Microwave Simple Syrup - Easy & Quick Recipe

💌 Why I Love This Recipe

​This basic recipe is incredibly easy to make, requiring just water and white sugar in equal parts. 

• Energy Efficient: Compared to stovetop syrup, the microwave method requires less energy. 
• Quicker: This simple sugar syrup is quicker to make than traditional simple syrup.
• Less Cleanup: All you need is a microwave-safe bowl & a spoon so the cleanup is minimal. 
• Customizable: You can play around with fun or gourmet microwave syrup variations by adding vanilla, lavender, fresh herbs, etc.
• Versatile: Use it in everything from pancakes to desserts, hot and cold drinks, bubble tea, or fruit salad. 

🛒 Ingredients

• 1 cup of water: We will need equal parts water and equal parts sugar to create the optimal sweetness. I recommend using cold or room-temperature water.
• 1 cup of white granulated sugar: White sugar dissolves easily and ensures a transparent, smooth syrup. It provides sweetness without interfering with the flavor in another way.

If you prefer a syrup with a richer and more distinct flavor note, you can use coconut sugar, demerara sugar, or soft brown sugar instead. Using a different type of sugar will result in a syrup with a more golden or amber hue.

🥣 Equipment

• Microwave-safe bowl: Ensure it’s large enough to hold the water-sugar mixture without overflowing as it boils.
• Fork or spoon: For stirring the syrup, helping it dissolve completely. 
• Glass jar with an airtight lid: For storing your homemade simple syrup once it cools down. I like to repurpose old pickle jars or mason jars. 

👣 Steps

Hint - this is just a super quick overview. For detailed instructions & exact ingredient details see the recipe card at the bottom.

Step 1 - Mix ingredients. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup of water with 1 cup of white sugar. Stir with a fork or a spoon.

Step 2 - Heat in microwave. Microwave the mixture for 2 to 2.5 minutes.

Step 3 - Check consistency. The sugar should be completely dissolved. If the mixture looks clear with no sugar at the bottom, your syrup is ready. If the sugar hasn't fully dissolved yet, place it back into the microwave for 10-20 seconds and check again. Repeat as necessary until the syrup looks clear.

Step 4 - Cool down. Let the syrup sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to an airtight container or glass jar for storage.

If you frequently use simple syrup, feel free to make a larger batch by doubling or tripling this recipe. Just remember to use a larger bowl and extend the cooking times slightly.

👨‍🍳 Recipe Success Tips

• Stir It Up: To help speed up the process, stir the sugar to help it dissolve. Microwaves can heat unevenly, so stirring is the key to ensuring all the sugar dissolves.
• Remove carefully: Handle the bowl carefully when removing it from the microwave. 
• Let it Cool: Allow your simple syrup to cool before using it. The cool syrup is more stable and ensures the ice doesn't melt if you're using it in cold beverages. 

Storage tip -  It's crucial that the jar you use to store this syrup is clean. This will ensure it lasts  I like to run it through the hottest cycle on my dishwasher. If you're not sure, you can sterilize the jar.

⚙️ Microwave Settings

Every microwave model is different, mainly due to variations in wattage.

Wattage refers to the amount of power an electric device consumes (Source).

Microwaves typically range between 600 and 1,000 watts. The higher the wattage, the faster it will cook or heat your food. 

For example, if you have a 1000-watt microwave, your syrup will cook faster compared to an 800-watt model. 

However, an average microwave will need between 2 and 2.5 minutes.

This should serve as a guide rather than a strict rule. Other factors, such as the microwave's efficiency, water temperature, and type of sugar used, will also influence cooking time.

Stay flexible and always make sure to check the sugar is fully dissolved.

How do I find out the wattage of my microwave oven? You can find out the wattage in the microwave's manual, or on a label inside (sometimes outside) the microwave door. If you're not sure, Google your microwave model.

🪻Additional Flavors

• Vanilla Simple Syrup: Add a custom amount of vanilla extract after cooking and stir well. I like to use pure vanilla paste to get a speckled effect in my syrup.
• Lavender Simple Syrup: Add 1-2 teaspoons of dried culinary-grade lavender buds to the hot syrup. Let it steep for 10-15 minutes, then strain to remove any bits. 
• Cinnamon Simple Syrup: As above, add 2 whole cinnamon sticks to the hot syrup and let it steep for 10-15 minutes. Remove the sticks before serving.

🤔 Frequently Asked Questions

🍰 Serving Suggestions

• Cold Drinks: Unlike granulated sugar, simple syrup is already dissolved and doesn't sink to the bottom of your glass. This makes it ideal to use in cold beverages. Simply stir it into iced tea, lemonade, iced latte, or cold brew.
• Hot Beverages: Use the syrup to sweeten hot herbal tea, coffee, or hot chocolate. The vanilla variation makes a great addition to my orange peel tea or hojicha latte.
• Bubble Tea: Perfect for sweetening bubble tea or for adding a touch of extra flavor to chewy tapioca pearls. 
• Desserts: Drizzle the syrup over cakes, crêpes, pancakes, or waffles for extra moisture and sweetness. You can also use it to add sweetness to fruit salads.
• Cocktails & Mocktails: Use this homemade syrup in your favorite cocktails, from mojitos to margaritas.

👋 Conclusion

Tried making your own simple syrup? Your comments, ratings & reviews all help bring this recipe to more new readers.

Got questions about making this recipe? Simply use the comments section below to get in touch - I am happy to help you!