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Strawberry Simple Syrup for Cocktails

by Emily
A glass container filled with bright red strawberry simple syrup. The container is surrounded by strawberries.

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Are you looking for the ultimate versatile strawberry recipe that you can use over and over for countless different drinks and desserts? If so, try making this incredibly simple strawberry syrup recipe! During strawberry season, there is nothing better than decadent treats that use this tart and sweet fruit.

In this recipe article, I will teach you how to use luscious ripe strawberries to make strawberry simple syrup. Then, I will answer some questions you may have about this recipe as well! Let me know how you use this sweet strawberry treat in your drinks and dessert! 

A closeup side shot of strawberry simple syrup in a glass container next to fresh strawberries.
Try Adding This to Your Cocktails!

What Is Strawberry Simple Syrup?

Strawberry syrup is merely simple syrup infused with fresh strawberries. Simple syrup is a common ingredient used in bars to make cocktails around the world. You can also find it used to make certain baked goods. 

Typically, simple syrup can be found in two concentrations. First, equal parts sugar and water, otherwise known as one-to-one (1:1). This version is most common within the United States. Then, you have two parts sugar to one part water, known as two-to-one (2:1). 2:1 is the U.K. standard in bars. 

Note: If you are in the U.S. and want the 2:1 ratio in your drink, ask the bartender for “rich simple syrup.” While not always available, those that carry it will be more than happy to oblige!  

Excitingly, there isn’t anything complex about this strawberry simple syrup recipe. It will take you less than 20 minutes to make! We will be using the 2:1 ratio for this recipe. 

Further Carving a Journey Simple Syrup Recipes:

  • Classic Simple Syrup: This classic simple syrup recipe will help you make a variety of classic and newly invented cocktails at home. For your home bar, I recommend always keeping simple syrup on hand. 
  • Spiced Simple Syrup: This simple syrup recipe is the perfect autumn-inspired ingredient to add to your cocktails. I recommend making a spiced old fashioned with this ingredient. 

Strawberry Simple Syrup Ingredients:

Below, I list the ingredients used to make this sweet strawberry simple syrup recipe:

  • Fresh Strawberries (or Frozen)
  • Sugar
  • Water
Bright red liquid in a glass jar made from fresh fruit. The mixture sits on a white window sill on a circle marble serving platter.
Have You Ever Made Homemade Simple Syrup?

Strawberry Syrup Tips & Tricks: 

Here, I list some helpful tips & tricks to help you make this strawberry syrup recipe for drinks and desserts. I hope these tips help! If you have any questions, you can leave a comment below or email me at [email protected]!

How to Clean Strawberries:

  • Strawberries (both conventional and organic) contain some of the highest amounts of pesticides for fresh produce. This is because the pesticides settle into the little crevices that contain the seeds. 
  • To help remove pesticides, place the strawberries in a bowl with cold water and a bit of baking soda. The baking soda helps clean the fruits because the alkalinity neutralizes many of the common acidic pesticides. Don’t worry, it does not change the texture or flavor of the fruit. 
  • Let the strawberries sit on the baking soda and water mixture for approximately 15 minutes. Then, drain the bowl and rinse off the fruit! 

How to Make Strawberry Simple Syrup:

  • In a small saucepan, combine your sugar and water. Over medium heat, continuously stir the mixture until the sugar completely dissolves. This takes about a minute.
  • Then, add the sliced or chunked strawberries. Cook on low, allowing the mixture to bubble on a low simmer, for 10 to 15 minutes, until the fruit breaks down. As they cook and soften, mash the fruit to get as much flavor out of them. 
  • Finally, turn off the heat and strain the simple syrup through a fine mesh sieve, strainer, or cheesecloth to remove all the seeds. The mixture will be HOT, so be extra careful as you do this so you do not burn yourself.
  • Let the mixture cool to room temperature in the clean, sterilized jar, then store it in the refrigerator. Do not worry about sealing the jar like you would for canning and pickling, we are not preserving this simple syrup for extended periods out of the refrigerator.
  • While the mixture will look thin at first, it will thicken as it cools. 

Strawberry Simple Syrup for Cocktails Frequently Asked Questions: 

Now that we learned some tips & tricks for this recipe, I want to answer some questions you may have as well! If I do not answer your question, once again, feel free to leave a comment in the section below or email me at [email protected]

Bright red syrup made from fresh strawberry fruit. Strawberries sit around the glass container.
This Syrup Is Sweet!

What Does Strawberry Simple Syrup Taste Like?

This strawberry simple syrup is very sweet, so I recommend using it to sweeten drinks and desserts.

It tastes like extremely sweet strawberries!

Does This Recipe Contain Major Allergens? (Gluten, Soy, Etc.)

This recipe does not contain 9 of the 9 major allergens. It does not contain: 

  • Crustacean shellfish
  • Eggs
  • Fish
  • Tree nuts
  • Peanuts
  • Wheat (Gluten)
  • Soybeans
  • Sesame
  • Milk

That being said, strawberry allergies are surprisingly common. If you have a strawberry allergy, please refrain from making this simple syrup recipe!

Is This Recipe Vegetarian or Vegan?

Excitingly, this recipe is naturally vegetarian and vegan as it does not contain any animal byproducts! 

A closeup side shot of strawberry simple syrup in a glass container next to fresh strawberries.
Now I’m Going to Make a Cocktail!

Where Do I Buy the Ingredients?

You can buy all the necessary ingredients to make this sweet recipe at your local well-stocked grocery store!

Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?

Yes! You can use frozen strawberries! This is a great option for when strawberries are out of season. While commonly found in the grocery store throughout the year, strawberries can get crazy expensive if not in season.

Note that the cooking times may vary between using fresh and frozen strawberries. 

How Do I Store Leftovers?

To store leftover strawberry simple syrup, place the thick mixture into a sterilized airtight container (such as a jar). Then, place it in the refrigerator. 

While this strawberry syrup lasts longer than fresh strawberries or strawberry puree, it does not last indefinitely because it does not contain preservatives like store-bought versions. While it can last for a few weeks, I recommend using it as soon as possible for fresh flavor. 

Then, if you have leftover fresh strawberries, place them unwashed back into the refrigerator. Use fresh strawberries within a few days so they do not spoil. 

I Hope You Enjoyed Learning How to Make This Strawberry Syrup for Drinks!

In the end, I hope you enjoyed learning how to make this strawberry syrup for drinks! If so, let me know in the comment section! 

If you would like to read more about cooking, you can find further recipes on this blog. I listed some of my favorite Carving A Journey recipes below! For reference, many recipes are influenced by my family’s blended Korean and Southern heritage.

Further Carving A Journey Strawberry Recipes:

If you have any questions or comments, you can also email me at [email protected].

And, finally, I would love to hear from you through our social media as well! You can follow me at @carvingajourney on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. I also started a vlog Youtube channel with my husband!

 If you would like more articles like these, you can subscribe to the blog by joining the mailing list. Let me know if you try making this strawberry simple syrup recipe! Thank you so much for stopping by!

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Strawberry Simple Syrup for Cocktails

Recipe by Emily
5.0 from 2 votes
Course: Recipe IndexCuisine: SouthernDifficulty: Easy
Makes Approximately

1

Cup
Prep time

5

minutes
Cooking time

15

minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 Cup Granulated Sugar

  • 1/2 Cup Water

  • 10 Oz Strawberries, Sliced

Directions

  • First, wash the strawberries. Learn how to wash strawberries well in the tips & tricks section of the post.
  • In a small saucepan, combine your sugar and water. Over medium heat, continuously stir the mixture until the sugar completely dissolves. This takes approximately a minute.
  • Then, add the sliced or chunked strawberries. Cook on low, allowing the mixture to bubble on a low simmer, for 10 to 15 minutes, until the fruit breaks down. As they cook and soften, mash the fruit to get as much flavor out of them. 
  • Finally, turn off the heat. Let the fruit sit and cool for a few minutes. Then, strain the simple syrup through a fine mesh sieve, strainer, or cheesecloth to remove all the seeds. The mixture will be HOT, so be extra careful as you do this so you do not burn yourself.
  • Let the mixture cool to room temperature in the clean, sterilized jar, then store it in the refrigerator. Do not worry about sealing the jar like you would for canning and pickling, we are not preserving this simple syrup for extended periods out of the refrigerator.*
  • Use in cocktails, alcohol-free drinks, baked goods, and more!

Notes

  • While the mixture will look thin at first, it will thicken as it cools. 

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2 comments

passionate foodie February 20, 2023 - 12:16 pm

nice recipe. Can we use lemon juice for making this recipe?

Reply
Emily February 21, 2023 - 1:25 pm

Hi passionate foodie! While I haven’t tried making this with lemon, I’m sure it will taste delicious! Do you mean you would like to add lemon with the strawberries or completely replace the strawberries with lemons? Either way, sounds yummy! You may end up with something that tastes similar to lemonade (as basic versions of lemonade only contains sugar, water, and lemons), but who can complain about that?! Happy cooking!

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