Refreshing Strawberry Syrup Recipe for Drinks, Coffee & Desserts
This homemade strawberry syrup is sweet, fruity, and incredibly easy to make with just a few simple ingredients. It’s the kind of recipe you can keep in the refrigerator and use all week in iced coffee, lemonade, sparkling water, mocktails, pancakes, desserts, and even homemade cold foam.
One of the best things about this recipe is that you can make it with fresh or frozen strawberries. I used frozen strawberries, which makes this an easy recipe to make year-round without waiting for peak strawberry season.
The result is a beautifully colored strawberry syrup with plenty of fresh berry flavor and just the right amount of sweetness.
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Syrup
Homemade flavored syrups are surprisingly simple to make, and this strawberry version is one of my favorites.
You’ll love it because it:
- Uses just a few basic ingredients
- Works with fresh or frozen strawberries
- Can be made ahead of time
- Keeps in the refrigerator for up to two weeks
- Can be used in both drinks and desserts
- Adds beautiful strawberry flavor without needing an artificial flavored syrup
It’s especially useful during spring and summer when cold drinks, lemonade, and iced coffee are constantly on rotation.
Ingredients for Homemade Strawberry Syrup
You only need four ingredients for this simple strawberry syrup.
Strawberries
You’ll need 2 cups of strawberries.
I used frozen strawberries because they’re easy to keep on hand and work beautifully in homemade syrup.
You can also use fresh strawberries. If using fresh berries, wash them well, remove the stems, and slice them before adding them to your saucepan.
Granulated Sugar
Use 1 cup granulated sugar.
The sugar sweetens the strawberries while also giving the finished syrup its syrup-like consistency.
Water
You’ll need 1 cup water.
The water gives the strawberries time to simmer and release their flavor without the sugar burning.
Vanilla Extract
Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, if desired.
The vanilla is optional, but I love the extra warmth it adds, especially when I’m using the strawberry syrup for coffee, matcha, or desserts.
How to Make Strawberry Syrup
This recipe is very simple and mostly hands-off once everything is simmering.
1. Combine the Strawberries, Water, and Sugar
Add the strawberries, water, and granulated sugar to a small or medium saucepan.
Set the pan over medium heat.
2. Bring the Mixture to a Simmer
Cook the mixture until it reaches a gentle simmer.
Stir occasionally as it heats so that the sugar completely dissolves.
You don’t need a hard boil. A gentle simmer is enough to soften the berries and extract their flavor.
3. Simmer for About 20 Minutes
Reduce the heat as needed and allow the strawberries to simmer for about 20 minutes.
As the strawberries soften, gently stir and press them with the back of a spoon.
The liquid will gradually turn a deep pink-red color while the strawberries become very soft.
4. Strain the Strawberry Syrup
Remove the saucepan from the heat.
Pour the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a heat-safe bowl, measuring cup, or jar.
If you want a clearer syrup, avoid pressing the strawberries too firmly through the strainer.
If you don’t mind a slightly cloudier syrup and want to extract as much strawberry flavor as possible, you can gently press the softened berries.
5. Add the Vanilla
Stir in the vanilla extract after removing the syrup from the heat.
This step is optional, so feel free to leave it out if you want a pure strawberry flavor.
6. Cool and Store
Allow the strawberry syrup to cool completely.
Once cooled, transfer it to a clean jar or syrup bottle and store it covered in the refrigerator.
Can You Make Strawberry Syrup With Frozen Strawberries?
Yes. Frozen strawberries work extremely well for homemade strawberry syrup.
In fact, I love using frozen strawberries because they make the recipe so convenient.
There’s no washing, hulling, or slicing required, and you can make strawberry syrup even when fresh strawberries aren’t in season.
You also do not need to thaw the strawberries first. Simply add them straight to the saucepan with the sugar and water.
They’ll soften as the syrup heats.
Fresh vs. Frozen Strawberries
Both fresh and frozen strawberries can be used in this recipe, so use whichever you have available.
Fresh strawberries are a great option when berries are in season and especially sweet.
Frozen strawberries, however, are often more convenient and are perfect for keeping on hand specifically for recipes like this.
Because freezing begins to break down the fruit, frozen berries also release their juices very easily as they simmer.
The final syrup will be delicious either way.
How to Use Strawberry Syrup
This is one of those recipes that can be used in far more ways than you might expect.
Once you have a jar in your refrigerator, you can add a little strawberry flavor to everything from breakfast to drinks and desserts.
Strawberry Syrup for Coffee
Strawberry syrup is especially good in iced drinks.
Try adding 1 to 2 tablespoons of syrup to an iced latte and then adjust the amount depending on how sweet you like your coffee.
It also pairs beautifully with:
- Vanilla lattes
- White chocolate drinks
- Iced matcha
- Cold brew
- Homemade cold foam
For a simple strawberry latte, add strawberry syrup to the bottom of your glass, fill the glass with ice, add milk, and pour espresso over the top.
Strawberry Syrup for Lemonade
One of the easiest ways to use this syrup is to make strawberry lemonade.
Add approximately 1 to 2 tablespoons per glass of lemonade and stir.
You can also add the syrup directly to a pitcher of lemonade and adjust it to taste.
Try it in:
- Homemade lemonade
- Sparkling lemonade
- Strawberry iced tea
- Arnold Palmers
- Lemon-lime sparkling water
Strawberry Syrup for Sparkling Water
For a simple homemade flavored soda, add a spoonful of strawberry syrup to a glass filled with ice.
