How to Make Sugar Water

Co-authored by Jeff Jones

Last Updated: October 16, 2024 References

Sugar water, also known as "simple syrup," is used to sweeten drinks, such as lemonade, iced tea, mint juleps, and cocktails.^{[1]
X
Research source} It can also be used for making desserts and as the perfect mid-workout sports drink; some people even use it to feed hummingbirds! This article will show you several different ways of making sugar water. It will also give you some ideas on how to further enhance your sugar water.

Ingredients

Sugar Water^{[2]
X
Research source}

1 cup (240 milliliters) water
1 cup (200 grams) white, granulated sugar

Concentrated Sugar Water^{[3]
X
Research source}

1 cup (240 milliliters) water
2 cups (400 grams) white, granulated sugar

Sugar Water for Hummingbirds

4 cups (960 milliliters) water
1 cup (200 grams) cane sugar

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Making Sugar Water

Download Article

This will give you about 1 ½ cups (350 milliliters) of sugar water.^{[4]
X
Research source} If you need to make more/less sugar water, then use one part water to one part sugar.
The high temperature will help dissolve the sugar water faster. Be sure to stir often to help the sugar dissolve.

Advertisement
As soon as the water begins to boil, reduce the heat and bring the water to a simmer. It will take about three minutes for the sugar to dissolve.^{[5]
X
Research source}
Set it down onto a heat-resistant surface and let the mixture return to room temperature.
Place a funnel into the neck of a glass bottle, and carefully pour the sugar water into the bottle. If you cannot find a bottle, you can use a glass jar. Put the cap on the bottle and close it tightly.
Use it within one month.^{[6]
X
Research source} You can use sugar water to make lemonade or cocktails.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Making Concentrated Sugar Water

Download Article

If you need to make a smaller or larger amount, then use one part water and two parts sugar.
Be sure to stir the water often to help the sugar dissolve.
Once the water begins to boil, quickly lower the heat and bring it to a simmer; this prevents the sugar from scorching and becoming caramelized.
Set the pot down on a heat-resistant surface and leave it uncovered until the mixture reaches room temperature.
Place a funnel over the bottle or jar opening, and slowly pour the liquid inside. Replace the cap or lid and tighten it.
It will stay fresh for a few weeks to about a month.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Making Sugar Water for Hummingbirds

Download Article

1
Pour 4 cups (960 milliliters) of water and 1 cup (200 grams) cane sugar into a pot. Do not use red food coloring, honey, or any other type of sugar; any of these things may end up harming the hummingbirds. Honey spoils too quickly, and low-calorie and artificial sweeteners do not give hummingbirds enough calories.
- Hummingbirds are attracted to the color red; consider using a red-colored hummingbird feeder. This will be more effective than dying the water red.
Even though you are using much more water than sugar, you will still need to heat it in order for the sugar to dissolve completely.
3
Bring the mixture to a boil and cook it until the sugar dissolves completely. This should take one to two minutes.
- Boiling the water is important, because the high heat will kill any bacteria that might be in the water.
Set the pot down on a heat-resistant surface and let the mixture cool. During this time, you can clean your hummingbird feeder or make a new one.
The sugar water will later about two weeks in the fridge.^{[7]
X
Research source}
If you wish to attract hummingbirds with tasty sugar water, you will need to change it every two to three days—and everyday if it is hot outside. Hummingbirds will not drink spoiled sugar water. Also, be sure to keep your hummingbird feeder in the shade; keeping it out in the sun will cause the sugar to spoil faster.^{[8]
X
Trustworthy Source

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Research lab of Cornell University dedicated to interpreting and conserving the Earth's biological diversity through research and education about birds

Go to source}
Hummingbirds are not the only creatures who like nectar; bees and ants will also flock to your sugar water. Consider purchasing a hummingbird feeder with a moat that can be filled with water, or some bee guards.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Adding Variations to Sugar Water

Download Article

1
Consider using brown sugar instead of white. This will give you a richer flavor. It will also give the drink a golden tint; because of this, it is better to use the brown sugar water for rum-based drinks instead of clear drinks.
- You can also use honey instead of sugar for a sweet, golden syrup.^{[9]
  X
  Research source}
Substitute part of the water in your recipe for some rosewater. Be sure to use pure, edible rosewater; some rosewater types are for cosmetic purposes only and not meant to be consumed.^{[10]
X
Research source}
Do not use confectioner's or powdered sugar. Simply pour one part castor sugar and one part water into a bottle, close the bottle, and shake it for a few minutes until the sugar dissolves. The fine grains of castor sugar make it easier to dissolve in water, so you don't need to cook it.
4
Add herbs to the sugar water to make flavored syrup. Once the sugar has dissolved, add the herbs of your choice, and take the pot off the stove. Let the herbs sit in the sugar water for an hour, then pour the sugar water into a new container through a strainer. Discard the herbs and store the flavored syrup in the refrigerator. Some great herbs include:^{[11]
X
Research source}
- Fresh basil, mint, rosemary, and thyme leaves
- Fresh or dried lavender flowers
- Pieces of fresh fruit or berries
- Lemon, lime, orange, or grapefruit zest
- Vanilla bean pods or cinnamon sticks
- Peeled and grated ginger root

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

How much sugar should i put in for a budgie/parakeet?

Maggie Peterson

Community Answer

None. Budgies and parakeets should not be given sugar. It is not good for their health.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 2
Question

How much sugar do I put in if I want to feed an injured butterfly?

Community Answer

It should be 15% sugar for butterflies. If you boil a liter of water, there should only be 150 ml of sugar added.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 5

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Video

Tips

Prevent your syrup from crystallizing by adding ¼ cup (60 milliliters) corn syrup = prevents sugar from crystallizing.^{[12]
X
Research source}

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Stop mold and bacteria from developing by adding 1 to 2 ounces (30 to 60 milliliters) vodka.^{[13]
X
Research source}

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Do not overcook your syrup, or the sugar will start to caramelize.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0