Simple syrup is a common ingredient used in many cocktails and beverages. It is made by mixing equal parts sugar and water and heating to dissolve the sugar. Simple syrup comes in handy when you want to sweeten drinks without diluting them with large volumes of juice or other mixers. It mixes easily into cold beverages without recrystallizing.
A frequent question that comes up regarding simple syrup is whether it needs to be refrigerated or if it can be left at room temperature. There are pros and cons to both options, so let’s take a closer look at the factors involved.
What is simple syrup?
Simple syrup, also sometimes called bar syrup, is an aqueous solution containing equal parts sugar and water. Granulated white sugar is most commonly used, although other sugars like brown sugar or maple syrup can also be substituted.
To make simple syrup, the sugar and water are combined in a saucepan and heated while stirring occasionally until the sugar fully dissolves. Once cooled, the syrup takes on a thick, viscous consistency. The equal 1:1 ratio of sugar to water results in a neutral sweetness without adding extra volume.
Simple syrup is valued in cocktails and beverages because:
- It dissolves readily in cold liquids unlike granulated sugar.
- It delivers sweetness without diluting or thinning the drink consistency.
- The viscosity allows flavors to linger on the palate longer.
- It does not alter the base spirit flavor profile.
- The sweetness level can be easily adjusted to taste preference by modifying the sugar ratio.
Easy incorporation into both hot and cold liquids makes simple syrup a convenient sweetener for coffees, teas, lemonades, cocktails and many other drinks. It can be created in larger batches and stored for later use.
Does simple syrup need refrigeration?
With its high sugar content, simple syrup is prone to microbial growth if left unrefrigerated. Most bartending guides and chef recipes instruct making small batches and storing unused syrup in the refrigerator. However, some people question whether this level of precaution is necessary.
Here are some key factors to consider when deciding whether to refrigerate simple syrup:
Sugar content
The high sugar concentration in simple syrup makes it vulnerable to bacterial and fungal growth. Sugar provides the perfect breeding ground for microorganisms. Under normal kitchen temperatures, bacteria can rapidly multiply.
A study published in the International Journal of Food Microbiology examined bacterial growth in basic sugar solutions ranging from 10% to 70% concentration. The researchers found that solutions with 30% sugar or higher had significantly enhanced bacteria development compared to water. Higher temperatures further accelerated microbe levels.
This data demonstrates that the 50% sugar content in simple syrup falls right in the danger zone for bacterial growth at room temperature. Refrigeration can help inhibit microbes from thriving.
Water content
Simple syrup is equal parts sugar and water, giving it approximately 50% water content. Water availability enables bacteria multiplication.
Simple syrups made with a higher sugar ratio, such as 2:1 or 3:1, have less available water for microbes. The reduced water content makes them more resistant to spoilage at room temperature.
The equal 1:1 dilution of simple syrup provides enough water for bacterial growth. Refrigeration helps limit microorganisms by creating a less hospitable environment.
Preservative use
Some simple syrup recipes call for adding a small amount of preservative like vodka or citric acid. The 0.25% – 0.5% preservative content can help extend shelf life and slow microbial growth. This makes the syrup slightly more shelf-stable.
However, preservatives may subtly impact the syrup’s flavor. Many bartenders prefer to avoid additives and rely solely on refrigeration. If you wish to keep syrup at room temperature, adding a preservative can provide extra insurance against spoilage.
Acidity level
The pH of simple syrup is neutral since it contains no acids. Acidic ingredients like lemon juice or vitamin C powder can be added to lower the pH. The increased acidity helps prevent bacterial growth.
However, an altered pH also changes the syrup’s flavor. Plain simple syrup has a neutral pH ideal for incorporating into cocktails without impacting the overall flavor profile. Refrigeration is necessary to prevent microbial growth in the neutral pH syrup.
Intended use
How quickly you plan to use up a batch of simple syrup can dictate whether refrigeration is needed. Syrup consumed within several days has less chance of spoiling at room temp. However, syrup made in large quantities with longer term storage requires refrigeration.
