Your barbecue parties are way too cool to settle for boring beverages. With this smoked simple syrup recipe, you'll be shaking up smoked cocktails like you're a mixologist on the Vegas strip.
4.83 from 34 votes
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By Christie Vanover | Published May 6, 2018 | Last Updated February 16, 2023

4 jars with herbs and simple syrup

The process is quite easy. Just combine water and sugar in a 13 x 9 pan and smoke it at 180F degrees for two hours. By using a 13 x 9 pan, you create more surface area, so more smoke flavor gets infused into the syrup.

13 x 9 aluminum pan in grill with water inside

Be sure to stir the mixture a couple of times during the smoking process to ensure the sugar is fully dissolved. After two hours, the simple syrup will have an amber, smoky hue.

This recipe uses 2 cups water and 2 cups sugar, which results in 3 cups of smoked simple syrup. Plenty for a party.

glass vase with amber liquid and gray background

Now it’s time to get creative by mixing in some flavor infusion. Herbs, peppers, citrus rinds and ginger work really well.

glass vase with amber liquid on gray wood surrounded by herbs and jalapeno

Once you select your ingredients, place them into a mason jar and fill it with simple syrup. Tighten the lid, place it in the fridge and steep for at least 30 minutes. The longer it steeps, the more intense the flavor will become.

Below, you can see I made a jar of mint, basil, jalapeno and orange. You should be able to make four varieties with one batch. (I actually made two batches, which is why there is leftover syrup in this picture).

4 jars with herbs and simple syrup near glass vase for smoked cocktails

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4 jars with herbs and simple syrup

Smoked Simple Syrup for Smoked Cocktails

Your barbecue parties are way too cool to settle for boring beverages. With this smoked simple syrup recipe, you’ll be shaking up smoked cocktails like you’re a mixologist on the Vegas strip.
Recipe by Christie Vanover
4.83 from 34 votes
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Servings 24 servings
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Ingredients
 

  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 cups water

Flavor Infusers

  • orange, lemon or lime rind
  • mint
  • basil, rosemary, sage
  • jalapeno slices
  • sliced ginger

Instructions
 

  • Heat smoker to 180F degrees.
  • Pour sugar and water into a 13 x 9 pan. Stir. Smoke for 2 hours, stirring occasionally to ensure sugar is dissolved.
  • Place your selected flavor infusers into mason jars. The more you add, the stronger the flavor will be. Pour the smoked syrup on top. Cover. Let steep for at least 30 minutes.
  • Refrigerate leftover syrup. To stop the flavor from intensifying, strain out the flavor infusers.

Nutrition

Calories: 64kcalCarbohydrates: 16gSodium: 1mgSugar: 16gCalcium: 1mg

This estimate was created using an online nutrition calculator

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