Updated: July 6, 2026
I’ve spent years developing multiple simple syrup recipes using fresh ingredients that highlight natural flavors. After making dozens of variations over the years, this homemade strawberry syrup has become a staple in my kitchen and renders the richest flavor. Unlike many store-bought syrups loaded with artificial ingredients and preservatives, this recipe is made with fresh strawberries, sugar, and orange zest. I’ve also tested different cooking methods and found that macerating the berries and gently heating them in a double boiler produces the deepest flavor and most vibrant color, without losing the integrity of the fruit.
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Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Syrup
- Deeper Strawberry Flavor – My method of macerating and gently cooking strawberries (instead of blending them) brings out the most vibrant color and deep, sweet strawberry flavor.
- No artificial additives – Just real fruit and natural sweetness, unlike store-bought versions.
- Incredibly versatile – If you have strawberries going bad, why not make a syrup?! You can use this syrup in cocktail recipes, breakfast dishes, desserts, and more.
- Make ahead-friendly – Store in a mason jar or airtight container and enjoy for a few weeks.
What Does Strawberry Syrup Taste Like?
Fresh strawberry syrup has a sweet, fruity flavor with a natural berry brightness. When made with fresh berries (especially during peak season), it maintains a balanced profile that’s not overly thick or sugary. It’s lighter than strawberry jam, but richer and more concentrated than just blended fruit. The result? A delicious strawberry syrup with a deep red hue and unmistakable fresh taste that complements everything from pound cake to your favorite drinks.
Ingredients for Strawberry Simple Syrup
This easy homemade strawberry syrup is made with ingredients you likely already have. Full measurements can be found in the recipe card below:
- Fresh strawberries, hulled and halved – Fresh strawberries provide the sweet, juicy flavor and vibrant red color that make this homemade strawberry syrup naturally delicious.
- Granulated sugar – Granulated sugar sweetens the syrup while helping draw out the strawberries’ natural juices and creating the perfect syrupy consistency.
- Orange zest – Orange zest adds a subtle citrus brightness that enhances the fresh strawberry flavor without overpowering it.
How to Cook Strawberry Syrup
And Why I Prefer Macerating the Strawberries vs. Blending
Most strawberry simple syrup recipes have you blend the strawberries directly into a sugar-water mixture, which can result in a dull sugary strawberry flavor. I prefer a gentler, flavorful method. The steps below will take about 1 hour, but well worth the wait:
STEP 1: Prep strawberries by washing and remove strawberry tops. (Kitchen Hack: You can push a straw down the middle to hull strawberries)
STEP 2: Macerate the strawberries by taking a heat-safe glass bowl that can fit snugly over a pot without touching water. To this glass bowl, combine strawberries, sugar, and orange zest. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside.
STEP 3: Gently heat over a double boiler by taking a saucepan and filling it with water. Bring water to a gentle simmer (not a boil). Upon simmer, place your heat-safe glass bowl that’s holding your ingredients on top. Take care to ensure the bottom of the bowl is not touching the water.
STEP 4: Allow your strawberry sugar mixture to slowly cook in the double boiler until the sugar melts. Once melted, this sweet syrup should be a pretty bright red color. Allow mixture to cool, strain with a fine mesh strainer into an airtight container. Enjoy!
TIP: After straining, save your leftover strawberry pulp and make a strawberry jam or a strawberry daiquiri!
Recipes to Enjoy with Strawberry Syrup
There are so many delicious ways to use this syrup:
- Drizzle over French toast, pancakes, or waffles
- Strawberry Lemonade
- Strawberry Hennessy Margarita
- Pour over vanilla ice cream, pound cake, or strawberry cake
- Homemade Strawberry Ice Cream
- Strawberry Shortcake
- Strawberry Pancake Syrup
- Strawberry Matcha Latte
How to Store Strawberry Syrup
After letting the syrup cool to room temperature, transfer it to a clean mason jar or any airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for 2-3 weeks
- For longer storage, freeze it in an ice cube tray or freezer-safe container for up to 3 months
- Shake or stir before each use to re-blend the natural flavors
My Favorite Airtight Container for Simple Syrups:
This swing glass bottle container is my favorite kitchen accessory for simple syrups. The swing-top mechanism creates an airtight seal, which helps preserve freshness and prevents spoilage by keeping air out.
Different Types of Simple Syrups
Looking to try other creative simple syrups? Try these simple syrup variations:
Classic Simple Syrup: Sweet, neutral, smooth
Lavender Simple Syrup: Floral and soothing
Thyme Simple Syrup: Herbal, earthy, sweet
FAQ
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes! Frozen strawberries work well in this recipe. There's no need to thaw them first, although they may take a few extra minutes to break down while cooking.
Do I need to strain the syrup?
Straining is optional. For a smooth syrup, strain out the strawberry solids. If you prefer a more rustic syrup with bits of fruit, you can leave them in.
Can I use less sugar?
You can reduce the sugar slightly, but keep in mind that sugar helps balance the tartness of the berries, creates the syrup's texture, and extends its shelf life.
Can I freeze strawberry syrup?
Yes! Freeze the syrup in a freezer-safe container or ice cube tray for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.
Why is my strawberry syrup too thin?
The syrup will thicken as it cools. If it's still thinner than you'd like, simmer it for a few more minutes to reduce it further.
Can I make this syrup with other berries?
Absolutely! This recipe also works well with raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, or a combination of mixed berries for a different flavor.
Recipe Card
Strawberry Syrup
Ingredients
- 400 g fresh strawberries, hulled and halved (About 2.5 cups)
- 400 g sugar, (About 2 cups)
- 1/4 tsp orange zest
Instructions
- Wash and remove strawberry tops.
- Take a heat-safe glass bowl that can fit snugly over a pot without touching water. To this glass bowl, combine hulled strawberries, sugar, and orange zest. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside.
- Take a saucepan and fill it with water. Bring water to a gentle simmer (not a boil). Upon simmer, place your heat-safe glass bowl that's holding your ingredients on top. Take care to ensure the bottom of the bowl is not touching the water.
- Allow your strawberry sugar mixture to slowly cook in the double boiler until the sugar melts. Once melted, this sweet syrup should be a pretty bright red color. Allow mixture to cool, strain with a fine mesh strainer into an airtight container and enjoy!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Craving More?
This easy recipe comes together with just a few ingredients and no artificial coloring, no preservatives, and totally customizable. If you love this simple syrup recipe, check more of my simple syrup recipes. Also be sure to Pin this recipe and tag @elicitfolio on Instagram if you give this recipe a try!
I love this so much! This is going on our French toast this weekend. It’s nice that it’s so easy to make, too.
This strawberry syrup sounds good, I like how easy this recipe is, and I might try this over the weekend. I wonder how this would taste over some ice cream.
This recipe shines with its elegant simplicity—using just fresh strawberries, sugar, and a whisper of orange zest, gently macerated over a double boiler to unlock a vibrant, deeply flavored syrup without overpowering sweetness. The result isn’t just deliciously versatile—it’s beautifully natural, showcasing how a thoughtful technique lifts homemade syrup beyond the ordinary.
Oh this is calling my name. I haven’t had strawberry syrup since I was a kid (and believer me, that was awhile ago).
i love the simplicity of your syrup. it looks amazing, tastes amazing, and was so easy to prep! took longer to clean the dishes then it took to prep it! we used it on our waffles this morning. Yum!
This Homemade Strawberry Syrup turned out amazing! I can’t wait to make it again…YUM!!!