Orange Simple Syrup

This Orange Simple Syrup is great for making a Blood Orange Old Fashioned, an Aperol Soda, sangria recipes, and more! Simple syrup is incredibly easy to make (so you don't need to buy it) and great to have on hand for adding sweetness and flavor to cocktails, mocktails, and baking projects!

Ingredients

There are only a few ingredients you'll need to make this Orange Simple Syrup.

• Granulated sugar: Granulated sugar gives simple syrup its sweetness. You can also make simple syrup with different types of sugar for a different flavor.
• Oranges: You will use one orange thinly sliced for this recipe. You can use any type of orange, but smaller oranges tend to be sweeter and they don't have seeds (not a big issue since you'll be straining the syrup, but easier overall). You can also make this recipe with blood oranges to make Blood Orange Simple Syrup.
  • If you're making a batch of these Candied Orange Slices, you'll end up with Orange Simple Syrup, too! Might be a fun way to make both!

See full recipe below for detailed directions.

Substitutions & Variations

This is a very adaptable recipe; below are a few variations you can try.

• Change the ratios - This recipe is for a 1:1 simple syrup (1 part water, 1 part sugar). You can also modify this to create a 2:1 simple syrup (2 parts water, 1 part sugar) for a lower sugar option.
• Change the fruit - You could also easily adapt this recipe to be made with another citrus, such as blood orange, lemon, and more! You might also like this Blackberry Simple Syrup as a berry option!

How to Make Orange Simple Syrup

Orange Simple Syrup comes together easily and is a great ingredient to have on hand or to give as a nice foodie gift! The full recipe with detailed directions is at the bottom of this post.

1. Step 1: Wash and slice your orange, leaving the peel on. You don't need to remove the pitch or seeds, if there are any.

2. Step 2: Combine water and sugar in a small pot or skillet and stir until sugar is dissolved.

3. Step 3: Add orange slices and bring to a boil.

4. Step 4: Once boiling, reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Step 5: Let the mixture cool. Remove the slices from the liquid, then strain. Transfer the simple syrup to a jar or airtight container.

How to Use Orange Simple Syrup

Orange Simple Syrup has a wide variety of uses, including:

• For cocktails and mocktails: Simple syrup adds sweetness and flavor to cocktails like this Aperol Soda and this Blood Orange Old Fashioned. It's also a great way to add flavor to mocktails!
• For baking: Cake and loaf recipes often use simple syrup to add flavor, sweetness and moisture to a recipe.
• For coffee and tea: Simple syrup adds flavor and sweetness to coffees and teas instead of using sugar or honey.

Storage

Refrigerator Storage: Store Orange Simple Syrup in a jar or airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one month. To note: this simple syrup has not gone through the canning process, so it is not shelf-stable.

Once it's stored, if you notice any floaters or cloudiness in the syrup, then it's time to throw it out and start with a fresh batch.

Recipe FAQs

More Easy Cocktail Recipes

If you tried this Orange Simple Syrup or any other recipe on my website, please leave a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. I'd love to hear from you! Enjoy!