Simple syrup is a very common ingredient used in many cocktails and beverages. It’s made by mixing equal parts sugar and water and heating until the sugar dissolves. Simple syrup adds sweetness and viscosity to drinks. Many bartenders make large batches of simple syrup to have on hand for busy shifts. This leads to the question – does refrigerated simple syrup go bad? Here’s a quick answer:
Yes, simple syrup can go bad if left in the refrigerator for too long. Properly stored, simple syrup will last 2-3 weeks in the fridge. Signs of spoiled simple syrup include mold growth, foul smell, and off tastes.
Some additional questions related to the shelf life of simple syrup include:
How can you tell if simple syrup has gone bad?
There are a few clear signs that refrigerated simple syrup has spoiled:
– Mold growth – You may see fuzzy mold growing on the surface of the syrup. This is a clear sign it has gone bad.
– Off smell – As simple syrup starts to go bad, it will begin to smell bitter, fermented, or ‘off’.
– Off tastes – Simple syrup that has gone bad will also begin to taste unpleasant. It may taste bitter, vinegary, or rotten.
– Cloudiness – Fresh simple syrup should be clear. Cloudiness or particles floating in the syrup can indicate it has gone bad.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to throw out the batch and make a fresh one. Don’t take chances using spoiled simple syrup in cocktails.
Does simple syrup need to be refrigerated?
Yes, proper storage is important to maximize the shelf life of simple syrup. Simply syrup should always be refrigerated after making it. The refrigerator temperature helps prevent bacteria growth as well as slows down the crystallization process.
Simple syrup can be kept at room temperature for a few hours, such as during a busy cocktail shift. But it should be refrigerated as soon as possible. Leaving simple syrup out at room temp for extended periods will drastically decrease its shelf life.
So be sure to promptly refrigerate any leftover simple syrup in an airtight container. This will keep it fresh and usable for 2-3 weeks.
Can you freeze simple syrup?
Freezing is another great way to store simple syrup for longer periods. The freezing process stops bacteria growth and crystallization, allowing simple syrup to last for months frozen.
To freeze simple syrup:
– Let freshly made simple syrup cool to room temperature.
– Pour the syrup into freezer-safe containers leaving 1/2 inch headspace.
– Seal the containers tightly.
– Label with the date and ‘simple syrup’.
– Lay containers flat in the freezer to prevent cracking.
Thaw frozen simple syrup overnight in the refrigerator before using. Thawed simple syrup may have some crystallization, but a quick stir will dissolve any crystals.
Frozen simple syrup maintains its quality and flavor for up to 6 months.
Does simple syrup need to be refrigerated after opening?
If you’ve made a large batch of simple syrup and won’t use it all right away, you should refrigerate the remainder immediately after opening. An opened container of simple syrup left out at room temperature is susceptible to mold growth and bacteria.
To safely store opened simple syrup:
– Pour leftover simple syrup into a clean airtight container.
– Make sure the syrup is completely cooled before refrigerating.
– Label the container with the date opened.
– Refrigerate immediately after opening.
Opened simple syrup will maintain quality and freshness for 2-3 weeks if properly refrigerated in an airtight container.
Only take out as much as you need at a time. Never leave the main container sitting out once opened. Follow this process each time you open the syrup.
How long does simple syrup last in the fridge?
When properly stored in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator, simple syrup will normally last 2-3 weeks.
The exact shelf life depends on a few factors:
– Container – Simple syrup will last longest in an airtight glass or plastic container. Mason jars or squeeze bottles work well.
– Temperature – Refrigerator temperature should be 40°F or below. The colder, the better for maximizing shelf life.
– How it’s handled – Repeated opening of the container and double dipping utensils can introduce bacteria and shorten shelf life.
– Sugar to water ratio – A higher sugar concentration acts as a preservative. A 2:1 ratio lasts longer than 1:1.
– Cleanliness – Thoroughly cleaning containers and utensils prevents bacteria growth.
So you can expect an average shelf life of 14-21 days for simple syrup stored properly in the fridge. Be on the lookout for any mold, sliminess, or off smells which indicate it’s time to toss it.
Does simple syrup go bad if not refrigerated?
Yes, simple syrup will go bad much more quickly if left unrefrigerated. Without the cold temperatures of the fridge, bacteria and mold growth happens rapidly.
Here’s how fast simple syrup goes bad if left out:
– Countertop, room temperature – 2-4 days
– Counter, hot kitchen – 1-2 days
– Outdoors, summer heat – Less than 1 day
So it’s extremely important to refrigerate simple syrup as soon as it has cooled after making it. Leaving it out for even short periods drastically cuts its usable life.
The fridge keeps simple syrup fresh, extending the shelf life from days to weeks. For long term storage, the freezer is best. But everyday fridge storage is essential for simple syrup quality.
How to tell if simple syrup has gone bad
Being able to identify spoiled simple syrup can prevent you from accidentally using it and ruining drinks or drinks. Here are the signs to look for:
Appearance
– Mold growth – Fuzzy mold on surface
– Cloudiness – Should be clear
– Crystals – Sugars crystallizing
Smell
– Fermented smell
– Vinegar smell
– Rotten smell
Taste
– Crystallized texture
– Vinegary taste
– Bitter taste
Other signs
– Expired date – Should be discarded after 2-3 weeks in fridge
– Stored improperly – Left out unrefrigerated
Trust your senses – if simple syrup develops an off smell, taste, or appearance, it’s safest to toss it out and start fresh.
Can you test simple syrup to see if it’s still good?
The most reliable ways to test simple syrup for freshness are using your eyes, nose, and tastebuds. Look for visual signs of mold and crystals, take a whiff to check for foul odors, and do a small taste test on a spoon to check for off-flavors.
