simple syrup

noun

: a sweetening agent made by melting granulated sugar in hot water

The drink developers decided they could add "dashes" of unsweetened, natural flavor, such as vanilla or hazelnut, and give customers the option to add or subtract pumps of simple syrup for more or less sweetness (each pump of syrup contains five grams of sugar).

—Julie Jargon

I just started making a Quarter Horse … . I found it on a cocktail app that I have called Highball, and it's made with bourbon, lime, simple syrup, ginger beer, and bitters.

—Anna Kendrick

Examples of simple syrup in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Titi Me Paloma contains tequila, lime juice, grapefruit juice and simple syrup with a Tajin rim. —Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Feb. 2026

Combine pink grapefruit juice, fresh lime juice, and a little simple syrup, then top with seltzer. —Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 3 Feb. 2026

Never go to a house party with a simple syrup drink. —Alyse Whitney, Saveur, 29 Jan. 2026

Simply scanning the bacchanal has the effect of a Sazerac, the eye-popping, soul-warming swirl of rye, Herbsaint, Peychaud’s bitters, simple syrup and a lemon twist served over ice. —Tom Sietsema, Washington Post, 17 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1826, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for simple syrup

• stirrup