Try my homemade strawberry syrup—a simple, three-ingredient strawberry syrup perfect for drinks and desserts. Made from fresh strawberries, granulated sugar, and a touch of lemon juice, this fresh strawberry syrup adds bright, natural flavor to beverages, pancakes, ice cream, and more.
Using fresh berries gives this syrup a vibrant strawberry taste. It works wonderfully in sparkling water, iced tea, cocktails, strawberry lemonade, as a topping for ice cream, or drizzled over cakes and French toast.

Table of contents
- 🧉Why You Will Love This Recipe
- 🍓 Ingredients Needed
- 🍋 How to Make Strawberry Syrup for Drinks
- 👩🍳 Storage Of Strawberry Simple Syrup
- 📌 Variations to Strawberry Syrup
- 🥤Recipe FAQs
- More Strawberry Recipes
This strawberry simple syrup is versatile: use it on pancakes and waffles, mix into sparkling water to make a quick strawberry soda, swirl into desserts, or use it as a topping for shaved ice. It’s an easy way to capture strawberry flavor when berries are at their peak.
🧉Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Adds fresh strawberry flavor to sparkling water and sodas
- Pairs well with iced tea and cocktails
- Makes a delightful topping for ice cream, pancakes, and French toast
- Uses fresh or frozen strawberries so it’s flexible year-round
- Quick and easy to make with just three basic ingredients
- Cheaper and tastier than many store-bought syrups

🍓 Ingredients Needed
- 12 oz fresh strawberries (hulled; frozen strawberries work fine)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
🍋 How to Make Strawberry Syrup for Drinks
Complete ingredient amounts and step-by-step instructions are listed below.

- Wash the strawberries and remove the green tops. If using frozen berries, thaw and drain any excess liquid.
- In a small saucepan, combine the water and granulated sugar. Heat gently over low heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves to form a simple syrup base.
- Add the prepared strawberries and the lemon juice to the syrup. Increase heat slightly and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the fruit breaks down and releases its juices.
- Remove the pan from the heat and let the mixture cool for about 30 minutes so the flavor can deepen.
- Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean container, pressing on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible. Reserve the pulp to stir into yogurt, top ice cream, or add to smoothies if desired.
- Pour the strained syrup into a jar or bottle with a tight lid and refrigerate.
Expert Tip: The strained pulp is useful—don’t discard it. Spoon it over desserts, blend it into smoothies, or fold it into whipped cream for extra strawberry flavor.

👩🍳 Storage Of Strawberry Simple Syrup
Store the syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Shake or stir before each use if separation occurs. For drinks, a good starting ratio is about 1.5 ml of syrup to 5 ml of soda water or iced tea; adjust to taste.

📌 Variations to Strawberry Syrup
Customize the basic recipe to match your preferences or to use the fruit you have on hand.
- Substitute raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries for a different berry syrup.
- Add a sprig of fresh mint or a split vanilla bean during simmering for herbal or vanilla notes.
- Use honey instead of granulated sugar for a slightly different sweetness and texture. Warm the honey with the water to dissolve.
- Swap lemon juice for lime juice for a brighter, slightly tart profile.
🥤Recipe FAQs
Yes. Frozen strawberries work well—thaw them first and drain any excess water before cooking.
How long will the syrup last?
Stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator, the syrup will keep for up to two weeks.
How do I clean strawberries?
Rinse strawberries under cold running water to remove debris, then pat dry with a paper towel before hulling.
How do I hull strawberries?
Use a paring knife to cut around and remove the green stem and cap, or use a strawberry huller to pull out the core cleanly.

More Strawberry Recipes
- Strawberry Rhubarb Pie
- Easy Strawberry Pie
- No-Churn Strawberry Ice Cream
- Easy Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies
- Boozy Strawberry Watermelon Drink
- Strawberry Rhubarb Jam
If you try this recipe, please leave feedback or a rating where you found it. Enjoy experimenting with this fresh strawberry syrup to brighten drinks and desserts all season long.

Homemade Strawberry Syrup
This homemade strawberry syrup is perfect for drinks, cocktails, or pouring over pancakes and waffles. It’s a simple three-ingredient recipe that captures fresh strawberry flavor.
Ingredients
- 12 oz fresh strawberries (can use frozen)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Wash and hull the strawberries, then set aside.
- Combine the water and sugar in a small saucepan and heat on low until the sugar dissolves.
- Add the strawberries and lemon juice to the syrup.
- Cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes until the berries break down.
- Turn off the heat and let the mixture sit for 30 minutes to cool and infuse.
- Strain through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing the solids to extract the syrup.
- Pour the strained syrup into a jar with a lid and refrigerate.
- Use a 1:1 ratio of syrup to alcohol for cocktails, or about 1.5 ml syrup to 5 ml sparkling water for a lightly flavored soda. Adjust to taste.
Notes
- Double or triple the recipe to make larger batches.
- Store in the refrigerator up to two weeks.
- Swap lemon for lime juice for a different citrus note.
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 44 kcal • Carbohydrates: 11 g • Sugar: 11 g • Sodium: 1 mg