Top with sparkling water and stir.
A squeeze of fresh lemon or lime makes it even better.
This is an easy non-alcoholic drink for warm afternoons, brunches, showers, or summer parties.
Strawberry Syrup for Mocktails
This syrup is also a great ingredient to keep on hand for easy mocktails.
Try combining it with:
- Sparkling water and lime
- Lemonade and club soda
- Fresh basil and sparkling water
- Mint and lime
- Ginger ale
- Coconut water
Because the syrup is already sweetened, you often don’t need to add any additional sugar to the drink.
More Ways to Use Homemade Strawberry Syrup
Don’t stop at drinks. Strawberry syrup can be used in all kinds of recipes.
Try drizzling it over:
- Pancakes
- Waffles
- French toast
- Cheesecake
- Ice cream
- Yogurt
- Oatmeal
- Pound cake
- Angel food cake
You can also stir it into:
- Homemade whipped cream
- Cold foam
- Smoothies
- Milkshakes
- Frosting
- Chia pudding
It can even be used to flavor homemade popsicles or other frozen desserts.
How to Make Strawberry Cold Foam
If you love flavored iced coffee, use your strawberry syrup to make a simple strawberry cold foam.
Combine approximately:
- ¼ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 to 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 tablespoon strawberry syrup
Froth the mixture until thick and creamy.
Pour it over iced coffee, cold brew, or matcha.
You can add more strawberry syrup if you want a stronger berry flavor.
Can You Use Less Sugar?
You can reduce the sugar slightly, but keep in mind that the texture and sweetness of the final syrup will change.
Sugar isn’t only there for sweetness. It also helps create the thicker consistency that makes this feel like a traditional flavored syrup.
If you plan to use your syrup mostly in lemonade or sweetened drinks, you may prefer using a little less sugar.
For iced coffee, desserts, and sparkling water, I like the full amount.
How to Make Strawberry Syrup Thicker
The syrup will thicken slightly as it cools.
If you want an even thicker syrup, allow it to simmer a little longer after straining.
Return the strained liquid to the saucepan and simmer gently for a few additional minutes.
Keep in mind that the syrup will continue to thicken as it cools, so you don’t want to reduce it too much.
How Long Does Strawberry Syrup Last?
Store homemade strawberry syrup in a clean, airtight container in the refrigerator.
It should keep for up to about two weeks.
Always check the syrup before using it. If you notice mold, fermentation, an unusual smell, or any other signs of spoilage, discard it.
Can You Freeze Strawberry Syrup?
Yes.
Freezing strawberry syrup is a great option if you make a large batch.
One of the easiest methods is to pour the cooled syrup into an ice cube tray.
Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe container.
You can then add the individual strawberry syrup cubes to:
- Lemonade
- Sparkling water
- Smoothies
- Cocktails
- Mocktails
They’ll add flavor as they melt.
What to Do With the Leftover Strawberries
You don’t necessarily have to throw away the cooked strawberries after straining the syrup.
They’ll be very soft, but they still have plenty of flavor.
Try spooning them over:
- Yogurt
- Oatmeal
- Pancakes
- Toast
- Ice cream
- Cheesecake
You could also blend them into a smoothie or stir them into chia pudding.
Homemade Strawberry Syrup Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups frozen strawberries
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, optional
Instructions
- Add the strawberries, water, and granulated sugar to a small saucepan.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring until the sugar has completely dissolved.
- Reduce the heat as needed and simmer for about 20 minutes, gently stirring and pressing the strawberries as they soften.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat.
- Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh strainer into a heat-safe bowl or measuring cup. Avoid pressing the berries too firmly if you want a clearer syrup.
- Stir in the vanilla extract, if using.
- Allow the syrup to cool completely.
- Transfer the cooled syrup to a clean jar or bottle.
- Store covered in the refrigerator for up to about two weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need to Thaw Frozen Strawberries First?
No. You can add frozen strawberries directly to the saucepan.
They’ll thaw and soften as the mixture heats.
Can I Make This With Fresh Strawberries?
Absolutely.
Use the same amount of fresh strawberries. Wash them, remove the stems, and roughly slice them before cooking.
Can I Make Strawberry Syrup Without Vanilla?
Yes.
Vanilla is completely optional.
Leaving it out will give you a brighter, more straightforward strawberry flavor.
Can I Use Strawberry Syrup in Coffee?
Yes, and it’s especially good in iced coffee.
Start with 1 tablespoon of syrup and add more depending on how sweet and strawberry-forward you want the drink to taste.
How Do You Make Strawberry Syrup for Lemonade?
Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of strawberry syrup to a glass of lemonade and stir.
You can also mix it directly into a pitcher of lemonade to taste.
Does Homemade Strawberry Syrup Need to Be Refrigerated?
Yes.
Once the syrup has cooled, store it in a covered container in the refrigerator.
A Simple Syrup You’ll Use All Summer
This easy homemade strawberry syrup is one of those recipes that makes the simplest drinks feel a little more special.
Keep a jar in the refrigerator and you’ll have an easy way to make strawberry iced coffee, homemade lemonade, sparkling drinks, mocktails, cold foam, pancakes, and desserts whenever the craving hits.
And because frozen strawberries work just as well as fresh, you can keep making it long after strawberry season is over.