Sugar syrup is an extremely versatile ingredient used in baking, cocktails, and more. Also known as simple syrup, it’s made by dissolving sugar in heated water to create a concentrated sugar solution. A 1 to 1 sugar syrup contains equal parts sugar and water. This results in a syrup with 50% sugar, allowing it to easily incorporate into recipes. Read on to learn everything you need to know about making perfect 1 to 1 sugar syrup at home!
What is a 1 to 1 Sugar Syrup?
A 1 to 1 sugar syrup is composed of equal parts granulated sugar and water by volume or weight. For example, you would combine 1 cup of sugar with 1 cup of water to make 1 cup of 1 to 1 syrup. The sugar fully dissolves into the heated water to create a smooth, viscous syrup. This ratio results in a balanced sweetness level that works well in many applications. Other common sugar syrup ratios include 2:1 (twice as much sugar as water) and 1:2 (twice as much water as sugar). But the 1:1 ratio provides a versatility that makes it the most widely used simple syrup option.
Benefits of 1 to 1 Sugar Syrup
There are several reasons why a 1 to 1 sugar syrup is so popular:
- Balanced sweetness – With equal sugar and water, the sweetness level is ideal for cocktails, desserts, and more without being overpowering.
- Versatility – The moderate sweetness and viscosity works well in a wide variety of recipes, from drinks to baked goods.
- Shelf stability – With a 50% sugar concentration, the syrup resists spoilage and crystallization better than thinner syrups.
- Easy mixing – The equal sugar and water volumes make measurement straightforward when mixing batches.
- Enhanced flavor – Sugar smooths and enriches the flavor profile of recipes.
This combination of traits makes 1:1 syrup a home cook’s best friend. It’s easy to whip up a batch to sweeten iced tea, use in cocktails, or bake into treats. The possibilities are nearly endless!
Ingredients
Only two ingredients are needed to make basic 1 to 1 sugar syrup:
- Granulated white sugar – Standard table sugar. Cane sugar or beet sugar both work well. Superfine sugar can also be used.
- Water – Tap water is fine. Some recipes may use filtered water.
That’s it! The two simple ingredients are probably already in your pantry and fridge. Feel free to get creative and infuse the syrup with herbs, spices, citrus zest, vanilla, or other flavorings. But the original granulated sugar and water combo works perfectly.
Ratio
As the name implies, a 1 to 1 sugar syrup uses equal measurements of sugar and water. This creates a solution with 50% sugar content. Common ratios include:
- 1 cup sugar : 1 cup water
- 100 grams sugar : 100 grams water
- 2/3 cup sugar : 2/3 cup water
- 10 ounces sugar : 10 ounces water
No matter what units you use, maintaining the 1:1 ratio is key. You can make small or large batches based on your needs. Just keep the sugar and water amounts equal for proper results.
Yield
The yield depends on the amount of sugar and water used. Typically this is:
- 1 cup sugar + 1 cup water = 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 cups syrup
- 2 cups sugar + 2 cups water = 2 1/2 to 2 3/4 cups syrup
- 4 cups sugar + 4 cups water = 5 to 5 1/4 cups syrup
As you can see, dissolving the sugar into the water results in a slightly larger volume of syrup than the starting ingredients. Expect a yield of about 1 1/4 times the initial amount of sugar/water used. The exact yield varies based on factors like temperature, sugar granule size, and water purity.
Substitutions
The two main ingredients – sugar and water – can be substituted or altered to create different syrup versions:
- Sugar: Use brown sugar, coconut sugar, honey, agave nectar, or maple syrup for different flavor profiles.
- Water: Substitute with fruit juice, coffee, tea, milk, or alcohol like rum or brandy.
Get creative with the ingredients! Spices, extracts, zests, herbs, purees, and more can also be added to make custom infused syrups.
Specialty Equipment
One of the best things about homemade 1:1 syrup is that you likely already have all the equipment needed:
- Small saucepan
- Metal spoon
- Measuring cups
- Funnel (optional)
- Bottles for storage (optional)
Any basic saucepan and kitchen spoon will do the job. A funnel helps transfer the finished syrup into storage containers or bottles. And while not required, bottling the syrup makes storage and pouring easier.
Step by Step Instructions
Ready to get syrup-making? Here is a simple step by step process:
- Measure out equal amounts of sugar and water. 1 cup each is a good starting point. Combine in a small saucepan.
- Heat the sugar and water over medium heat. Stir constantly with a metal spoon to dissolve the sugar.
- Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until clear. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.
- Optional: Strain the syrup through a mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove any remaining grit.
- Transfer to bottles or an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
And that’s all it takes! Let the syrup fully cool before using in recipes or cocktails. Enjoy your homemade 1:1 simple syrup.
Tips
Follow these tips for syrup success:
- Use a heavy bottomed saucepan for even heating and to prevent scorching.
- Stir constantly as the sugar dissolves to prevent burning.
- Simmer for just 2-3 minutes – extended boiling reduces flavor.
