Best Substitute for Simple Syrup: 7 Alternatives

Simple syrup is a go-to sweetener for drinks, desserts, and even some savory dishes, but what if you don’t have any on hand—or want to avoid the extra work of making it? Whether you're crafting cocktail recipes, baking moist cakes, or sweetening your morning coffee, a substitute for simple syrup is not hard to find.

Take honey for example. This is considered one of the best simple syrup alternatives out there. Although, some people may have an allergic reaction, so I've listed a few extra alternatives, just in case. Read on for more!

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• What is Simple Syrup?
• Substitute for Simple Syrup - 7 Sweet Ideas
• FAQs
• Recipe

What is Simple Syrup?

Simple syrup is a liquid sweetener made by dissolving sugar in water, typically in a 1:1 ratio. It’s commonly used in cocktails, coffee, iced tea, and desserts because it blends smoothly into both hot and cold beverages without leaving gritty sugar crystals behind.

Whether made with white sugar, cane sugar, or brown sugar, simple syrup offers a quick, consistent way to add sweetness and is easy to make at home with just two ingredients and a bit of heat.

Substitute for Simple Syrup - 7 Sweet Ideas

Let's check out a few of our top picks as replacements for simple syrup below:

1. Maple Syrup

If you're looking for a simple syrup substitute that’s already in liquid form and easy to find at most grocery stores, maple syrup is a top contender. It’s made from the sap of the maple tree and adds a hint of warm maple flavor that pairs beautifully with both sweet and savory dishes.

Maple syrup is not only a great sweetener; it also dissolves well into hot or cold beverages and adds character to any mixture it touches. Make sure to use pure maple syrup—avoid versions with preservatives or added corn syrup. Use ¾ cup maple syrup for every 1 cup simple syrup.

Best for: Maple syrup is a great substitute for simple syrup due to its rich flavor and smooth texture—perfect for glazed carrots, pumpkin muffins, and bourbon-based cocktails like an Old Fashioned.

Also read: Top Vanilla Bean Paste Substitute for Every Recipe

2. Honey

Thick, floral, and naturally antibacterial, honey is a fantastic substitute for simple syrup, especially in baking or tea-based cocktails. Its sweetness is slightly stronger than regular sugar, so use it thoughtfully.

Honey does have a strong flavor profile, so it's best used in recipes where that note complements the other ingredients. And because it’s more viscous, stir it well into your hot beverages or heat it slightly before mixing into cocktails. Use ½ to ⅔ cup honey for 1 cup simple syrup.

Best for: Honey is a great swap for simple syrup because it's naturally sweet, dissolves easily when warm, and adds depth—ideal for lemon glazed chicken, chamomile tea, and honey almond biscotti.

Also read: Best Manuka Honey in 2025 - Tried And Tested!

3. Agave Nectar (Agave Syrup)

Sourced from the agave plant, agave nectar (also called agave syrup) is a simple syrup substitute prized for its smooth, neutral sweetness and low glycemic index. It’s thinner than honey and blends well, even in cold beverages.

Agave is great in cocktails, smoothies, or light baked goods. While it doesn't have a strong flavor, it carries enough sweetness to replace sugar in any recipe that calls for simple syrup. Use 1:1 for simple syrup in most cases.

Best for: Agave nectar is a fantastic simple syrup substitute thanks to its neutral sweetness and smooth consistency—perfect for margaritas, vegan chocolate cake, and chia seed pudding.

4. Brown Sugar Syrup

Brown sugar syrup is essentially a variation of simple syrup, made by mixing brown sugar with water (usually in a 1:1 or 2:1 ratio). The molasses content in brown sugar gives this syrup a deep, caramelized taste.

You can make a quick brown sugar syrup at home by heating one cup brown sugar and one cup water until fully dissolved. It’s perfect for recipes that benefit from a darker flavor profile. Use 1:1 for simple syrup.

Best for: Brown sugar syrup is a good alternative for simple syrup because it adds rich, molasses-like depth—ideal for brown sugar iced coffee, spiced rum cake, and apple cinnamon pancakes.

5. Powdered Sugar + Water

In a pinch, powdered sugar (also called confectioners’ sugar) combined with warm water can mimic simple syrup. It dissolves quickly and can be mixed without heat.

This method is one of the quickest simple syrup alternatives when you’re short on time or ingredients. Just be sure the powdered sugar contains no added preservatives like cornstarch if you're avoiding them. Mix ¾ cup powdered sugar with ¼ cup warm water to replace 1 cup simple syrup.

Best for: Powdered sugar mixed with water is a quick stand-in for simple syrup—it dissolves easily without heat, making it perfect for lemon glaze, cold brew coffee, and cupcake frosting.

6. Corn Syrup

Though not always the first choice due to its processed nature, corn syrup has a similar texture and sweetness level to simple syrup, making it a viable substitute in certain contexts.

While not the best substitute for those avoiding refined sugar, corn syrup can be found in most grocery stores and works reliably when your recipe calls for syrupy texture and shine. Use 1:1, though you may want to reduce slightly depending on desired sweetness.

Best for: Corn syrup is a great substitute for simple syrup due to its smooth texture and similar sweetness—best used in pecan pie, soft caramel candies, and homemade marshmallows.

7. Granulated Sugar + Water (Homemade Simple Syrup)

Of course, you can always make your own simple syrup at home. It’s just a 1:1 ratio of regular granulated sugar to water, heated until the sugar dissolves.

Whether you're using white sugar, cane sugar, or regular sugar, making simple syrup at home is easy, economical, and allows you to control the ingredients—no additives or preservatives. Combine 1 cup sugar with 1 cup water.

Best for: Granulated sugar and water make a classic homemade simple syrup alternative—perfect for iced lattes, fruit preserves, and brushing layer cakes to keep them moist.

Recipe