Bartenders typically refrigerate simple syrup because they prepare large batches that will be gradually used across many weeks of cocktail service. If you exclusively make small amounts to use up quickly, refrigeration may be less critical.
Bottle material
Simple syrup can be stored in plastic, glass or metal bottles. Glass and metal provide an impermeable barrier against oxygen and moisture. Plastic bottles are more porous, which allows very slight airflow.
The small amount of oxygen transmission through plastic slightly raises the spoilage risk. Storing syrup in an airtight glass or metal container helps prolong shelf life. If using plastic, take extra care to refrigerate promptly after preparation.
Cool environment
Your kitchen’s normal ambient temperature impacts how quickly syrup will spoil. Warm environments above 70°F (21°C) accelerate microbial growth. Storing syrup in a cooler basement or pantry area provides some protection compared to a hot kitchen.
However, even at typical room temperatures, bacteria can multiply to unsafe levels within several days. Relying solely on a cool environment without refrigeration is risky.
| Factor | Spoilage Risk at Room Temperature |
|---|---|
| Sugar content | High |
| Water content | Moderate |
| Preservative use | Low |
| Acidity level | Moderate |
| Intended use | Low if consumed quickly |
| Bottle material | Slightly higher in plastic |
| Cool environment | Moderate |
What happens if simple syrup spoils?
If simple syrup is left unrefrigerated too long, it eventually can spoil and become unsafe to consume. Signs of spoiled simple syrup include:
- Cloudiness – Syrup turns from clear to opaque and cloudy
- Mold growth – Furry mold develops on the syrup surface
- Fermentation – Bubbles or carbonation form inside the syrup
- Alcohol smell – Sugars fermenting into alcohol produce a boozy smell
- Strange odors – Sour, rotten or other off smells develop
- Change in consistency – Syrup becomes excessively thick and gloopy or separates into watery layers
These visual and aromatic clues indicate microbial contamination has occurred. The simplest way to identify bad syrup is by smell. Rancid or fermented odors are a clear warning sign to discard the syrup.
Consuming spoiled simple syrup poses a health risk. Microbial growth can include pathogenic bacteria like certain strains of Bacillus, Staphylococcus, Clostridium, and Pseudomonas. These organisms and associated toxins can trigger nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and sickness if ingested.
Yeasts and molds also produce mycotoxins that are harmful. Even if syrup looks alright, consuming it after extensive time at room temperature allows possible toxin exposure. Don’t take chances with suspect syrup – when in doubt, throw it out.
Does refrigeration extend simple syrup’s shelf life?
Yes, refrigerating simple syrup after preparation substantially extends its usable shelf life. The CDC recommends storing simple syrup for maximum food safety at 35°F (2°C) or below.
At typical refrigerator temperatures, microbial growth slows considerably. Enzymatic and chemical activity is also reduced, preventing changes in color, flavor and consistency.
Proper refrigeration enables simple syrup to stay fresh for at least a month after preparation. Some chefs report satisfactory flavor and stability for up to 2-3 months when refrigerated in an airtight container.
In contrast, syrup left at room temperature may only stay good for up to a week before spoilage risk increases. Refrigeration provides more insurance that harmful pathogenic bacterial won’t multiply to hazardous levels.
Does refrigeration alter the syrup’s properties?
Cooling simple syrup down to refrigerator temperature does slightly change some of its physical properties. However, these changes are minor and do not negatively impact syrup quality:
- Thickness – Chilled syrup has a thicker, more viscous texture. It pours more slowly from the container. However, it retains enough fluidity to mix easily into drinks.
- Dilution rate – The increased viscosity results in slightly slowed dilution when adding cold syrup to water or other cold beverages.
- Sweetness – Cooler temperatures can make syrup taste slightly less sweet. However, the sweetness returns to normal levels once added to a finished drink.
