All simple syrup based, or do you want a naturally sweet option? Here’s the best replacement for plain syrup in cocktails and coffee drinks.
Simple syrup is a sweetener used to reduce tart and bitter flavors in cocktails and coffee drinks. It’s very easy to do at home. Simply heat equal parts sugar and water on the stove, and the sugar will dissolve to form a thick syrup (this is how it’s made). Of course, if you’re all out, you can just make another batch as long as you have 5 minutes and some sugar!
But if you’re all looking for naturally sweet alternatives, here are the best easy syrup substitutes we’ve found! (And the one we use in our cocktails all the time.)
Best simple syrup substitute
Disclaimer: When using these substitutes in a cocktail recipe or coffee drink, use a little less than what the recipe calls for, then add more as you like.
1. Maple Syrup.
The best simple syrup substitute we’ve found? maple syrup. You’d think it would add a maple flavor to cocktails, but it only adds a subtle sweetness. At A Couple Cooks, we actually prefer it to plain syrup and use it to sweeten many of our top 20 cocktail recipes you should know. Use as a 1 for 1 replacement with plain syrup.
Some sources say you should make plain syrup with maple syrup, but we use it directly: a quick and easy substitute!
2. Agave syrup.
Agave syrup is also a good substitute for plain syrup in cocktails (sometimes used to sweeten margaritas). The nectar comes from the agave plant. It is then processed into a syrup that has become widely available. The taste is fairly neutral, making it a good option for cocktails. Use as a 1 for 1 replacement with plain syrup.
3. Honey
Honey is another good simple syrup substitute. Its flavor is slightly stronger than maple syrup, but it still works like a sub. Since honey can be very thick in consistency, turn it into honey syrup! How to make honey syrup that you can use as a 1-to-1 substitute with plain syrup.
Related Recipes
Here are some maple syrup cocktail recipes:
