Microwave Simple Syrup

Play bartender or barista in the comfort of your own kitchen with this super simple and customizable recipe for Microwave Simple Syrup.

Simple syrup is simply a mix of sugar and water. When heated, the sugar liquifies and stays that way. Providing a liquid sweetener for drinks that avoids a pile of sugar in the bottom of your glass. I had several reasons for wanting to make microwave simple syrup.

1. I always buy unsweetened iced tea. It’s my favorite go-to beverage, besides water, at home. But my son likes sweet tea. After watching him dump an obscene amount of sugar into his tea, have it sink to the bottom, and then wonder why his tea was still not sweet, I knew I had to help.
2. After enjoying a perfect Old-Fashioned Cocktail at the most recent Bourbon and Beyond, I wanted to be able to make those at home too.
3. I really wanted to create a copycat version of the Starbuck’s Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso drink at home.

Why this recipe works

Just like with my recipe for a Microwave Roux, your microwave is a quick and convenient way to make simple syrup. This microwave method avoids turning on your stovetop for the very simple task of combining sugar and water. And it is cheaper to make your own simple syrup at home than to buy it at the store.

Ingredients for microwave simple syrup

• Sugar – White granulated sugar is the most common sweetener for simple syrup. You can also use light brown sugar.
• Water – Use regular tap water or filtered water. It is your choice.

Instructions for microwave simple syrup

1. Measure the water into a microwave-safe 4-cup glass measuring cup or microwave-safe bowl.
2. Measure the sugar and add it to the water.
3. Microwave the mixture on high power for 2 -3 minutes.
4. Stir the mixture to make sure all the sugar is dissolved into the water, making a viscous liquid.
5. Chill for cold drinks or use right away for hot drinks.

FAQ’s

How do you know simple syrup is ready?

When all of the sugar is completely dissolved into the water, then you know the simple syrup is ready.

Can I make a smaller amount of simple syrup?

Yes. The most important “rule” for making simple syrup is a 1:1 ratio, or equal parts sugar and water. You can make a simple syrup with just 1 tablespoon of sugar and 1 tablespoon of water. Obviously, a lesser amount of liquid won’t take as long to heat in the microwave. Or you can make a larger batch and store it in the refrigerator. The recipe I am providing is for 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water. But any combo, like 1/2 cup to 1/2 cup, will work.

Can I make flavor variations?

Yes, you can add any number of additional flavors to this simple syrup. I like putting whole cinnamon sticks into my brown sugar simple syrup. You could add lemon, lime or orange peel, vanilla bean or other spices. You could even add jalapeño or fresh herbs to flavor your simple syrup. Use your own creativity for deciding how you want to add extra flavor to your microwave simple syrup.

Serving suggestions

Simple syrup is perfect for sweetening hot or cold beverages. I really like the control it provides. I like my drinks just a little sweet. So I can add just a little. You can add how ever much or little as you like to your own drink recipes at home. You can also use it to flavor vanilla ice cream. Moisten a homemade cake. Drizzle over a fruit salad. Use it to sweeten your breakfast oatmeal. Or use it to poach fruit, like fresh pears.

How to make an Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso

1. Make a recipe of microwave simple syrup with light brown sugar.
2. Store it soaking with two cinnamon sticks.
3. Pour unsweetened iced coffee into a glass over ice.
4. Add a tablespoon or two of the cinnamon brown sugar simple syrup.
5. Add oat milk creamer.
6. Stir and enjoy.
7. The proportions of this drink are up to you – I like mine with more coffee, so less sweet. You might like yours sweeter. Just experiment with the right amounts.

Storage tips

Microwave simple syrup is safe to use stored in an airtight container on the countertop for up to one week. Or store it in your refrigerator for up to 30 days.

Kitchen tools

• Pyrex glass measuring cups are what I use to make this simple syrup
• These are my favorite measuring cups for baking and measuring sugar for this recipe
• This creamer container is perfect for storing your simple syrup in the refrigerator

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