An easy recipe for how to make all-natural liquid cane sugar. It is called cane sugar syrup and simple syrup, because, it’s really quite simple. 2-ingredients; organic cane sugar and filtered water, you will have your own liquid sugar in minutes.
What do you use simple syrup for? I will go into more detail below, but it is most commonly used in beverages. For instance, it is the primary liquid sugar that Starbuck’s uses – so while I am not trying to make a Starbuck’s liquid cane sugar copycat, it just naturally is one!
Homemade Simple Syrup
So why a recipe for liquid cane sugar when you could just purchase some?
Because it is two ingredients that you probably always have on hand, and it takes a couple of minutes to make, that is why!
Sugar Cane Syrup Ingredients
- All-natural cane sugar: You may also use raw, turbinado, or Demerara sugar for an all-natural simple syrup. Just use equal parts sugar and water. 1:1 ratio, so you can scale for how much you need.
- Filtered Water: While you can use tap water, keep it pure and clean, it’s just a cup!
Get the full recipe in the recipe card below.
How to Make Homemade Simple Syrup
Let’s make this simple syrup recipe, it couldn’t be easier:
- Pour water and sugar into small saucepan. Over medium-high heat stir one cup of sugar into one cup of water until sugar dissolves, bring mixture to simmer, without stirring for about 3 minutes. BUT DO NOT BOIL. Remember, 1 part water to 1 part sugar.
- Cool completely, and store in a clean mason jar in refrigerator, lasts indefinitely (though many sites tell you only 1 month, mine has lasted much longer than a month).
That’s it! How easy is cane sugar simple syrup to make!
Sugar Cane Syrup Variations
I love using infused simple syrup to add natural flavor to drinks, teas, cakes, and more. Once you’ve got the base recipe down, it’s easy to mix in seasonal or pantry-friendly flavors. To infuse, just add one of the following while the syrup simmers:
- Spices – Add a warm, cozy depth with whole spices like cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, or cardamom pods.
- Fresh Mint – Perfect for mojitos, iced tea, or lemonade.
- Citrus – Add peels of two lemons or limes while simmering.
- Vanilla Bean – Split and scrape the pod into the syrup for a rich, floral depth.
- Fresh Herbs – Try lavender, rosemary, thyme, or basil for a subtle herbal twist.
- Ginger Syrup – Slice 1 to 2 inches of fresh ginger root (peeled) and add it to the syrup as it simmers.
- Jalapeño – For a sweet heat kick, place jalapeño slices (seeds in for more heat, or remove for milder flavor) and add it to the syrup while it simmers. Let it steep as it cools, then strain
- Fresh Fruit or Citrus Peels – Add berries, sliced peaches, lemon or orange peel for a bright, fresh flavor.
Let the added ingredient steep while the syrup cools completely, then strain and store. Always refrigerate, and use within 2–3 weeks for the best flavor.
Ideas for Flavored Syrup Simple Syrups
The possibilities are endless, but here are a few to get you going.
- Hibiscus Simple Syrup | A huge favorite of mine, not only is it gorgeous (naturally) in color, but adds great flavor to drinks, would be delicious drizzled on yogurt, oatmeal or pancakes too!
- Blueberry Syrup | Another naturally flavored and colored syrup! WOW! Try it over pancakes, waffles, on ice cream and yogurt!
- Cranberry Simple Syrup | Again a WOW looker to add pizazz to any drink, even non-alcoholic drinks like this Cranberry Spritzer.
- Mint Simple Syrup | Wouldn’t this be amazing in any Mojito or Mint Julep?
- Gingerbread Simple Syrup | Now we are talking! You can become a barista in your own home with this all-natural and delicious syrup.
- Lavender Simple Syrup | I think I could just sit and smell this delicious syrup. I could see drizzling this in a cup of Earl Gray tea or brushing on a lemon cake.
How to Use Your Homemade Simple Syrup
- MARINADE | An easy sweet addition to any marinade, goes especially well with soy sauce or a glaze.
- MOISTURE TO CAKE | PRO BAKERS TIP: Brush liquid cane sugar over the top of a cooled cake, adding incredible moisture!
- BEVERAGES | Liquid cane sugar has long been a fabulous way to sweeten cold drinks. Think iced teas or a cold brew.
- COCKTAILS | Probably my favorite way to use simple syrup is in cocktails, it mixes easily and sweetens just right!
- HOT DRINKS | Add to easily sweeten your hot coffee and tea drinks!
- GIFTS! | You know this is one of my favorites, print a cute label and give to a friend as a hostess gift!
- DRESSINGS | Add a little splash to a fruit salad, especially when your fruit might be a bit on the sour side. A splash of lemon juice and simple syrup, like in this Tropical Fruit Salad.
