There’s something utterly magical about a homemade syrup that bursts with fresh, vibrant flavor, and this Strawberry Syrup Recipe is exactly that kind of treat. It’s a simple blend of fresh strawberries, sugar, and a touch of lemon and vanilla that comes together in about 20 minutes to create a luscious, fragrant syrup perfect for brightening up everything from pancakes to cocktails. This recipe captures the essence of summer in each sweet, ruby-red drop and is sure to become your kitchen favorite all year long.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Strawberry Syrup Recipe lies in its simplicity. Just a handful of ingredients, each playing a crucial role to bring out the syrup’s perfect balance of sweetness, tang, and fresh berry flavor.
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced: Fresh, ripe strawberries provide the natural sweetness and vibrant color that define the syrup.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the syrup thicken as it cooks.
- 1/2 cup water: Used to dissolve sugar and gently cook the strawberries into syrup.
- 1 tsp lemon juice (optional): Enhances brightness and balances the sweetness with a hint of acidity.
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional): Infuses a warm, aromatic note to elevate the flavor complexity.
How to Make Strawberry Syrup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries
Start by combining your fresh strawberries, sugar, and water in a medium saucepan. Gently stir everything together so the sugar begins to dissolve and the strawberries are evenly coated, which sets the stage for a perfectly flavorful syrup.
Step 2: Cook the Mixture
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally so nothing sticks to the bottom. You’ll notice the strawberries beginning to break down and the liquid thickening slightly — that’s your syrup coming to life!
Step 3: Mash the Strawberries
Once the mixture has cooked down nicely, grab a potato masher or the back of a spoon and mash the strawberries to release more juice and intensify the syrup’s flavor. If you prefer a smoother texture, blending with an immersion or regular blender works beautifully.
Step 4: Strain (Optional)
For the smoothest syrup, you can strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the strawberry solids. Press down firmly to get every last bit of that sweet, vibrant juice. If you love some texture, you can skip this step and enjoy the syrup with soft strawberry bits.
Step 5: Add Flavor (Optional)
Now’s the moment to stir in lemon juice and vanilla extract if you want to brighten and deepen the flavor profile. These little additions push the syrup from simply delicious to absolutely irresistible.
Step 6: Cool and Store
Remove your luscious strawberry syrup from the heat and allow it to cool to room temperature. Transfer it into a clean jar or bottle, then pop it in the fridge. As it chills, it will thicken even further, ready for all your future cravings.
How to Serve Strawberry Syrup Recipe
Garnishes
This Strawberry Syrup Recipe shines when topped with a few fresh strawberry slices or a sprig of mint. These simple garnishes not only look stunning but also enhance the fresh, fruity aroma that’s so inviting.
Side Dishes
Think of the possibilities—pancakes, waffles, or even creamy vanilla ice cream are classic partners for strawberry syrup. It’s equally perfect drizzled over Greek yogurt or swirled into a bowl of overnight oats for a luscious breakfast or snack.
Creative Ways to Present
Get creative by using this syrup as a cocktail mixer, a sweet glaze for grilled chicken or pork, or even a drizzle on a cheesecake. You can also serve it warm over freshly baked biscuits or mix it into sparkling water for a refreshing homemade soda.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover strawberry syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to two weeks, making it easy to enjoy your favorite syrup anytime without extra effort.
Freezing
Strawberry syrup freezes wonderfully. Pour it into ice cube trays or freezer-safe containers, then thaw in the fridge when you’re ready to use it. Freezing might slightly change the texture, but the flavor remains vibrant and fresh.
Reheating
To bring the syrup back to a pourable consistency, simply warm it gently in a microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. Stir occasionally, and it will quickly regain its silky texture without losing any of its bright flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen strawberries work well for this syrup if fresh ones aren’t available. Just thaw them before cooking, and be aware the syrup might be a bit less vibrant in color but still wonderfully flavorful.
Do I have to strain the syrup?
Straining is optional and depends on your texture preference. Leaving the strawberry bits can add a lovely, rustic charm and extra flavor, while straining creates a smooth, refined syrup.
How long does homemade strawberry syrup last?
When stored properly in the refrigerator, your syrup will stay fresh for about two weeks. Always check for any off smells or mold, and if either appears, discard the syrup immediately.
Can I make this syrup without sugar?
You can try substituting sugar with honey or maple syrup, but keep in mind it will alter the flavor and consistency. The granulated sugar helps achieve that classic syrup thickness and sweetness.
Is this syrup suitable for cocktails?
Definitely! This syrup is fantastic in cocktails, adding a natural strawberry sweetness without artificial flavors. Try it in a strawberry mojito or mixed with sparkling wine for a festive twist.
Final Thoughts
Making your own Strawberry Syrup Recipe is one of those simple pleasures that feels like a little celebration every time. It’s easy, flexible, and utterly delicious—perfect for brightening up your breakfast or adding flair to your favorite drinks and desserts. Trust me, once you try this syrup, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Print
Strawberry Syrup Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 1 cup syrup
- Category: Syrup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This homemade strawberry syrup recipe transforms fresh strawberries into a luscious, sweet syrup perfect for drizzling over pancakes, waffles, desserts, or mixing into beverages. Made by simmering fresh strawberries with sugar and water, then mashing and optionally straining for smoothness, this syrup captures vibrant strawberry flavor with a hint of vanilla and brightness from lemon juice.
Ingredients
Strawberry Syrup Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tsp lemon juice (optional, for added brightness)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions
- Prepare the Strawberries: In a medium saucepan, combine the sliced strawberries, sugar, and water. Stir gently to mix all ingredients evenly.
- Cook the Mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir occasionally and cook for 10-12 minutes until the strawberries break down and the syrup thickens slightly.
- Mash the Strawberries: Use a potato masher or the back of a spoon to mash the strawberries, releasing more juice to create a thicker syrup. For a smoother consistency, puree the mixture using an immersion blender or transfer to a standard blender.
- Strain (Optional): To achieve a smoother syrup without strawberry solids, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing with a spoon to extract as much syrup as possible.
- Add Flavor (Optional): Stir in lemon juice and vanilla extract to enhance the flavor profile with brightness and aromatic notes.
- Cool and Store: Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the syrup to cool to room temperature. Transfer it to a jar or bottle and refrigerate. The syrup will thicken further as it cools.
Notes
- For a thicker syrup, cook the strawberries slightly longer or reduce the water amount.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor.
- Adjust sugar quantity based on desired sweetness.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
- Shaking or stirring before use helps redistribute any settling.