- Crystallization – Thick sugary syrups like simple syrup are prone to sugar recrystallization during storage in the fridge. However, simple syrup’s equal 1:1 sugar ratio prevents recrystallization.
So while refrigeration creates minor changes, it does not diminish simple syrup’s usefulness for beverage preparation. And any effects reverse once syrup is incorporated into a finished drink.
What are the best practices for refrigerated storage?
Follow these tips for safely storing simple syrup in the refrigerator:
- Allow syrup to fully cool after preparation before transferring to the fridge. Do not store warm syrup.
- Fill a clean airtight glass or metal container. Leave at least 1⁄2 inch headspace to allow for expansion as syrup chills.
- Ensure the storage container has a tight sealing lid to prevent moisture loss and contamination.
- Label the container with the preparation date so you know how old it is.
- Store in the back of the refrigerator, not on the door where temperature fluctuations are more likely.
- If syrup develops any signs of spoilage, immediately discard.
- Consume refrigerated simple syrup within 1 month for best safety and quality.
With proper refrigeration technique, you can conveniently keep simple syrup on hand for quick beverage preparation while avoiding the risks of leaving it unrefrigerated.
Can you freeze simple syrup?
Yes, simple syrup can be successfully frozen for long-term storage beyond one month. Freezing stops microbial growth and provides extended shelf life up to 6 months.
To freeze simple syrup:
- Let syrup cool to room temperature after making, then transfer to a freezer-safe container.
- Leave at least 1 inch headspace to accommodate expansion during freezing.
- Seal container tightly.
- Label with date and contents.
- Lay flat in the freezer to freeze fastest.
- Once frozen solid, syrup can be stored upright or stacked.
Remove frozen simple syrup from the freezer and allow to completely thaw in the refrigerator before using. Shake the container periodically while thawing to remix any separated water.
Freezing alters simple syrup’s texture, making it thicker and more viscous. But once incorporated into drinks, the syrup regains its normal pouring and dilution properties.
Can you make simple syrup shelf-stable?
It is possible to make shelf-stable simple syrup that can be safely stored at room temperature through special preparation methods:
Inverted sugar syrup
Inverted sugar syrup is created by heating standard simple syrup with an acid like lemon juice or cream of tartar. The acid causes the sucrose sugar to break down into sweeter, less crystallizable glucose and fructose sugars.
Inverted sugar syrup resists crystallization and spoilage better than regular simple syrup. It can be kept in the pantry up to 1-2 months before opening. Once opened, inverted sugar syrup should be refrigerated.
Sorbitol syrup
Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol derived from glucose. It has humectant properties to retain moisture. Sorbitol syrup made with a 1:1 sorbitol-water ratio can be kept unrefrigerated.
However, sorbitol has only 60% the sweetness of table sugar. It also causes digestive side effects in some people when consumed in large amounts.
High-proof alcohol addition
Adding liquor to simple syrup creates an environment less conducive to microbial growth. Vodka or grain alcohol can be added at up to 30% of the total volume to prolong refrigeration-free shelf life up to 6 weeks.
However, the added alcohol alters the flavor. Syrup made with neutral vodka tastes best.
Conclusion
Simple syrup’s high sugar content and equal sugar:water ratio make it prone to spoilage when left unrefrigerated. Bacterial and yeast growth can occur rapidly at room temperature.
Refrigerating simple syrup after preparation is the safest and most reliable approach for both commercial and home kitchen use. Storage at or below 35°F (2°C) effectively inhibits microbial growth while retaining the syrup’s flavor and functionality.
With proper refrigeration technique, simple syrup can maintain optimal quality and safety for use in cocktails, beverages and other applications for a minimum month after preparation. Freezing also provides an option for extended storage up to 6 months.
While shelf-stable versions can be prepared, refrigerated regular simple syrup is the best choice for convenience, cost-effectiveness and great taste. Following sound refrigeration practices provides ease of use while avoiding the food safety risks of leaving syrup unchilled.
