This homemade strawberry syrup is bright, sweet, and naturally sweetened. Perfect for lattes (both matcha and coffee), sparkling water, and cocktails. Ready in 20 minutes!
I love a good coffee syrup around here. Pumpkin spice syrup in the fall, winter spice syrup in the winter, coconut syrup in the spring…and all the berry syrups in the summer! So far, we’ve got raspberry syrup and blueberry syrup…which means we’ve been missing one of my all-time favorites: strawberry syrup!
Strawberry syrup makes some of my favorite drinks. The top dog for the summer around here is an iced strawberry matcha latte, and this homemade strawberry syrup is perfect in one. I was out of matcha, so unfortunately we don’t have pics of one…but trust me. It is subtly sweet, perfectly balanced with the pleasant bitterness of a good matcha powder, and so refreshing on a hot summer day. It’s perfection!
I’m also obsessed with adding this to sparkling water for a homemade strawberry soda, and to an iced or hot latte for a strawberry latte. Both pictured here, and both make for absolutely fantastic summer drinks!
How to make strawberry syrup:
First, you’ll need to gather your very simple list of supplies.
- Fresh or frozen strawberries: I usually use frozen because it’s easier, and it always tastes fab!
- Sweetener of choice: you can use honey, maple syrup, or a granulated sugar like coconut sugar or cane sugar. A light colored honey or cane sugar will give you the brightest pink color, whereas maple syrup or coconut sugar will make it a bit darker.
- Water: helps thin it out to a pourable syrup consistency.
- Vanilla Extract: for extra warmth & flavor! Vanilla bean paste or powder is also a fantastic addition.
- Lemon juice (optional): just a splash brightens up the flavor and keeps the color from muting as it cooks. Skip it if you want a purely sweet syrup. This works best flavorwise if you’re planning to use it as a matcha syrup or a soda syrup.
Simmer the ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine the strawberries, water, and your sweetener. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally and mashing the berries a bit as they soften.
Add flavor: Stir in the vanilla extract (and lemon juice, if using) during the last minute of cooking.
Strain or blend: For a smooth, pourable syrup, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing on the solids to get all the liquid out. I prefer straining for drinks and coffee. For a thicker syrup that’s great for drizzling, blend it until smooth instead.
Cool and store: Pour into a clean glass bottle or jar. Let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate.
Ways to Use Strawberry Syrup
This syrup is so versatile. Try it in:
- Strawberry lattes: Add 1 to 2 tablespoons to a hot or iced latte.
- Strawberry matcha lattes: Whisk your matcha as usual, then stir in the syrup for a sweet, subtly earthy sip.
- Strawberry soda: Mix a tablespoon or two with sparkling water for an easy homemade soda.
- Cocktails and mocktails: A perfect base for a strawberry mojito or strawberry lemonade spritzer.
- Pancakes and waffles: Drizzle the thicker, blended version over your favorite brunch plate.
- Desserts: Spoon over ice cream, yogurt, or chia pudding.
How to Store Strawberry Syrup
Store your syrup in an airtight glass jar or bottle in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Always use a clean spoon or pour directly to keep it fresh as long as possible.
Want to keep it longer? Freeze it in an ice cube tray, then thaw a cube or two whenever you need it.
I hope you love this easy, delicious strawberry syrup made with just a handful of ingredients! If you’re craving more homemade syrups, don’t miss my raspberry syrup and blueberry syrup too. Enjoy!
Make your own coffee syrup bar! These are some of my favorites:
Homemade Blueberry Syrup
This Homemade Blueberry Syrup is perfect for making homemade blueberry lattes, adding to sparkling water, or mixing into your favorite mocktails & cocktails! It’s refined sugar-free and ready in 15 minutes.
Homemade Coconut Syrup
This Homemade Coconut Syrup recipe is perfect for flavoring your homemade lattes, iced coffees, and cocktails! It’s easy to make and because it’s made with coconut sugar, it’s refined sugar-free.
Raspberry Syrup Recipe
This homemade raspberry syrup is a bright, fruity, and naturally sweetened syrup perfect for coffee drinks, sparkling water, mocktails, cocktails, or even brunch classics like waffles and pancakes.
Homemade Strawberry Syrup
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh or frozen strawberries, thawed, if frozen (keep all the juices from thawing)
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup maple syrup, honey, or sugar of choice, cane or coconut sugar both work, I used 1/2 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice, optional, for brightness (recommended to leave this out if you'll be using it for coffee lattes)
Instructions
- Add the strawberries, water, and sweetener of choice to a small saucepan.2 cups fresh or frozen strawberries, 1 cup water, 1/4 to 1/2 cup maple syrup, honey, or sugar of choice
- Heat over medium-low and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries have softened and begun to break down.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For a thinner syrup, place a fine mesh strainer over a bowl and pour the mixture through, gently pressing with the back of a spoon to extract more liquid. I prefer this for drinks and coffee.
- For a thicker syrup, transfer the mixture to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. (Be cautious blending hot liquids—let it cool slightly if needed.) I prefer the thicker syrup for drizzling on pancakes, waffles, yogurt, and ice cream.
- Pour the syrup into a clean bottle with a pour spout or pump top. Let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate. It will keep for up to 2 weeks. If using a higher amount of sugar and storing it in a sterile container, it may last longer.
Notes
How to Store Strawberry Syrup
Store your syrup in an airtight glass jar or bottle in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Always use a clean spoon or pour directly to keep it fresh as long as possible. Want to keep it longer? Freeze it in an ice cube tray, then thaw a cube or two whenever you need it.Recipe Variations
- Strawberry Lemon Syrup: Add extra lemon juice for a zingier, brighter flavor.
- Strawberry Vanilla Syrup: Double up on the vanilla for a warmer, more dessert-like flavor. You can also add vanilla bean paste or powder.
- Strawberry Basil Syrup: Simmer a few fresh basil leaves in with the berries for an herby twist that’s fantastic in a cocktail.
- Strawberry Mint Syrup: Same idea, but with mint, for a cooling, refreshing version.
Have you tried this syrup in homemade lemonade, and if so, what strawberry-to-lemon ratio gives your favorite flavor balance?
I haven’t yet and just ran out but that sounds so fab! It depends on your taste buds, but I’d start with about 1:1 ratio of lemon juice to strawberry syrup. You can adjust to 3/4 parts strawberry:1 part lemon if you like it more tart and lemon forward.