Homemade simple syrup is an easy way to sweeten drinks and desserts with a liquid sweetener made from just sugar and water. Knowing how to properly store simple syrup is important for maintaining its quality and shelf life. Here are some tips on the best storage methods for homemade simple syrup.
Should simple syrup be refrigerated?
Yes, homemade simple syrup should always be refrigerated. The high sugar content in simple syrup makes it prone to bacterial growth if left at room temperature. Refrigeration helps inhibit bacteria growth and mold.
Refrigerating simple syrup also helps prevent crystallization. The sucrose molecules in the sugar solution can recrystallize if simple syrup is left at room temperature for too long. This results in a gritty, grainy syrup.
Some key benefits of refrigerating simple syrup include:
- Slows bacteria growth – Refrigeration temperatures slow the reproduction of bacteria.
- Prevents mold growth – The cold temperature prevents mold from growing.
- Inhibits crystallization – The cold helps prevent sucrose molecules from recrystallizing.
- Extends shelf life – Properly stored, refrigerated simple syrup can last 4-6 weeks.
To properly refrigerate simple syrup, let the syrup cool completely after making it. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. Glass jars or bottles with tight-fitting lids work well.
Should simple syrup be kept in the fridge door?
For best quality, simple syrup should not be stored in the refrigerator door. The door is the warmest part of the fridge and is exposed to air each time it is opened. This can cause simple syrup to deteriorate faster.
Instead, store simple syrup towards the back of the fridge, on a lower shelf. The simple syrup will stay colder there, helping it last longer.
If storing simple syrup in the refrigerator door, be sure to use it within 2-3 weeks for best quality.
Can simple syrup be frozen?
Yes, simple syrup can be frozen for longer term storage. Freezing prevents bacterial growth and crystallization even better than refrigeration alone.
To freeze simple syrup:
- Let the simple syrup cool completely after making it.
- Pour into freezer-safe airtight containers, leaving about 1/2 inch headspace.
- Seal the containers and label with the date.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw frozen simple syrup overnight in the refrigerator before using. Give it a stir once thawed and liquefied.
Freezing causes some loss of sweetness and flavor volatility. But frozen simple syrup can be used in most applications calling for simple syrup.
What container is best for refrigerating simple syrup?
The best containers for refrigerating simple syrup are:
- Glass jars – Glass provides an airtight, nonporous seal. Look for jars with tight-fitting lids.
- Plastic bottles – Heavy duty plastic bottles with airtight caps also work well.
- Squeeze bottles – Use clean, sterile squeeze bottles for easy dispensing.
Avoid storing simple syrup in containers with poor seals or metal containers, which can leach flavors. Unsuitable containers provide opportunity for bacteria growth.
Make sure all containers are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized before filling with simple syrup. Wash with hot, soapy water then sanitize with boiling water or a sanitizing solution.
Does simple syrup need to be covered when stored in the refrigerator?
Yes, simple syrup should always be covered tightly when stored in the refrigerator. An airtight seal is important for preventing contamination, mold growth, and moisture loss while refrigerated.
Transfer hot simple syrup to a clean glass jar or bottle. Allow it to cool slightly, then put the lid or cap on tightly.
If using squeeze bottles, ensure the cap is tightly sealed after each use. Wipe any drips from the rim of the bottle before sealing.
You can also place the covered simple syrup container in a plastic freezer bag or secondary container. This provides extra protection against leakage.
How long does refrigerated simple syrup last?
The shelf life of refrigerated simple syrup is about 4-6 weeks if stored properly in an airtight container. Simple syrup will last longest when kept in the back of the refrigerator at a consistent cold temperature.
Signs that refrigerated simple syrup may be expiring include:
- Crystal formation in the syrup
- Cloudy appearance
- Mold growth
- Fermented smell
If you see any mold, bubbles or foam, or other signs of spoilage, discard the syrup. Don’t taste potentially spoiled simple syrup.
For maximum freshness, use refrigerated simple syrup within 4 weeks. Properly frozen syrup will keep for about 3 months.
Can you use simple syrup after refrigeration?
