In fact, if simple syrup is an ingredient in your next drink, a substitution could already be in your cabinet.
What is Simple Syrup?
Simple syrup is a sweet, liquid mixture made from white sugar and water specifically for mixing into cocktails. The use of simple syrup dates back to the 1800s, and the mixture is an easy-to-remember 1:1 ratio of sugar and water. Equal parts of sugar and water are put into a pan, heated, then cooled before being used in drinks.
Best Easy Simple Syrup Replacement
Simple syrup is regular sugar dissolved in water. As such, the most authentic way to substitute simple syrup is to stir in a bit of sugar to a drink to sweeten it. To replace simple syrup in your drink with white sugar, stir in 2/3rds the amount of regular sugar.
Recipes calling for simple syrup usually use ounces, while sugar is measured in tablespoons or teaspoons. To help, 1/2 an ounce is the same as 1 tablespoon. Simple syrup is commonly called for in 1/4 oz. per drink, and 2/3rds of 1/4 oz is 1 teaspoon.
*The gist: for every 1/4 oz of simple syrup (the typical serving size in drinks), sub 1 teaspoon of regular sugar.*
Other Simple Syrup Subs
Agave
Agave has been used as a sweetener in Mexico for thousands of years. Depending on the agave type, tastes can range from mild, like regular sugar, to robust caramel flavors that could change the tasting notes of the drink. If substituting agave for simple syrup, it’s recommended to buy a light agave. To substitute, use the same amount of light agave.
Honey
Honey is a preferred substitution for simple syrup because of the light tasting notes and barely-noticeable changes to the drink’s flavor profile. To substitute with honey, use an equal amount in your drink.
Maple Syrup
Maple syrup will probably be the most noticeable substitution, especially if the syrup is a strong maple flavor — but using maple syrup instead of simple syrup could enhance the drink’s flavor profile, depending on the core ingredient. To substitute with maple syrup, use approximately 1/2 to 3/4 of the amount of simple syrup.
Proof Syrup
Proof syrup is made from high-quality cane sugar and organic ingredients, and it’s made to not only be a simple syrup substitution — it’s compelling bars to replace watered-down sugar altogether. It’s not cheap, but for $32, you get 32 perfectly-balanced old-fashioneds.
Stevia Simple Syrup
This method involves a pan, but as the world leans away from the damaging effects of sugar, no-sugar stevia simple syrup is on a meteoric rise. Check our original recipe and use a 1:1 ratio (but use a 1:4 stevia-to-water ratio when making it).
Sugar Cubes
The easiest replacement for simple syrup is popping a sugar cube in your drink and giving your glass a quick stir. One sugar cube is about a teaspoon of sugar.
Simple Syrup Substitution Chart
Substitution |
Measurement (Per 1/4 oz Simple Syrup) |
Cost |
| Agave | 1/4 oz (1:1) | $5-8 |
| Coconut Sugar | 1 teaspoon (1:1.5) | $5 |
| Demerara Sugar | 1 teaspoon (1:1.5) | $3-6 |
| Honey | 1/4 oz (1:1) | $4-20 |
| Maple Syrup | 1 teaspoon (1:1.5) | $8 |
| Proof Syrup | 1/2 oz (2:1) | $32 |
| Regular Sugar | 1 teaspoon (1:1.5) | $2.50 |
| Stevia Simple Syrup | 1/4 oz (1:1) | $8 |
| Sugar Cubes | 1 sugar cube | $7 |
Less Common Subs
- Coconut Sugar: A teaspoon of coconut sugar, though more expensive, will add an infusion of caramel notes.
- Demerara Sugar: Adding a teaspoon of demerara sugar, which retains some molasses flavoring, sweetens a drink with subtle molasses notes.
What About Store-Bought Simple Syrup?
Store-bought simple syrup is loaded with preservatives. Though it’s a quick win, it might be better to make your own or use one of the above substitutions.