- Make sure sugar fully dissolves – if you see grains, cook for 1-2 more minutes.
- Let cool before bottling so condensation doesn’t collect.
- Store in the refrigerator to prevent mold growth.
Adhering to these suggestions will give you smooth, great tasting 1:1 syrup every time. Adjust cook times as needed based on ingredient amounts and pan size.
Common Questions
What’s the difference between simple syrup and 1:1 syrup?
Simple syrup is a general term for any sugar and water syrup. A 1:1 ratio is the most common type of simple syrup, with equal parts sugar and water.
Is a 1:1 ratio too sweet?
With 50% sugar content, a 1:1 syrup provides a balanced level of sweetness for most recipes. It’s less cloyingly sweet than richer 2:1 syrup (which has twice the amount of sugar).
Can I use raw sugar or honey?
Yes, you can substitute with alternative sweeteners. Just maintain an equal 1:1 ratio. Granulated white sugar is most common since it dissolves easily.
How long does 1:1 syrup last?
Properly stored in the refrigerator, 1:1 syrup lasts 3-4 weeks. For longer storage up to a few months, keep in the freezer.
What’s the best way to bottle syrup?
Pour cooled syrup into clean glass bottles or jars, leaving 1/2 inch headspace. Store lids separately until ready to seal. Refrigerate after bottling.
Troubleshooting
Syrup making is simple, but here are some troubleshooting tips just in case:
- Cloudy syrup: This usually results from not cooking long enough to fully dissolve the sugar. Simmer for 1-2 more minutes.
- Crystallized syrup: Sugar crystals can form if bottles are left unsealed. Reheat to dissolve crystals.
- Burned syrup: To prevent scorching, stir constantly and use medium-low heat. Don’t cook too long.
- Moldy syrup: Always store syrup sealed in the refrigerator. Discard any batches with visible mold.
Catching these issues early and adjusting your process can help avoid problems. With a little practice, you’ll be churning out crystal clear 1:1 syrup.
How to Use
Homemade 1:1 sugar syrup enhances both sweet and savory recipes. Here are some delicious ways to use it:
- Sweeten iced tea, lemonade, or cocktails
- Use in coffee drinks like caramel macchiatos
- Bake into muffins, cakes, cookies, pies, or breads
- Drizzle over waffles, pancakes, French toast, or oatmeal
- Add body and sweetness to salad dressings or glazes
- Create homemade sweet and sour mix for cocktails
- Use to make simple syrup infusions with herbs, spices, vanilla, citrus, etc.
The possibilities are endless! Get creative and use 1:1 syrup to enhance both sweet and savory recipes.
Cocktails
Simple syrup is a key ingredient in many classic cocktails. A 1:1 ratio provides balanced sweetness to complement the liquor. Try using your homemade syrup in these popular drinks:
- Old Fashioned – Whiskey, bitters, 1:1 syrup, orange slice
- Whiskey Sour – Whiskey, lemon juice, 1:1 syrup, cherry
- Daiquiri – Rum, lime juice, 1:1 syrup
- Mojito – Rum, lime juice, mint, 1:1 syrup, soda water
- Margarita – Tequila, lime juice, 1:1 syrup, salt rim
The next time you mix cocktails, reach for the homemade 1:1 syrup instead of plain white sugar. It blends more smoothly for balanced flavor.
Baking
Syrup is ideal for sweetening baked goods. The liquid form incorporates easily for even distribution. Bake your 1:1 sugar syrup into:
- Cakes – Add to batter or use in soaking syrups
- Cookies – Softens texture in recipes like snickerdoodles
- Muffins – Sweeten blueberry, banana, or other fruit muffins
- Bread – Great for sweet quick breads and buns
- Pie fillings – Use to sweeten fruit fillings for pies or tarts
Replace up to half the granulated sugar called for in recipes with an equal amount of 1:1 syrup. The liquid syrup distributes sweetness evenly throughout baked goods.
Breakfast
Morning meals also benefit from a touch of simple syrup sweetness. Try drizzling your 1:1 syrup over:
- Pancakes or waffles – Excellent paired with fruit toppings
- French toast – Drizzle over cinnamon French toast
- Oatmeal – Sweetens a bowl of oats naturally
- Yogurt – Mix into Greek yogurt for homemade honey-like texture
- Coffee drinks – Sweeten your morning latte or mocha
The options for using 1:1 syrup at breakfast are nearly limitless. It’s the perfect way to add sweetness without overdoing it.
Final Takeaways
Here’s a recap of key tips for mastering 1:1 simple syrup:
- Use equal sugar and water volumes – 1:1 ratio
- Heat just until sugar dissolves and simmers – 2-3 minutes
- Stir constantly to prevent burning
- Cool before bottling in airtight containers
- Refrigerate; lasts 3-4 weeks
- Use in cocktails, baking, breakfast recipes, and more
Armed with this guide, you can easily whip up batches of 1:1 sugar syrup. This versatile sweetener amplifies flavors across a diverse range of recipes. So grab some sugar and water and start simmering your own syrup today!
