How Long Does Simple Syrup Last? Does Simple Syrup Go Bad?

Name: How Long Does Simple Syrup Last? Does Simple Syrup Go Bad?
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: Please check the end of the post for recipe ingredients.; If you don't find any, let me know in comments.

Ayub KhanandRehmat DietitianMarch 15, 2023Last Updated: April 12, 2023

3 minutes read

Table of Contents

In this article, you will know the answer to the query “How Long Does Simple Syrup Last? Does Simple Syrup Go Bad?“.

Simple syrup is a syrup that is commonly used in bars around the world. The reason it is also called bar syrup is because of this.

The ingredient is widely used in cocktails and other beverages. Compared to maple syrup and corn syrup, it is quite different.

In addition to 1:1, this syrup is also available in 2:1 strength. There are equal parts of water and sugar in the former, while there are two parts more sugar in the latter.

It is also referred to as rich simple syrup because of its 2:1 strength. 1:1 strength is the most common in the United States.

There is no complicated process involved in making simple syrup. When sugar granules dissolve in water, equal parts of sugar and water are combined in a saucepan.

As soon as the sugar melts, the solution is cooled, and the simple syrup is ready for use.

Although sugar is technically a preservative, you may have to ask how long simple syrup lasts in certain circumstances.

Hopefully, this post will provide you with the answer you are seeking.

How to Tell if Simple Syrup is Bad? Simple Syrup Shelf Life!

Since sugar is a preservative, it can be hard to imagine that simple syrup can go bad.

It is possible, however, for simple syrup to go bad. It is often easy to spot if a simple syrup is going bad by its appearance alone, unlike some other types of foods that are hard to spot when they go bad.

You should watch out for these signs of spoiled simple syrup.

An old simple syrup with a cloudy appearance is a sign of bad quality.

The appearance of freshly prepared syrup is similar to that of water. It is not a good sign if the sky is cloudy.

With the breakdown intensifying, the cloudy appearance eventually becomes moldy.

It is also possible to smell a foul odor coming from the container when the simple syrup has gone bad.

Water in the solution is responsible for simple syrup getting moldy.

Despite its negligible nature, condensation and evaporation do take place in the container.

In addition, dilution of the syrup can promote the growth of microorganisms, especially on the surface of the syrup.

Does Simple Syrup Go Bad? How Long Does Simple Syrup Last?

Unlike other syrups, simple syrup doesn’t spoil quickly since it contains equal parts sugar and water. Nothing, however, lasts forever, as the saying goes.

The purpose of this section is to discuss how long simple syrup will last.

There is a general consensus that simple syrup lasts about six months.

As long as the syrup is stored in an airtight and sterile container, it will be safe.

Simple syrup 1:1, however, only lasts one month when refrigerated. The shelf life of a 2:1 syrup is six months, however.

It lasted for more than six months when it was a 2:1 strength and contained a tablespoon of vodka.

When simple syrup is prepared using the hot process, it usually lasts longer than when it is prepared using the cold process.

Heat sterilizes the syrup during preparation, extending its shelf life.

It is for this reason that many people prefer to follow the hot process. Preparation of the syrup is also much quicker with the hot process.

Find out how simple syrup is prepared using two different methods.

It will also depend on how you store the simple syrup that will determine its longevity.

A sterilized airtight container is recommended for storing simple syrup.

Boiling water is the most common method of sterilizing a container at home.

Conclusion

The simple syrup can be purchased from a store or made at home.

Whatever way you choose to store it in your kitchen or bar, storing it correctly plays a huge role in extending its shelf life.

The syrup will eventually need to be thrown out and a new batch made despite all your efforts.

The purpose of this post is to keep you up-to-date about the shelf life of simple syrup in your refrigerator.