusting microwave time. For a thicker syrup, use a 2:1 ratio of sugar to water.
- Storage. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 month. Freeze in an ice cube tray for easy portioning.
Nutritional Information
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