If you’re not quite ready to take the taste test, here are a couple other ways to test syrup:
– Consistency check – Fresh simple syrup should have a smooth, viscous consistency. Separated liquid layers or wateriness indicates spoilage.
– Temperature check – Place a small spoonful of syrup on the counter. Fresh syrup will remain liquid longer while bad syrup will crystallize quickly.
– Float test – Drop a small spoonful of syrup into a glass of water. It should slowly sink. Bad syrup will float or remain suspended.
– Yeast growth check – Add a few drops of simple syrup to a bowl with warm water and yeast. Fresh syrup won’t activate yeast. Spoiled syrup will show bubbles and foam.
Trust your sense first and foremost. But these tests can provide additional clues if you’re still unsure about your batch of syrup. When in doubt, throw it out.
Can you save simple syrup once it’s gone bad?
Unfortunately, there is no safe way to save a batch of simple syrup once it has gone bad. Simple syrup harbors microbes and bacteria that can be unsafe once established. Even reheating or recooling won’t remove toxins.
Here are some common questions about trying to save syrup:
– Can you reheat simple syrup to kill bacteria? No, reheating cannot make spoiled syrup safe for consumption again. Toxins will remain.
– Can you skim mold off the top? No, mold contaminates the entire batch. Its roots permeate the full syrup. Skimming the surface will not remove microscopic mold.
– Can you strain out clumps? Straining will remove mold and crystals but cannot remove bacteria contamination.
– Can you add acid like lemon to preserve it? Adding preservatives cannot make spoiled syrup fresh again. Only tossing and starting over will yield fresh syrup.
– Can you boil it again? Boiling cannot neutralize toxins from mold and bacteria growth. Syrup must be discarded once it spoils.
Simple syrup is inexpensive and easy enough to make that a new batch is the best solution if you notice signs it has gone bad. When in doubt, throw it out and start fresh for safety.
How to store simple syrup properly
Storing simple syrup correctly is the key to maximizing its shelf life in the refrigerator. Follow these guidelines for proper storage:
Use the right container
– Glass or plastic bottles with an airtight seal work best
– Mason jars also work well
– Avoid open containers or jars
Cool completely before refrigerating
– Bring syrup to room temperature before refrigerating
– Hot syrup can lead to bacteria growth
Refrigerate promptly after making
– Refrigerate within 1-2 hours of making
– Don’t leave syrup out at room temp
Keep refrigerated after opening
– Never leave syrup out after opening container
– Refrigerate again immediately
Label the container
– Mark date made on label
– Write ‘simple syrup’ on container
Use clean utensils
– Use clean spoon each time
– Don’t double dip dirty utensils
Check regularly
– Inspect syrup every week
– Watch for any signs of spoilage
Follow these simple guidelines to get the most life out of your simple syrup in the refrigerator. Proper storage is the key to preventing waste and avoiding spoiled syrup surprises!
Where is the best place to store simple syrup in the fridge?
The optimal place to store simple syrup in the refrigerator is on a shelf in the center back area, away from the doors. This zone maintains the most constant, coldest temperatures in a refrigerator.
Storing simple syrup in the center back of the middle fridge shelf has these advantages:
– Colder than door shelves where temps fluctuate
– Better temperature stability than upper or lower shelves
– Prevents freezing which can happen in bottom drawers
– Avoids contact with leakage from other foods
– Keeps it out of sight and mind compared to front of shelf
The center back fridge placement maximizes simple syrup’s shelf life. Just be sure not to overcrowd nearby items which could block airflow. Keep some space around the syrup container for ideal cold air circulation.
Should you store simple syrup upside down?
For maximum freshness, it’s actually best not to store simple syrup upside down. While an upside down bottle seems logical to keep the liquid covering the cap and preventing air contact, there are a few reasons not to do it:
– Can lead to accidental spills and leaks when opening
– Increases risk of chemical transfer through plastic
– Raises chance of picking up other food smells
– Makes it awkward to label with the date
Instead of upside down, opt for these better ways to maximize simple syrup shelf life:
– Use smaller bottles to minimize air space
– Choose glass over plastic to prevent chemical leaching
– Clean lid/cap well before sealing
– Leave 1⁄2 inch of headspace before sealing
– Tighten lids fully to prevent air getting in
Storing syrup right side up in a properly sealed smaller bottle is the best orientation for maximizing shelf life. And it prevents sticky spill messes!
Should you refrigerate simple syrup in the bottle it was made in or transfer to a different container?
It’s generally best to transfer freshly made simple syrup into a clean bottle or jar for refrigerating, rather than storing it in the original vessel it was made in.
There are a few benefits to transferring simple syrup into a different clean container:
– Allows you to leave any undissolved sugar or impurities behind
– Provides opportunity to rinse and sanitize the storage container
– Lets you divide into smaller portions if not using all at once
– Removes syrup from hot container that can cause melting
– Gives you a chance to thoroughly label the container
Squeeze bottles, mason jars, and small condiment bottles all work well for refrigerating syrup. Just be sure the container is fully clean. Transfer while syrup is still warm to avoid introducing new bacteria. Then cool, seal, and refrigerate.
Conclusion
Simple syrup is an indispensable ingredient for bartenders to have on hand for making delicious cocktails. With proper refrigerated storage, simple syrup can maintain quality and freshness for 2-3 weeks before spoiling. Always inspect syrup for any mold, off smells or tastes, cloudiness, or crystallization which signals it’s time to toss the batch. Discard old syrup as tempting as it may be to save – it’s a small price to pay to ensure your drinks taste their best. Follow the storage tips outlined here to get the most life out of the simple syrup in your refrigerator.
| Storage Method | Simple Syrup Shelf Life |
|---|---|
| Room temperature | 2-4 days |
| Refrigerated | 2-3 weeks |
| Frozen | 6 months |
