Smoked Simple Syrup

Smoked simple syrup is beyond easy to make and adds a totally delicious spin to your summer cocktails and bevvys.

Looking for a new way to spice up your summer drinks?

This smoked simple syrup recipe is the perfect addition to any drink. It’s easy, quick and delicious! You can use it in cocktails, instant pot iced tea, instant pot lemonade, or even sous vide cold brew coffee! Plus it’s made with just two ingredients that you probably already have at home.

With this recipe, you don’t need to buy expensive store-bought syrups anymore – and there are so many different ways to enjoy it! Whether you want something sweet or savory, this recipe has got you covered. And if you're looking for a little extra flavor, try adding some of our favorite spices like cinnamon sticks or cloves. The possibilities are endless!

This smoked simple syrup recipe is dedicated to the summer bevvy!

Tips + Tricks

No. 1 --> Use cold water in your pan, for the same reason as smoking ice is done by smoking ice cubes until they melt. Smoke adheres better to a colder surface.

No. 2 --> Don't worry if the sugar isn't dissolved when it hits the smoker, the gentle heat of the Traeger will help melt that sugar, don't worry!

Key Ingredients

This 2 ingredient recipe is pretty straight forward, but here's the key ingredients either way!

Water: I like to use filtered water, but any clean, cool water will work!

Sugar: I use granulated sugar in all my simple syrups as it gives a sweet sensation without adding flavor.

How To Make Smoked Simple Syrup

1. Preheat Traeger or another smoker to 185f.
2. Meanwhile, in a large baking pan, I used a 9x13, combine the cold water and granulated sugar. Give it a quick whisk. The sugar will not be completely dissolved.
3. Once the pellet grill is ready, place the baking dish on the grate of your smoker and smoke for 2 - 2 1/2 hours at 185f. I like to use my middle rack, but if you've only got one rack, use that one!
4. Whisk the simple syrup every 30 or so minutes. This helps to dissolve the sugar and mix in more smoke flavor.
5. Once the simple syrup is done smoking, remove it from the grill and allow to cool.
6. Strain the room temperature simple syrup through a fine mesh sieve, if desired, to remove any ash.
7. Transfer the simple syrup to an airtight container, I love to use mason jars, and place in the fridge for storage.

What Pellets To Use

Because we're working with something sweet, I like to use pecan, maple, cherry, or apple wood pellets.

That said, a blend will also work. The second time we made this Traeger simple syrup, it was smoked over Lumberjack Competition blend, which is equal parts; maple. hickory, and cherry. That was what was in the hopper, and it turned out just as delicious!

How To Use Smoked Simple Syrup

There are SOOO many different ways to use smoked simple syrup, here's a few of my brilliant ideas:

• in cocktails, like an old fashioned or mojito!
• to sweeten cold drinks like lemonade, iced tea, or cold brew coffee.
• add to your homemade White Claws to take the edge off the grapefruit tang!
• brush it on your chocolate cakes, in between the layers.

Batch + Storage Information

Batch:

One batch of this smoked simple syrup will make approximately 3 cups of deliciously smoky syrup. This recipe can easily be doubled or halved depending on your desired result.

Storage:

Keep your simple syrup in an airtight container like a mason jar, in the fridge for up to 4 weeks. If you're adding flavor boosters, those simple syrups should be used within a week.

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Variations + Substitutions

Smoked syrup can be made with a few different variations, here are some great options:

• Vanilla smoked simple syrup: add 1-2 teaspoons of vanilla extract to your cooled simple syrup.
• Ginger smoked simple syrup: add 1 cup sliced ginger root to the baking dish while smoking, strain out the pieces before storing.
• Mint smoked simple syrup: coarsely chop 1 cup of mint leaves, add them to the baking dish while smoking, strain out the leaves before storing.
• Spiced smoked simple syrup: add 2 cinnamon sticks and a couple of whole cloves to the baking dish before smoking.
• Dark smoked simple syrup: use dark brown sugar for a deeper molasses-y flavor!

Recommended Equipment

Pellet Grill: Kevy and I purchased a TRAEGER TIMBERLINE 1300 in June 2019. Our life has changed! It's such a great machine - we've run thousands of pounds of pellets through it and would buy it again and again! Check out all the great SMOKED RECIPES we've developed.

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