- SORBET | The basis for most sorbet recipes is a simple syrup, use up any leftover simple syrup and make yourself a delicious sorbet!
Storing Homemade Simple Syrup
Once your syrup has cooled completely, pour it into a clean glass jar or bottle with a tight-fitting lid. I like to use mason jars or flip-top bottles—they’re easy to store and pour from.
Keep it in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 weeks. Since this version is made with all-natural cane sugar and no preservatives, I recommend labeling it with the date so you know when you made it.
If you ever notice cloudiness, an off smell, or any mold, it’s best to toss it and make a new batch—it only takes minutes.
Tip: Want it to last a little longer? Add 1 tablespoon of vodka per cup of syrup to act as a natural preservative, or simmer the syrup a few extra minutes to thicken slightly.
How Long Does Simple Syrup Last?
Homemade simple syrup made with all-natural cane sugar will last about 4 weeks in the refrigerator, though mine has lasted much longer. Since it doesn’t contain preservatives, label your jar with the date so you know when it was made. If it turns cloudy, smells off, or shows any signs of mold, it’s best to toss it and make a fresh batch—it only takes minutes.
Want to make it last even longer? Simple syrup freezes beautifully! Just pour cooled syrup into ice cube trays or small containers, freeze, then transfer the cubes to a sealed freezer bag. Frozen simple syrup keeps for up to 3 months, and since it doesn’t freeze solid, it’s easy to grab just what you need. I like freezing it in 1–2 tablespoon portions for quick use.
Tip: For a slightly longer fridge shelf life, you can simmer the syrup a bit longer or stir in 1 tablespoon of vodka per cup of syrup as a natural preservative.
Basic Simple Syrup FAQs
Unlike refined granulated sugar, which may come from sugarcane or sugar beets, cane sugar is made only from sugarcane and is less processed. It has a slightly coarser grain and darker color because the molasses hasn’t been fully removed. You can use it just like granulated sugar—just cream it a bit longer with butter or oil when baking to help break down the crystals.
Cane syrups are liquid sugar that are a dark to golden brown color, with flavor hints of caramel and butterscotch.
Clear simple syrup is white sugar in a 1:1 ratio of sugar to water. However; any type of sugar when used in a 1:1 ratio with water will make a simple syrup.
Yes, I use organic, all-natural, pure cane sugar in all of my baking, so it is what I have on hand. I have also made it using raw or turbinado sugar, which will yield a darker finished color.
Because it is liquid sugar, it dissolves easily into drinks, especially cold ones. Which is why you see it used at Starbucks and other specialty coffee shops
Plus it prevents the gritty, super-sweet undissolved puddle of sugar we find at the bottom of our iced teas! And I think we tend to use less to sweeten since it mixes into the drink so quickly.
Cocktail and Drink Recipes Using Simple Syrup
- CRANBERRY BOURBON SOUR
- HIBISCUS MOJITO
- CRANBERRY LEMON DROP MARTINI
- HIBISCUS MARGARITA
- CRANBERRY SPRITZER
- CHERRY BOMB | replace for maple syrup
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup all natural cane sugar I use organic cane sugar
- 1 cup filtered water
Instructions
- Pour water and sugar into small heavy saucepan.1 cup all natural cane sugar, 1 cup filtered water
- Over medium heat stir until sugar dissolves, bring mixture to simmer, without stirring for about 3 minutes. BUT DO NOT BOIL.
- Cool completely, in pan, then pour cooled syrup in clean mason jar, storing in fridge.
- Lasts indefinitely (though many sites tell you only 1 month, mine has lasted much longer than a month).
Notes
• Cinnamon stick or vanilla bean
• Fresh mint or sliced ginger
• Citrus peel or berries
• Jalapeño or herbs like lavender
Nutrition
Linda
Would this be the same as “Sugar in the raw” I have a recipe that calls for sugar in the raw product that I cannot find in the stores around here
Hi Linda — Yes, it sure is! I use all-natural cane sugar, but you can use turbinado (which is what Sugar in the Raw is) to make it as well, just make sure that it dissolves as the crystals are larger!
Linda
Thanks so much for getting back to me so quickly, It is sure appreciated, Merry Christmas to you and your family, Linda
Merry Christmas to you and yours too Linda!!
Rita Uribes
This was so simple — haha! I used it for a speciality drink I made and loved it! Will keep it on hand to sweeten all my drinks!
Loved hearing that!! Thanks so much!
Michele H
Made this up to make some Irish Cocktails this weekend— so easy and was able to save so much time when everyone was at the house since I had it pre-made! Thanks!
Julie A Menghini
I used simple syrup for my beloved Old Fashioned cocktail and it’s the only way to go. I loved the infusion ideas and will be using the vanilla bean in my green tea.