Simple syrup is a versatile ingredient used in many cocktails and drinks. It’s made by mixing equal parts sugar and water and heating until the sugar dissolves. Simple syrup is useful because it allows you to easily incorporate sweetness and flavor into drinks. It can be stored in a variety of containers, depending on your needs. Here are some quick answers about how to properly store simple syrup:
Can you store simple syrup in plastic? Yes, you can store simple syrup in plastic containers like squeeze bottles. This makes it easy to drizzle into drinks. Make sure the plastic is BPA-free.
Should you refrigerate simple syrup? Yes, you should refrigerate simple syrup after making it. The refrigerator prevents bacterial growth and mold.
How long does simple syrup last in the fridge? Properly stored simple syrup will last 3-4 weeks in the refrigerator.
Can you freeze simple syrup? Yes, freezing is a great long-term storage method. Simple syrup will last 6-12 months in the freezer.
Should you store simple syrup in glass? Glass jars or bottles are ideal for storing simple syrup. Look for tempered glass that can withstand temperature changes in the fridge or freezer.
Can you use Mason jars for simple syrup? Mason jars are a great choice for storing simple syrup. The lids create an airtight seal. Just make sure to leave room at the top for expansion.
Selecting the Right Container
When deciding how to store simple syrup, consider how you will use it. The container material, size, and type impact storage life and ease of use. Here are some common options:
Plastic Squeeze Bottles: Squeeze bottles make it easy to drizzle simple syrup into drinks and cocktails. Opt for food-safe, BPA-free plastic. Wash thoroughly before reuse. Squeeze bottles are ideal for refrigerator storage up to 4 weeks.
Glass Mason Jars: Mason jars create an airtight seal, preventing evaporation and oxidation. They come in a range of sizes, perfect for large batch simple syrup making. Tempered glass is best. Leave 1 inch headspace if freezing. Mason jars work for fridge or freezer.
Plastic Storage Containers: Look for food-safe plastic containers with tight fitting lids. Square and rectangular shapes stack well in the fridge or freezer. Use smaller containers for portioning out simple syrup. Write dates on lids for tracking.
Glass Bottles: Empty glass bottles from juice, sauces, vinegars, etc can be reused for simple syrup. Make sure bottles are cleaned thoroughly first. Glass provides nonporous storage. Decant simple syrup into bottles using a funnel.
Metal Tins: Look for stainless steel tins with tight sealing lids. These are ideal for storing larger batches of simple syrup as they are nonporous and sturdy. Metal tins make it easy to scoop out portions as needed.
How to Store Simple Syrup by Location
Where you store your simple syrup – fridge, freezer or pantry – impacts its shelf life. Here is a closer look at how to store simple syrup in each location:
Refrigerator Storage:
The refrigerator is the best place for short term simple syrup storage. Keep simple syrup in airtight containers in the fridge for 3-4 weeks maximum. Glass and plastic are suitable fridge materials. Store away from fresh produce which can impart odors. An ideal fridge temp is 35-38°F.
Pour simple syrup into clean containers leaving 1⁄2 inch of headspace. Label the containers with the date. Store simple syrup on fridge door shelves or towards the back of fridge shelves. Discard if you see any mold.
Freezer Storage:
For long term storage up to 6-12 months, the freezer is ideal. Use glass jars or plastic freezer containers. Leave 1 inch headspace for expansion. Store jars on the freezer door or coldest sections of the freezer.
Defrost frozen simple syrup in the refrigerator before using. Shake or stir after thawing to blend. You can also defrost individual portions by placing the jar or container in a bowl of hot water for 15-20 minutes. Avoid refreezing thawed simple syrup.
Pantry Storage:
The pantry is the least ideal place to store simple syrup long term. Without refrigeration, bacteria and mold can grow quickly. Only store small amounts you plan to use within 1-2 weeks maximum. Look for cool, dark places in the pantry away from heat sources. Keep simple syrup containers tightly sealed. Discard if you see any crystallization, oozing or other signs of spoilage.
How to Tell If Simple Syrup Has Gone Bad
With proper storage simple syrup can last, but it’s important to watch for signs it has gone bad. Here’s what to look for:
Appearance Changes: Fresh simple syrup has a clear, thick, viscous appearance. Separation, crystallization, discoloration (to yellow or brown), or cloudiness means it has spoiled.
Mold Growth: Check simple syrup carefully for any fuzzy mold spots or web-like mold filaments. This indicates spoilage.
Fermentation: Bubbles in simple syrup or a bulging lid can point to fermentation setting in. The syrup may have an alcoholic odor.
Acidic Smell/Taste: Simple syrup should have a light sweetness. Sour or acidic smells or tastes mean it has turned.
Off Odors: Simple syrup that has spoiled may smell rotten, moldy or oddly fruity/fermented. Don’t taste test it!
When in doubt, throw it out! Don’t risk getting sick from consuming spoiled simple syrup. Make a fresh batch. And prevent waste by storing simple syrup properly from the start.
How Long Does Homemade Simple Syrup Last?
The shelf life of homemade simple syrup depends on how it is stored:
Refrigerator: Properly stored in a clean airtight container, simple syrup lasts 3-4 weeks in the fridge. Keep refrigerated the entire time and discard once past its peak quality.
Freezer: Frozen simple syrup stays good for 6-12 months in the freezer. Use freezer-safe glass jars or plastic containers.
Pantry: Store opened simple syrup on the pantry no more than 1-2 weeks. Keep containers tightly sealed and watch for any signs of mold.
Unopened Shelf Stable Simple Syrup: Commercially packaged simple syrup that has not been opened will last 12-18 months at room temperature. Once opened, refrigerate and use within 4 weeks.
