Skip the sugar but keep the sweetness with this Sugar-Free Simple Syrup! Made with just water and a plant-based sweetener, this easy syrup comes together in under 10 minutes and is perfect for sweetening coffee, cocktails, and more—without the guilt!
This aero calorie Sugar-Free Simple Syrup recipe is incredibly versatile and can be used to sweeten a variety of drinks without adding unnecessary sugar. Stir it into your favorite cocktails or mocktails for a guilt-free twist on your go-to beverages. It's also perfect for adding a touch of sweetness to your coffee or iced tea—great for those who want to avoid refined sugars but still enjoy a flavorful drink. Whether you're making a low-carb mojito or just sweetening up your morning coffee, this syrup fits perfectly into a vegan, keto-friendly, gluten-free or low-carb lifestyle, keeping your drinks sweet without compromising your diet goals.
Try stirring this Sugar-Free Simple Syrup into a Skinny Cocktail or Skinny Spicy Margarita for a lightened-up drink you will love.
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Ingredients
- Water - Water is the main base of your syrup and can be found easily at home. You can use filtered or tap water, depending on your preference. If you want a slightly cleaner taste, I recommend filtered water.
- Monk Fruit - For the sweetener, monk fruit (use code: HEALTHYMOM for 10% off) or allulose (use code: HMHF for 10% off) are excellent options. Both are plant-based, zero-calorie sweeteners that won’t spike your blood sugar. Find them in the sweetener section of the grocery store.
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Sugar-Free Simple Syrup
Step 1: Bring the water to a boil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat.
Step 2: Turn off the heat, then add the allulose or monk fruit sweetener. Stir well until the sweetener is completely dissolved. Let the syrup cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Hint: For a smoother texture and quicker dissolution, be sure to stir the sweetener into the hot water immediately after turning off the heat. If you're using monk fruit or allulose, make sure to stir thoroughly to ensure it's fully dissolved for a perfectly smooth syrup!
Substitutions
Want to substitute an ingredient in Sugar-Free Simple Syrup? Here's how:
- Sweetener: Use another sugar-free sweetener such as erythritol or stevia in place of the monk fruit (use code: HEALTHYMOM for 10% off) or allulose (use code: HMHF for 10% off) if you prefer. Just be sure to adjust the amount based on the sweetness level of your substitute. Allulose and monk fruit sweetener tend to provide a more sugar-like taste and texture, making them ideal for syrups.
- Water: The base of the syrup is water, but if you'd like to add a little extra flavor, you could use coconut water or unsweetened almond milk for a unique twist. Just note that the consistency might change slightly.
Variations
Try one of these variations of Sugar-Free Simple Syrup:
- Spicy - Add 1 sliced jalapeño to the syrup after dissolving the sweetener and cool. Strain the jalapeño slices out of the cooled syrup before storing.
- Herbal - Add 2-3 sprigs of fresh herbs (e.g., rosemary, thyme, or mint) to the syrup after dissolving the sweetener and cool. Strain the herbs out of the cooled syrup before storing.
- Citrus - Add the peel of 1 orange or lemon to the syrup after dissolving the sweetener and cool. Strain the citrus peels out of the cooled syrup before storing.
- Vanilla - Add 1 vanilla bean or 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract to the syrup after dissolving the sweetener and cool. Strain the vanilla bean out of the cooled syrup before storing.
- Ginger-Lime Sugar-Free Simple Syrup - Add 2-3 slices of fresh ginger and the zest of 1 lime to the syrup after dissolving the sweetener and cool. Strain the chunks out of the cooled syrup before storing.
Equipment
This equipment comes in handy when making Sugar-Free Syrup:
- Saucepan or Small Pot - A small saucepan or pot is needed to heat the water and dissolve the sweetener. It should be large enough to hold at least 1 cup of water comfortably. A non-stick option can be helpful for easy cleanup.
- Measuring Cups - You'll need measuring cups to accurately measure the water and sweetener. A 1-cup measuring cup and a ½ cup measuring cup will be necessary to get the right proportions for the recipe.
- Stirring Spoon - A long spoon is essential for mixing the sweetener into the boiling water. A wooden spoon or silicone spatula is a great choice to avoid scraping the pot.
- Strainer or Fine Mesh Sieve (for variations with added flavor) - If you’re making any infused syrup variations, such as with fresh herbs or citrus peel, a strainer or fine mesh sieve will be needed to remove the solids from the syrup before storing it.
- Storage Container - A clean, airtight container (such as a glass jar or bottle) is necessary for storing the syrup in the fridge. A mason jar or a squeeze bottle works well, especially if you plan to use it for drinks.
Storage
Here's how you store Sugar-Free Simple Syrup:
Allow Sugar-Free Simple Syrup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container, such as a glass jar or bottle. Store it in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, consider freezing it in ice cube trays for easy portioning when needed. Simply thaw the cubes in the fridge or microwave when you're ready to use them.
Top Tip
Get creative with your simple syrup by adding different ingredients for extra flavor! Try infusing it with jalapeno, vanilla, citrus zest, or fresh herbs to customize it for your favorite drinks. See the variation section of this blog post for ideas!
FAQ
Yes, you can substitute the allulose or monk fruit with other sugar-free sweeteners like stevia or erythritol. Keep in mind that the sweetness level may vary, so adjust the amount to taste. Allulose and monk fruit are great because they have a similar sweetness level to sugar without the aftertaste some other sweeteners can have.
Yes, you can infuse your syrup with flavors like vanilla, herbs, jalapeno, cinnamon, or citrus by adding those ingredients to the boiling water, letting them steep, and then straining them out before storing the syrup. It's a great way to customize your syrup for different drinks or recipes!
Related
Add this Sugar-Free Simple Syrup to one of these cocktail recipes for a sweeter version.
Recipe
Sugar-Free Simple Syrup
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup monk fruit sweetener (use code: HEALTHYMOM for 10% off)
Instructions
- Bring the water to a boil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat.
- Turn off the heat, then add the allulose or monk fruit sweetener. Stir well until the sweetener is completely dissolved.
- Let the syrup cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Shannon
It’s an essential to keep on hand!