Mix up a batch of this easy Honey Simple Syrup to naturally sweeten cocktails, mocktails, lemonades, iced teas, and other homemade drinks — no refined sugar required. Ready in under 10 minutes with just water and honey.
This Honey Syrup Is Perfect For Adding To Drinks!
Traditional simple syrup is typically made by simmering water with granulated sugar, sometimes infused with fruit, herbs, or spices to add flavor. This Honey Simple Syrup replaces refined sugar with honey for a more natural, earthy sweetness. It performs the same role as regular simple syrup but brings its own floral or fruity notes depending on the honey you choose.
Use this syrup to sweeten homemade lemonades, iced teas, cocktails, and mocktails — or drizzle it over pancakes, waffles, or yogurt. Because honey contains distinct flavor characteristics that vary by flower source, the final taste of your syrup will reflect the honey you use. For a milder, very sweet syrup, choose a light honey; for a richer, more complex flavor, use wildflower or blossom varieties.
Honey Simple Syrup Ingredients
Only two ingredients are needed: honey and water. The ratio you choose determines thickness and intensity. A 1:1 ratio (equal parts honey and water) makes a lighter syrup that blends easily into cold beverages. A 2:1 ratio (two parts honey to one part water) produces a thicker, more concentrated syrup with stronger honey flavor.
Suggested honey options: wildflower, orange blossom, clover, or any local varietal you enjoy. Local, single-source honeys often provide more character than generic blends.
How To Make Simple Syrup With Honey
- Stovetop method:
- Combine equal parts honey and water in a small saucepan (for example, ¾ cup honey and ¾ cup water).
- Heat over medium, stirring frequently until the honey fully dissolves and the mixture just reaches a gentle simmer. Avoid boiling vigorously.
- Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature before transferring to a container for storage or using immediately in recipes.
- Microwave method:
- Place honey and water in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Heat in the microwave in 30–60 second increments, stirring between intervals, until the honey dissolves and the mixture is warm and slightly simmering.
- Allow to cool to room temperature before using or storing.
Tips and Variations
- Adjust the ratio: 1:1 yields a pourable, easy-to-mix syrup; 2:1 (honey:water) gives a thicker syrup with concentrated flavor.
- Try different honeys: clover and wildflower are versatile, while orange blossom or lavender honey add a floral note.
- Infuse flavor: simmer a sprig of fresh rosemary, a split vanilla bean, or a few slices of ginger with the syrup for a subtle flavored version. Remove the infusion before storing.
- Use as a topping: warm honey syrup makes a great drizzle for pancakes, waffles, biscuits, and fresh fruit.
How To Store Honey Simple Syrup
Once the syrup has cooled completely, pour it into a clean, airtight jar or bottle. A mason jar or a pouring bottle works well. Refrigerate and use within 2 to 3 weeks for best freshness. If you make a thicker 2:1 syrup, it may keep slightly longer, but always check for off smells or cloudiness before using.
More Yummy Honey Recipes
- Easy Honey Granola — crunchy granola great for yogurt or smoothie bowls
- Honey Cake — a dense, moist cake that pairs well with berries
- Cafe con Miel — coffee sweetened with honey and finished with milk
- Honey Ginger Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner — a savory-sweet main course
- Easy Whipped Honey Butter — light, fluffy honey butter ready in minutes
Simple Honey Syrup Recipe
Author: Rebecca Hubbell
Course: Basic, Beverage, Condiment
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 3 minutes • Cook Time: 5 minutes • Total Time: 8 minutes
Yield: About 12 ounces (depending on ratio)
Ingredients
- ¾ cup (252 g) honey
- ¾ cup (180 mL) water
Instructions
- Add ¾ cup honey and ¾ cup water to a small saucepan.
- Heat over medium, stirring frequently until the honey dissolves and the mixture just begins to simmer.
- Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature. Transfer to a clean jar and refrigerate.
Nutrition (per ounce)
Calories: 64 kcal • Carbohydrates: 17 g • Protein: 0.1 g • Sugar: 17 g • Sodium: 2 mg
Did You Make This Recipe?
If you try this Honey Simple Syrup, leave a comment or note what honey you used and how you used the syrup. Sharing your experience helps others choose the best variation for their drinks and recipes.