You know those recipes where you’re like, “Wait… why haven’t I made this before?” That’s exactly how I feel about honey syrup.
It’s so simple—just honey and water—but it’s one of those little things that makes a BIG difference.
Honey syrup is like the secret ingredient you didn’t know you needed.
It’s perfect for sweetening drinks, drizzling over pancakes or yogurt, and even adding to salad dressings or marinades.
The best part? It’s super quick to make, and you probably already have everything you need in your kitchen right now. Let’s get started!
What You’ll Need
- ½ cup honey (any type you like—clover, wildflower, or raw honey all work great)
- ½ cup water
Optional (for flavor):
- A sprig of fresh thyme, rosemary, or mint
- A slice of lemon or a cinnamon stick
Pro Tips
- Stick to Equal Parts: The magic ratio is 1:1 honey to water—it keeps the syrup sweet but easy to pour.
- Don’t Overheat: Warm the honey and water just enough to combine them. If it gets too hot, it can lose some of that beautiful honey flavor.
- Add a Twist: Infuse your syrup with fresh herbs, citrus, or spices for extra flavor. Thyme honey syrup is a game-changer for cocktails or tea.
- Store It Right: Keep your honey syrup in the fridge in a sealed jar or bottle. It’ll last about 2 weeks (if you don’t use it all before then!).
Tools You’ll Need
- Small saucepan
- Whisk or spoon for stirring
- Glass jar or bottle for storage
- Measuring cups
Substitutions and Variations
- Honey Alternatives: Use maple syrup or agave syrup for a similar result.
- Sweetness Level: Want it less sweet? Try a 1:2 ratio of honey to water.
- Flavored Honey: Experiment with flavored honeys (lavender, orange blossom, etc.) for a fun twist.
- Herbs & Spices: Infuse with cinnamon sticks, ginger slices, or even a vanilla bean for more depth.
Make Ahead Tips
- You can make honey syrup ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. If you’re planning to infuse it with herbs or spices, let the flavors steep while the syrup cools, then strain before storing.
How to Make Honey Syrup
Step 1: Combine Honey and Water
Pour the honey and water into a small saucepan. If you’re adding any herbs, citrus, or spices for flavor, toss them in now!
Step 2: Gently Heat and Stir
Warm the honey and water over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the honey dissolves completely into the water. This only takes a couple of minutes—don’t let it boil!
Step 3: Cool and Strain
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the syrup cool. If you added any herbs or spices, strain them out using a fine mesh strainer.
Step 4: Store and Use
Pour the cooled honey syrup into a glass jar or bottle. Store it in the fridge and use it for all your sweetening needs!
Tips for Leftovers and Storage
- Keep your honey syrup in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. If you see any cloudiness or crystallization, just warm it gently to bring it back to life.
- Use leftover syrup in cocktails, tea, or even drizzled over fruit or yogurt.
Let’s Wrap It Up!
And that’s it! You’ve got yourself a jar of sweet, golden honey syrup ready to use in all kinds of recipes.
Trust me, once you start making it, you’ll always want a batch on hand.
Give it a try, and let me know in the comments how you’re using your honey syrup