Rich Simple Syrup vs Regular Simple Syrup: What's the Difference?

two glasses with regular and rich simple syrup, showing different viscosity

Understanding the properties of rich simple syrup and regular simple syrup is essential for crafting balanced, consistently delicious cocktails. Both syrups sweeten drinks efficiently, but their ratios, viscosity, and cocktail applications differ in ways that impact flavor and mouthfeel.

The Ratios: Sugar to Water

Regular simple syrup: 1:1 ratio — equal parts by volume, typically 100 ml sugar dissolved in 100 ml water.
Rich simple syrup: 2:1 ratio — 200 ml sugar dissolved in 100 ml water. Higher sugar concentration yields a denser, more viscous syrup.

While both syrups look similar when poured, this small difference in recipe has a noticeable influence on their texture and how they mix in a drink.

Sweetness and Mouthfeel: How Do They Compare?

Rich simple syrup tastes noticeably sweeter per ml than regular simple syrup, so cocktails require less volume to reach the same sweetness.
Higher sugar concentration creates a silkier, thicker mouthfeel — ideal in stirred drinks or cocktails where dilution is deliberately low.
Regular simple syrup blends quickly and evenly into both shaken and stirred drinks. Its thinner consistency is perfect for recipes with more water content or those that use larger measures for balancing acidity.

When to Use Rich vs Regular Simple Syrup

Use rich simple syrup in spirit-forward cocktails (Old Fashioned, Sazerac) for extra body and a slow-dissolving sweetness that lingers.
Choose regular simple syrup in citrus-forward drinks (Daiquiri, Whiskey Sour, Tom Collins) to maximize dilution and merge seamlessly with acidic ingredients.

old fashioned cocktail made with rich simple syrup in rocks glass

How to Make Each Syrup at Home

To make regular simple syrup, combine 100 ml granulated sugar with 100 ml hot water, stir until clear, and cool before using.
For rich simple syrup, mix 200 ml granulated sugar with 100 ml hot water. Stir slowly until sugar dissolves fully. The result is a dense, almost syrupy liquid.

Both syrups can be stored in clean bottles in the refrigerator. Rich simple syrup keeps longer thanks to its higher sugar content, which naturally preserves it.

making simple syrup in a glass jar with spoon

Which Simple Syrup Is Best for Cocktails?

The choice between rich and regular simple syrup depends on your preferred drink style and the kind of cocktail you want to build. When a recipe simply lists “simple syrup,” it’s safe to assume the 1:1 regular style. If you want maximum sweetness and a denser mouthfeel with less dilution, reach for rich simple syrup but reduce the quantity to keep flavor balanced.