Smoked Simple Syrup

This easy-to-make smoked simple syrup will be your new go to for any drink, whether it's an old fashioned or mojito. It also makes a great addition to iced tea! And with only two ingredients and no fancy equipment needed, you'll love how this recipe is quick and delicious.

5 from 1 vote

Prep Time 1

Cook Time 3

Total Time 3 1

Ingredients

2 cups cold water
2 cups granulated sugar

Instructions

Preheat Traeger or another smoker to 185f.
Meanwhile, in a large baking pan, I used a 9x13, combine 2 cups cold water and 2 cups granulated sugar. Give it a quick whisk. The sugar will not be completely dissolved.
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!
Whisk the simple syrup every 30 or so minutes. This helps to dissolve the sugar and mix in more smoke flavor.
Once the simple syrup is done smoking, remove it from the grill and allow to cool.
Strain the room temperature simple syrup through a fine mesh sieve, if desired, to remove any ash.
Transfer the simple syrup to an airtight container, I love to use mason jars, and place in the fridge for storage.

Notes

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.

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!

How to use simple syrup:

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.