Looking for a simple syrup substitute? Explore our guide to find the best simple syrup alternatives such as honey, agave nectar, and corn syrup. Learn how to make substitutions for similar results in a variety of recipes.
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What is simple syrup?
Simple syrup is a liquid sweetener made by dissolving sugar in water. The most common ratio for simple syrup is 1:1, meaning one part sugar to one part water. This mixture is heated until the sugar is fully dissolved. This results in a clear, sweet liquid that is easily mixed into beverages.
The sugary concoction is widely used in classic cocktails, iced teas, lemonades, and other cold beverages because it blends seamlessly into liquid, unlike granulated sugar.
It can also be infused with various flavors such as herbs like mint syrup, spices like cardamom syrup, or fruit like cherry syrup. Whether you need a fruity flavor or bitter flavor, infusing can add a unique flavor profile to drinks and desserts.
Uses
There are so many ways to use the easy sugar-water mixture. Here are some of the most common uses:
Beverages
- Cocktail recipes (margaritas, mojitos, old-fashioned recipes)
- Iced tea
- Lemonade
- Coffee drinks
- Hot beverages
Baking and desserts
- Brushing onto cake layers to keep them moist
- Sweetening fruit salads
- Glazes
- Sauces
- Topping for ice creams
Additional uses
- Infusing with herbs, spices, or fruits for flavored syrups
What are the best simple syrup substitutes?
Several alternatives can be used in place of simple syrup. Many of these ingredients can be found right in your pantry!
Honey syrup
Honey is a natural sweetener with a distinct, floral honey flavor and is a great substitute and healthier alternative. It can be used as is, or made into syrup.
To make honey syrup use a 1:1 ratio (equal parts honey and water).
To substitute with honey syrup, use in the same amounts you would traditional simple syrup. If using honey on its own, start with less and use more added desired.
Agave syrup
Agave nectar has a mild, neutral sweetness with a slight earthy undertone. It is also a natural sweetener and a good substitute for honey.
To substitute, use a 1:1 ratio of agave to water. Use slightly less of this than simple syrup since agave is sweeter.
Maple syrup
Maple, another natural sweetener, gives a rich, distinctive maple flavor with caramel and vanilla notes.
To substitute, maple syrup on its own, start with a little less than you would simple syrup. To make a simple syrup recipe, use pure maple syrup in a 1:1 ratio of maple to water and use in the same amounts for drinks and baked goods.
Corn syrup
This option has a neutral sweetness that is less intense than cane sugar with a slightly syrupy consistency.
To substitute, use corn syrup as is in the same quantity as you would simply syrup.
Demerara sugar
Demerara sugar has a toasty sweetness with caramel and toffee notes and makes a richer syrup. To make the syrup, use a 1:1 ratio of demerara to water.
To substitute, use in the same quantity you would store-bought or homemade simple syrup.
Molasses
Molasses has a deep, rich, and slightly bitter sweetness with strong notes of caramel and spice.
To substitute, use molasses as is. Because it is a rich syrup with a much stronger flavor, use it in smaller quantities than simple syrup.
Stevia syrup
This substitute is very sweet with a slight herbal or licorice-like aftertaste. It is a great option for those on a keto diet.
To substitute, dissolve stevia powder in water (usually 1 teaspoon of stevia for each cup of water). Due to its intense sweetness, use much less stevia syrup when substituting.
Coconut sugar syrup
Made with coconut sugar, this option has a caramel-like sweetness with a hint of toasty, nutty flavor. To make it, use a 1:1 ratio of coconut sugar and water.
To substitute, use in the same quantity as simple syrup.
Fruit Juices
The sweetness in fruit juice can be a good healthy substitute (if using no sugar added) to sweeten certain recipes of the flavor profile is appropriate.
To substitute, use in the same quantity and adjust to preferred sweetness.
Tips
- Adjust for sweetness: Use less for sweeter substitutes like agave syrup and stevia syrup (e.g., ⅔ to ¾ the amount for agave, ¼ to ½ for stevia).
- Consider flavor profile: Choose substitutes based on desired flavor (e.g., honey for floral notes, maple for caramel, molasses for rich spice).
- Dilute if necessary: Dilute thicker substitutes (e.g., honey, maple syrup) with equal parts warm water to mimic simple syrup consistency.
Conclusion
In conclusion, several types of sweeteners can be used as substitutes depending on the recipe and desired flavor and texture. Honey, maple syrup, and demerara sugar are all good options.
When substituting, it's important to consider the differences in flavor, texture, and nutritional content, and to make any necessary adjustments to the recipe to ensure the best results.
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