No matter where you store it, discard simple syrup at the first signs of spoilage – separation, off smells, mold, etc. Don’t take chances with bad syrup.
Does Simple Syrup Go Bad?
Yes, simple syrup can go bad due to microbial growth if not properly stored. Here’s what can cause simple syrup to spoil:
Bacteria: Bacteria is the most common source of simple syrup spoilage. Yeasts and molds also grow readily in high sugar environments. Refrigeration prevents microbial growth.
Exposure to Air: Oxygen can degrade simple syrup over time, causing oxidation and off-flavors. Use airtight containers for storage.
Moisture: Any water droplets left in containers create an environment for mold and bacteria to thrive. Dry containers thoroughly after washing.
Temperature Fluctuations: Heat and cold accelerates the degradation of simple syrup. Store in the fridge or freezer only, avoiding pantry temperature storage.
Acidity Levels: Very acidic simple syrup may spoil faster. Use freshly made syrup and don’t add extra lemon juice. Proper dilution helps.
Contaminants: Dirty containers or utensils introduce bacteria. Always use sanitized equipment when preparing and transferring simple syrup.
By handling simple syrup carefully and storing in optimal conditions, you can prevent bacteria growth and get the maximum shelf life out of your homemade syrup.
What Happens If You Eat Bad Simple Syrup?
Consuming spoiled simple syrup can cause foodborne illness. Potential symptoms include:
– Nausea and vomiting – From toxins released by microbes
– Diarrhea – The most common symptom of food poisoning
– Abdominal cramps – Resulting from gastroenteritis
– Fever – Body’s inflammatory response to pathogens
– Chills – Fever can cause chills and sweating
– Headaches – Common side effect of foodborne toxins
– Weakness and fatigue – Due to dehydration and nutrient malabsorption
The severity of symptoms depends on the amount of contaminated simple syrup consumed, your age, and health status. Seek medical care if symptoms persist or worsen. Avoid cross-contaminating kitchen surfaces and utensils when discarding bad syrup.
How to Revive Hard Simple Syrup
Sometimes simple syrup hardens during storage as the moisture evaporates. Here are tips to revive hard simple syrup:
– Add small amounts of water to soften the sugar syrup consistency. Start with 1 teaspoon and add more as needed.
– Gently heat hardened simple syrup to dissolve the sugar again. Use very low heat and stir constantly.
– You can microwave in short 10-15 second bursts, stirring between each. Take care not to overheat or boil.
– Soften hardened syrup containing citrus juice by heating the water called for in the recipe and dissolving the juice and sugar into that prior to combining.
– For simple syrup stored in squeezable bottles, run the container under warm water to soften before shaking to remix contents.
– Avoid adding more sugar to hard simple syrup as this will over-sweeten drinks. Add only tiny amounts if really needed.
– Refrigerate revived simple syrup and use within a week. Don’t reuse hardened syrup that smells odd or shows signs of mold.
With some effort, you can often revive crystallized simple syrup and extend its shelf life. But discard any syrup that cannot be restored to its original liquid state.
Does Simple Syrup Expire?
Yes, simple syrup does eventually expire and go bad. The exact shelf life depends on the storage method. Here’s how long simple syrup lasts before expiring:
Pantry: 1-2 weeks after opening. Keep tightly sealed and refrigerate after that.
Refrigerator: Lasts 3-4 weeks stored in the fridge in an airtight container.
Freezer: 6-12 months frozen in airtight containers with headspace.
Unopened shelf-stable: Up to 18 months if commercially packaged and not opened.
Simple syrup can harbor microbes or deteriorate in flavor and quality over time. Watch for changes in appearance, texture, and smell. Discard if cloudy, moldy, or with an off odor or appearance. Don’t use expired simple syrup in drinks, even if re-heated or softened.
The best practice is to make small batches of simple syrup as needed. Prepare only what you will use up in a month or less and store in the refrigerator. This prevents waste and ensures you always have fresh, good tasting syrup on hand.
Is It OK to Keep Simple Syrup at Room Temperature?
No, it’s not recommended to store simple syrup long term at room temperature. Here’s why:
– Microbe growth – Bacteria, yeasts and molds thrive in sugary syrup left out at room temp.
– Fermentation – Natural yeasts can lead to alcohol forming in warm syrup.
– Reduced shelf life – Syrup left out lasts only 1-2 weeks before spoiling.
– Off-flavors – Heating and cooling cycles degrade syrup flavors over time.
– Food safety – Pathogenic bacteria may start growing in syrup left for hours at room temp.
– Ant control – Open syrup can attract sugar-loving ants.
Instead, follow these simple syrup storage tips:
– Make small batches and refrigerate promptly in airtight containers.
– For longer storage up to one year, freeze syrup in freezer-safe jars.
– When using, replace lids and return syrup to fridge quickly between pours.
– Discard any syrup left out more than 2 hours at room temperature.
– Never leave syrup containers open on counters or tables.
Refrigerating, freezing, and proper handling gives simple syrup maximum shelf life. Room temperature encourages rapid deterioration. For food safety and quality, store simple syrup chilled.
Conclusion
Simple syrup is an indispensable ingredient, but it requires proper storage to prevent microbial spoilage. The best options are freezer-safe glass jars, plastic containers, or squeeze bottles. Refrigerate syrup for everyday use, allowing it to last 3-4 weeks. Take advantage of the freezer for long-term storage up to one year. Always use clean, airtight containers and discard syrup at the first signs of spoilage. With careful handling and chilling, you can safely store and enjoy simple syrup for all your baking, cocktails, and sweetening needs.
