26 March 2025
Small-Batch Simple Syrup
RecipeShare Test Kitchen
A small batch of simple syrup made with 200 g sugar, useful for soaking cakes, sweetening drinks and glazing pastries.
Prep time
5 mins
Cook time
10 mins
Total time
15 mins
Servings
16
Recipe Snapshot
Rating5.0
Chef's Tips
Stir only until the sugar dissolves, then stop.
Skim off any foam if you want a clearer finished syrup.
Add flavourings after cooling, then strain before storing.
Tools Used
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Ingredients
Ingredients
USMetric
Small-Batch Syrup
Instructions
Make the Syrup
- 1
Add the sugar and water to a saucepan.
- 2
Heat over medium heat, stirring gently until the sugar fully dissolves.
- 3
Bring to a brief boil for 1–2 minutes without stirring.
- 4
Remove from the heat and cool completely.
- 5
Transfer to a clean bottle or jar and refrigerate.
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Learn More
Everything you want to know about this recipe.
This is a practical batch size for home use, especially if you only need enough for one cake, a few coffees or a short run of cocktails. The smaller volume also means you are more likely to finish it while it still tastes clean and fresh.
Simple syrup should stay neutral, so the main goal is clarity rather than caramelisation. Once the sugar has dissolved, there is no benefit to prolonged cooking unless you want a darker syrup style.
Use it for cake soaking, lemonade, iced tea, coffee or brushed pastry. If you want variations, infuse the cooled syrup with citrus peel, herbs or vanilla and strain it before bottling.
Why The Small Batch Is Useful
Why The Small Batch Is Useful
Simple syrup is one of those components that is easy to forget in the fridge until it loses freshness. A smaller batch solves that by giving you enough for a few drinks, one cake project, or short-term use without storing a large bottle for weeks longer than necessary.
The method stays intentionally minimal because neutral flavor is the point. Once the sugar has dissolved, clarity and clean taste matter more than extra cooking. That makes it easier to adapt into infused syrups later if needed.
Storage Notes
Storage Notes
This keeps best in a clean, sealed container in the refrigerator. If you plan to use it mainly for coffee or cocktails, a squeeze bottle or small jar makes portioning easier than dipping in with a spoon each time.
If you add herbs, citrus, or spices, strain them out before storing so the syrup stays clear and the flavor does not drift too far over time.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 tbsp (15 ml)
Calories 503%
% Reference Intake*
Total Fat 0g0%
Saturated Fat 0g0%
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mg
Sodium 0mg
Total Carbohydrates 13g5%
Dietary Fiber 0g
Sugars 13g14%
Protein 0g0%
* Reference intakes are based on an average adult's 8,400 kJ / 2,000 kcal diet. Your needs may be higher or lower.
FAQs
How long does this simple syrup keep in the fridge?
In a clean, sealed bottle in the refrigerator, it should keep for about 3 to 4 weeks. Discard it if it turns cloudy or develops an off smell.
Community Reviews
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5.0
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Alex
· 5 Nov 2025Great ratio and super easy. I use it for iced coffee and cocktails; the 200g sugar batch is perfect for a week.
Maya
· 14 Aug 2025Love this small batch—just enough for soaking a layer cake without a giant bottle in the fridge.
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