Yes, simple syrup is safe to use after refrigeration if it has been stored properly in an airtight container and shows no signs of spoilage.
First, examine the simple syrup:
- It should appear clear and syrupy, without any crystallization.
- There should be no mold or funky odors.
- It should pour smoothly without excessive bubbles or foaminess.
Give the simple syrup a stir or gentle shake when taking it out of the refrigerator. This re-emulsifies any separation.
Taste a small spoonful if it passes the visual inspection. Discard if it tastes fermented or funky.
If the simple syrup looks, smells, and tastes normal it can be used as usual in drinks, desserts, and other applications.
Can you reuse simple syrup?
Leftover simple syrup can be reused if it is still in good condition. Check refrigerated simple syrup for signs of spoilage like mold, off-odors, crystallization, or fermentation bubbles.
If the simple syrup still looks and smells normal, it can be reused:
- Simple syrup in a squeeze bottle – Recap tightly after use.
- Simple syrup in a jar – Pour unused portion into a clean sterilized jar; refrigerate.
- Thawed frozen simple syrup – Stir well, then refrigerate up to 4 weeks.
When reusing simple syrup, use it within a week for best flavor. Discard any simple syrup that is more than a month old.
Avoid “topping off” simple syrup containers with fresh syrup. This can introduce bacteria. Decant leftover syrup into clean containers instead.
How do you know when simple syrup has gone bad?
Here are some signs that simple syrup has gone bad and should be discarded:
- Appearance – Cloudiness, visible mold, crystallization
- Odor – Fermented smell, musty odor, rotten smell
- Texture – Grainy or slimy mouthfeel
- Taste – Loss of sweetness, funky or bitter flavor
- Bubbles or foam – Gas bubbles indicate fermentation
- Expired date – Store properly, simple syrup lasts 4-6 weeks refrigerated.
When in doubt, throw it out! Don’t taste simple syrup that shows signs of spoilage.
Prevent simple syrup from going bad by:
- Storing in airtight, sterile containers in the refrigerator
- Keeping refrigerated immediately after making
- Using clean utensils to handle syrup
- Watching expiration dates
Can you restore simple syrup that has crystallized?
Yes, crystallized simple syrup can be restored by reheating it to dissolve the sugar crystals. Here is the process:
- Pour the crystallized simple syrup into a saucepan. Add a splash of water if needed to thin it out.
- Warm the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the crystals fully dissolve and the syrup is clear.
- Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.
- Pour the revived simple syrup into a clean glass jar or bottle for refrigerated storage.
- Use the restored syrup within a week for best results.
Reviving crystallized simple syrup can only be done once or twice before flavor and quality degrade. Avoid letting syrup crystallize by proper refrigerated storage.
What are the best practices for making and storing simple syrup?
Follow these best practices when making and storing simple syrup:
- Recipe: Combine equal parts sugar and water. Heat while stirring until sugar dissolves.
- Sanitize: Ensure containers are washed/sanitized before use.
- Cool: Allow syrup to fully cool before transferring to the refrigerator.
- Refrigerate: Refrigerate simple syrup right away in airtight containers.
- Label: Label syrup containers with the date made.
- Back of fridge: Store containers toward the back of the refrigerator.
- Use: Use refrigerated simple syrup within 4-6 weeks for best quality.
- Clean: Always use clean utensils to handle simple syrup.
Following proper sanitization, storage, labeling, temperature control, and handling procedures will help homemade simple syrup stay fresh and last longer.
| Simple Syrup Storage Temperatures | Shelf Life |
|---|---|
| Room temperature | 2-3 days |
| Refrigerated (35°F-40°F) | 4-6 weeks |
| Frozen (0°F) | 3 months |
Conclusion
Proper refrigeration is key for maximizing the shelf life of homemade simple syrup. Keep syrup in airtight containers in the back of the refrigerator for 4-6 weeks. Simple syrup can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Check for signs of spoilage before using stored syrup. Follow best practices of sanitization and temperature control when preparing simple syrup. Refrigerating simple syrup properly prevents bacterial growth and crystallization, extending the shelf life of this versatile sweetener.
