How To Make Simple Syrup for Margaritas (+3 Premade)

Follow this simple 4-step recipe from The Cookfuls to make a foolproof simple syrup. Once finished, allow the syrup to cool before adding it to a sealable container. It can be kept for up to a month in the fridge.

Step 1: The Sweet Stuff

Add 1 cup of granulated sugar to a small saucepan.

Step 2: The H2O

Add 1 cup of water

Step 3: Add The Heat

Cook on medium heat, stirring occasionally. Continue until the sugar has dissolved. 

Step 4: Almost Ready

Remove from heat once the sugar has dissolved and the liquid is clear.

Jalapeno simple syrup is a genius way to add the right amount of spice to your favorite margarita recipe. 

This recipe calls for turbinado sugar, but you can substitute granulated sugar in a pinch. The use of turbinado sugar perfectly compliments the jalapeno peppers, though, so it’s worth an extra stop at the grocery store!

The simple jalapeno syrup is made similarly to traditional simple syrup, but sliced jalapenos are added when water is added. Once the sugar has dissolved, allow the peppers to steep in the liquid for 20 minutes before straining them into a sealable container. This extra time allows the flavors to really shine through and pair wonderfully with tequila. 

This flavored syrup adds an unexpected freshness to all your favorite homemade cocktails, but especially margaritas! This recipe calls for 2 cups of sugar and water, but you can cut it in half for a smaller batch.

To make this simple syrup begin by adding white sugar to a saucepan as you would for plain simple syrup. Next, grab some limes and add fresh lime zest. Squeeze in fresh lime juice, then water, and whisk to combine. Heat the mixture until the sugar has dissolved.

You can strain this simple syrup mixture before storing if you want to remove the small pieces of zest, but leaving it really amps up the flavor and texture of your cocktail! 

The strawberry simple syrup makes a tasty addition to a classic strawberry margarita with a lot of fresh strawberries shining through. 

Fresh strawberries, sugar, and water are heated for 20 minutes until the strawberries are soft. Stir frequently so the sugar doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan.

Gently strain into the container of your choice, but avoid pressing too hard, or the syrup will become cloudy. The leftover strawberries make a great topping for pancakes or waffles, and the syrup goes great in lemonade!

Orange simple syrup is a great way to bring bright flavors into your margarita without using orange liqueur. This recipe uses fresh orange peels. To get the best results, look for oranges that are vibrant in color.

The orange peels, sugar, and water are heated in a saucepan until the sugar has dissolved. Remove the peels before storing them. The final product will be a clear, simple syrup with a slight orange tint that smells heavenly!

Premade Simple Syrup

Agave Nectar Vs. Simple Syrup For Margaritas

Agave nectar is a common substitute for simple syrup seen in margarita recipes. It all comes down to personal preference, but for what it’s worth, a lot of bartenders prefer agave nectar over simple syrup.

Agave is said to give margaritas a more complex flavor profile with a smooth, subtle sweetness that allows the flavors of tequila Blanco to shine. 

The simple syrup has a fresher, cleaner taste that masks the tequila more. If you want a traditional sugary sweet taste, simple syrup is the way to go. If you prefer tasting each element of the margarita, use agave nectar. 

The internet has no shortage of margarita recipes to choose from, but there’s something about the old-fashioned classic recipe that never goes out of style.

Begin by preparing a margarita glass. Rim the glass by wetting the rim with lime juice. Pour kosher salt onto a small plate, then dip the rim in it. Add fresh ice to the glass.

To follow this simple and great recipe, you’ll need Blanco tequila, lime juice, orange liqueur (triple sec or grand Marnier), and simple syrup or agave. Combine ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Strain into the prepared glass, then garnish with sliced limes.

Grab some salt, limes, and tequila, and get ready to pour yourself an extra delicious margarita. 

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