Summer will be here before you know it, and my favorite way to flavor drinks and cocktails is with fruit syrup—specifically, strawberry syrup. This homemade strawberry simple syrup recipe celebrates the sweet, sun-ripened goodness of fresh strawberries. In this post, I will walk you through how to make strawberry syrup for drinks.
This strawberry syrup recipe is your ticket to adding sweet strawberry flavor to your favorite drinks and desserts! It is the perfect addition, whether you're sipping a refreshing glass of strawberry lemonade or adding this sweet syrup to your summer cocktail. Plus, with just three simple ingredients and easy steps, you'll be whipping up batch after batch in no time.
For this recipe, I started with a basic simple syrup—combining equal parts water and white sugar. Because of the strawberries' added sweetness, I increased the ratio of water to 2 parts to 1 part sugar.
Unlike a store-bought version that often contains artificial flavors and preservatives, this homemade strawberry syrup captures the real essence of fresh strawberries. It's a simple way to enjoy the peak of strawberry season all year round, right in your own kitchen.
If you love fresh strawberry recipes, try my Strawberry Jam Recipe.
Why You'll Love This Delicious Strawberry Syrup
- Homemade Goodness—In a world of store-bought convenience, there's something truly special about creating homemade treats from scratch. Crafting your own strawberry syrup using fresh, real strawberries and basic ingredients brings satisfaction. It's a great way to infuse cold drinks with genuine, homemade flavor that mass-produced alternatives can't replicate. Plus, knowing exactly what goes into the syrup gives you peace of mind by avoiding unnecessary additives and preservatives often found in store-bought versions.
- Perfect for Food Preservation - With the peak of strawberry season comes an abundance of fresh berries, and this recipe provides a fantastic way to preserve that seasonal goodness. By turning ripe strawberries into syrup, readers can extend the shelf life of their favorite fruit and prevent food waste. It's a simple and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of summer long after the season has passed.
- Easy to Make - This recipe is incredibly easy to whip up with just a few basic ingredients and simple steps, even for those who might not consider themselves expert chefs. It's also an easy way to use leftover strawberries.
Strawberry Syrup, Strawberry Puree, or Strawberry Sauce - What's the Difference?
While both strawberry syrup and puree are made from fresh strawberries, they differ in texture, sweetness, and uses. Strawberry Syrup is a thin, sweet liquid used primarily as a flavoring agent in beverages and desserts. Puree is a thicker, fruit-based mixture used as a base or ingredient in a variety of recipes.
Additionally, while strawberry syrup and sauce are sweet, fruit-based toppings, they differ in texture, thickness, and intended uses. Syrup is thinner and primarily used as a liquid sweetener and flavoring agent, while sauce is thicker and often used as a topping for ice cream or dessert filling.
Substitutions
If you don't have any fresh strawberries, you can still enjoy the sweet strawberry flavor by using frozen strawberries. Just thaw them before using them in the recipe.
Variations
Want to mix up your drinks by adding some different flavors to your regular simple syrup? Try adding fresh fruit!
- Mixed Berry Syrup - Instead of using only strawberries, mix things up by incorporating a variety of fresh berries such as raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries. Replace a portion of the sliced strawberries with equal amounts of your favorite berries for a colorful and flavorful mixed berry syrup.
- Peach and Strawberry Syrup - Add diced fresh peaches to the strawberry syrup mixture for a delightful twist.
- Mango and Strawberry Syrup -Blend diced mangoes with sliced strawberries before simmering the mixture to create a vibrant and exotic syrup that adds flavor to cocktails, mocktails, or fruit salads.
What You Need To Make This Simple Strawberry Syrup Recipe
For specific ingredient amounts, please scroll down to the printable recipe card.
How To Make This Syrup Recipe
Step 1. Add all ingredients to a medium saucepan and boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
Step 2. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for about 30 minutes.
Step 3. Pour the syrup through a fine mesh strainer into a small bowl or dish. You can let the syrup cool to room temperature or use it immediately.
Storage and Freezing
Store the syrup in a bottle or mason jar in the fridge for up to 2 months.
Pour the syrup into ice cube trays and freeze it for up to 3 months. This is a convenient and excellent way to have strawberry syrup, even when it's not fresh strawberry season.
Pro Tip
You'll want to use a fine mesh sieve when straining the syrup to prevent the fruit pulp from draining into the syrup.
Avoid including the strawberry stems in this syrup. Not only can they add a bitter taste, but they can also affect the texture of your syrup. So be sure to hull your strawberries before slicing them up for the recipe. You can use a strawberry huller to make sure the stems are completely removed.
Notes and FAQs
This fresh strawberry syrup can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to two months. This allows you to enjoy its sweet strawberry flavor over an extended period. Just be sure to keep it tightly sealed to maintain freshness and quality.
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them before using them in the recipe to ensure they blend well and release their delicious juices.
Any leftover syrup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two months. If you prefer, you can also freeze it in ice cube trays for longer storage.
Definitely! This strawberry syrup is a fantastic addition to all sorts of cocktail recipes, from classic daiquiris to fruity Italian sodas.
If you prefer a thicker syrup, you can simmer the mixture for a bit longer to reduce it. Just remember that simple syrup is typically thinner in consistency, perfect for mixing into drinks.
Simple Strawberry Syrup (for drinks and cocktails)
Equipment
- 1 medium saucepan
- 1 fine mesh sieve
- 1 strawberry huller optional
- 1 mason jar or glass bottle for storage
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Sugar
- 2 Cups Water
- 3 Cups Sliced Strawberries
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a medium saucepan and boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- Reduce heat to low and let simmer for about 30 minutes.
- Pour the syrup through a fine mesh strainer into a small bowl or dish. You can let the syrup cool to room temperature or use it immediately.
Notes
This fresh strawberry syrup can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to two months.
You can also freeze it in ice cube trays for more extended storage. Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them before using them in the recipe to ensure they blend well and release their delicious juices. Can I use this syrup in cocktails?
Definitely! This strawberry syrup is not only great in lemonade and tea, but is also a fantastic addition to all sorts of cocktail recipes, from classic daiquiris to fruity Italian sodas. How can I make a thicker syrup?
If you prefer a thicker syrup, you can simmer the mixture for a bit longer to reduce it. Just remember that simple syrup is typically thinner in consistency, perfect for mixing into drinks. For more tips and tricks, see the full blog post.
Charlotte says
I love strawberry-flavored drinks! I will definitely be whipping up a batch to add to cocktails and lemonade! Yum!