How Long Does Simple Syrup Last?

clear simple syrup in a glass jar with metal lid

Simple syrup is the backbone of countless cocktails, coffee drinks, and desserts. But once you whip up a batch, how long can you safely keep it on hand before it goes bad?

Shelf Life of Simple Syrup

Fresh homemade simple syrup has a surprisingly decent shelf life, especially when treated with care. Storing it correctly makes all the difference between a crystal-clear mixer and a moldy mess.

How Storage Impacts Longevity

Refrigerated in a clean, airtight container: up to 1 month for basic 1:1 (equal parts sugar and water) syrup.
Rich simple syrup (2:1 sugar to water): often keeps 4–6 weeks under the same conditions.
Store-bought or commercial syrups: check best-by dates—added preservatives can yield several months of shelf life.

Extending the Shelf Life: Practical Tips

Want your syrup to last a little longer? The techniques below can buy extra time while keeping your drinks fresh and safe.

Sterilize your storage bottle with boiling water before use.
Always use clean utensils for pouring or measuring to avoid introducing bacteria.
Add 5–10 ml high-proof vodka per 250 ml syrup; alcohol inhibits spoilage and can add a week or more to the shelf life.

bartender adding vodka to clear simple syrup bottle

How to Tell if Simple Syrup Has Gone Bad

It's important to keep a close eye (and nose) on stored syrup. Spoilage can creep up quickly and isn't always obvious at first glance.

Discard if you see any cloudiness, floating mold, or strange color changes.
A sour smell or off taste means it's time to make a fresh batch.
If in doubt, throw it out—simple syrup is inexpensive to replace.

Best Practices for Homemade Syrup

Make small batches that you'll use up within a few weeks.
Label bottles with the date you made the syrup.
Keep stored syrup refrigerated as much as possible, even if your kitchen is cool.

small labeled bottles of clear and amber simple syrup in fridge

Quick Reference: How Long Does Simple Syrup Last?

Basic 1:1 syrup: use within 1 month (refrigerated, airtight).
Rich 2:1 syrup: up to 6 weeks (refrigerated, airtight).
Add vodka: extends shelf life by 1–2 weeks.

With just a pinch of caution and a little hygiene, simple syrup can be a long-lasting staple for both home mixologists and professionals alike. Make, label, chill, and enjoy—no waste needed.