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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Blend it up using lime juice, ice, and simple syrup. Lizzy Briskin, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 May 2026 Make a large batch of watermelon simple syrup and watermelon juice ahead of time, then mix these festive, bright pink margaritas at your next taco party. Patricia S York, Southern Living, 24 May 2026 Some reputable sources treat this like a White Lady, which is to say, forgo simple syrup and use a whole ounce of peach liqueur. Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 16 May 2026 At ThaiPop, owners Ryan and Annie Balow make all their cocktails and mocktails with palm sugar syrup, which has an amber hue and more complex sweetness than typical simple syrup. Midwest Living, 14 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for simple syrup

Word History

First Known Use

1826, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of simple syrup was in 1826

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Cite this Entry

“Simple syrup.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/simple%20syrup. Accessed 3 Jun. 2026.

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