Simple syrup is the simple solution to sweetening your margarita without adding any other weird flavors that could just muck it up.
I know that a really cool, sophisticated person makes margaritas without any sugar or sweetness. But I’m confidant enough to admit that I like a drizzle of simple syrup in mine. The nice thing is that it’s really simple to make and keep on hand for margaritas and other cocktails or mocktails.
Scroll down to read more about how it all comes together or click here to jump straight down to the recipe.
Why Use Simple Syrup?
The question is, why simple syrup and not just sugar? Well, straight up sugar doesn’t always fully dissolve. I may be uncool enough to allow sweet in my drink, but not uncool enough to allow grains. What you want is something that is already liquid so that graininess of the sugar is never an issue.
The options are honey, agave nectar, or simple syrup. I find that honey and agave nectar add extra flavors to my margarita. That may be perfect for other drinks, but I want to really taste the tequila, lime, and orange when I make my best ever margarita recipe. Simple syrup is the way to go.
It’s the perfect neutral-flavored sweetener for margaritas and other cocktails. Also fabulous in iced tea and lemonade. The only ingredients are sugar and water, which is why it doesn’t taste like much. You heat together equal parts of the two (say, 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water) and then simmer until the sugar dissolves completely. It will stay dissolved even after you cool the syrup down. Store it in a sealed container in your fridge for up to a month.
How To Make Simple Syrup, Step By Step
Measure 1 cup of sugar into a small saucepan.
Add 1 cup of water.
Heat over medium heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. It’ll look cloudy like this for awhile:
Then, when all the sugar has dissolved, it will suddenly be clear. Remove from heat at that point.
Let it cool and then pour it into a jar or other sealable container. Seal and store in the refrigerator for up to 1 month. It’s now ready to be used in all your delicious drink recipes!
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FAQ
What is the best sweetener for margaritas?
What is a good substitute for sugar syrup in margaritas?
What is the sweetener in a Margarita?
In general, the sweetener is the orange liqueur. However, in some margarita variants, syrups are used as sweeteners. Start by adding small amounts, taste it, and keep adding slowly, until you’re satisfied. If you’re experiencing your margarita is too sour, that’s probably because of too much lime juice.
How can I sweeten lime?
There are a few ways to sweeten lime. One way is to add sugar or honey to the lime juice. Another way is to add lime juice to a sweetened food or beverage. If you’re looking for a low-sugar option, you can also add lime juice to sparkling water or unsweetened tea. Whatever method you choose, make sure to taste the lime juice before adding more sweetener, as too much can make the lime juice unpalatable.
What liqueur do you use in a Margarita?
Orange Liqueur – We like Cointreau. Triple sec or Grand Marnier would work here too. Lime juice – For the best results, squeeze fresh lime juice right before you make your cocktails. I like my margarita to be pretty tart, so I use an equal amount of lime juice and tequila. Something sweet – I sweeten mine with agave syrup or homemade simple syrup.
What tequila should I use in a Margarita?
In Margaritas, use only blanco (a.k.a. silver or white) tequilas, which have a peppery, vegetal kick that won’t get buried when mixed. Save your aged reposados for sipping. Take it with a grain of Salt brings out the flavor in everything, but too much can be overwhelming.