simple syrup

noun

: a sweetening agent made by melting granulated sugar in hot water
The drink developers decided they could add "dashes" of unsweetened, natural flavor, such as vanilla or hazelnut, and give customers the option to add or subtract pumps of simple syrup for more or less sweetness (each pump of syrup contains five grams of sugar).Julie Jargon
I just started making a Quarter Horse … . I found it on a cocktail app that I have called Highball, and it's made with bourbon, lime, simple syrup, ginger beer, and bitters.Anna Kendrick

Examples of simple syrup in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
At ThaiPop, owners Ryan and Annie Balow make all their cocktails and mocktails with palm sugar syrup, which has an amber hue and more complex sweetness than typical simple syrup. Midwest Living, 14 May 2026 The Indian Punch Bowl showcases the distillery’s Monitor Blend bourbon with hibiscus ginger simple syrup and egg white, while the Ironclad Spritz adds Aperol and prosecco for something a little lighter. Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 13 May 2026 To Make the simple syrup combine a half cup of sugar and a half cup of water in a bowl or pot, and stir until the sugar dissolves. Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 9 May 2026 Some of the new cocktails include the Dubai Tai, which mixes rum, a pistachio simple syrup and chocolate, and the Ay Dio Tigre, made with tequila, strawberry, watermelon, tajin and red food coloring. Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for simple syrup

Word History

First Known Use

1826, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of simple syrup was in 1826

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Cite this Entry

“Simple syrup.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/simple%20syrup. Accessed 21 May. 2026.

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