Easy Strawberry Syrup to Elevate Desserts, Drinks & Brunch

Easy Strawberry Syrup is one of those simple from-scratch recipes that instantly makes every day dishes feel special. Made with real strawberries and just a few pantry staples, this homemade syrup adds fresh, natural flavor to everything from pancakes and waffles to lemonades, cocktails, and weekend brunch spreads.

Prep Time15

Cook Time20

Total Time35

Course: Drinks, sauce

Cuisine: American

Keyword: beverage recipe, drink recipe, easy recipe, fruit recipe, syrup recipe

Servings: cups

Calories: 458kcal

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Kitchen Essentials

Salad Dressing jar

Canning jars with lids and bands

Ingredients

1 Pound Fresh Strawberries hulled and sliced, see notes for how many cups
1 Cup Granulated Sugar
1 Cup Water
Optional: 1 teaspoon lemon juice brightens flavor and helps preserve color

Instructions

Add the sliced strawberries, sugar, and water to a medium saucepan. Stir gently to coat the berries.
1 Pound Fresh Strawberries, 1 Cup Granulated Sugar, 1 Cup Water
Simmer slowly. Bring the mixture to a light boil over medium heat, then reduce to low. Let it simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries soften and release their juices.
Mash and strain. Lightly mash the berries with a spoon or potato masher to extract more flavor. Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh strainer into a bowl or glass measuring cup, pressing gently on the solids.
Finish and cool. Stir in lemon juice if using. Allow the syrup to cool completely before transferring to a clean jar or bottle.
Optional: 1 teaspoon lemon juice
This syrup is a lovely way to use strawberries that are slightly soft or past their peak—perfectly sweet, but no longer ideal for eating fresh.

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Notes

Tips for Rich Flavor and Color

Choose ripe strawberries for the sweetest, most vibrant syrup.
Keep the heat gentle to prevent scorching and preserve fresh flavor.
Adjust thickness by simmering a few extra minutes for a thicker syrup or adding a splash of water if it becomes too concentrated.

How to Wash Strawberries Properly

Before using strawberries, gently wash them to remove dirt and residue.

Place strawberries in a colander and rinse under cool running water.
Gently rub the surface of each berry with your fingers.
Do not soak strawberries, as they absorb water and can lose flavor.
Pat dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
Hull and slice after washing.

Vinegar or Salt Wash: When It’s Useful (and When It’s Not)

Some cooks prefer a vinegar or salt wash for strawberries, especially when berries are not organic or are visibly dirty.

When it’s helpful. If strawberries are very muddy, heavily handled, or you want extra reassurance about surface bacteria, you can soak them briefly in a solution of 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water or 1 teaspoon salt per 4 cups of water for 5–10 minutes.
When it’s not necessary. For clean, fresh strawberries, especially homegrown. Plain running water is usually sufficient.

After any vinegar or salt wash, always rinse strawberries thoroughly under cool running water and dry well to prevent off-flavors.

Nutrition