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Homemade Strawberry Simple Syrup

Author

Smoking Swines

Date

January 31, 2026

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There’s something unbeatable about a syrup made from real fruit, and strawberry simple syrup is one of those staples that quietly upgrades everything it touches. Unlike bottled versions, this one keeps the flavor clean and bright, letting fresh strawberries do the heavy lifting.

The slow simmer pulls natural sweetness from the berries while concentrating their color into a deep ruby red. A splash of lemon juice sharpens the flavor just enough to keep the syrup from feeling flat, making it equally at home in cocktails, iced teas, and lemonades.

This syrup also shines as a dessert companion. Drizzle it over pancakes, waffles, cheesecake, or vanilla ice cream for an instant upgrade that feels intentional, not afterthought. Even a spoonful stirred into yogurt or oatmeal adds a fresh, fruity note.

Stored in the refrigerator, strawberry simple syrup keeps well for days, making it easy to prep ahead for brunches, parties, or weeknight treats. Once you’ve made it once, it’s hard to go back to anything store-bought.

Ingredients

1 lb fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup water
1 tbsp lemon juice
0.25 tsp kosher salt

Instructions

Preheat smoker to 180–200°F using cherry wood
Add strawberries, sugar, and water to a heat-safe pan or cast iron skillet
Place uncovered pan in the smoker
Smoke for 30–45 minutes, stirring once halfway through
Remove from smoker once strawberries are soft and syrup is deep red
Lightly mash strawberries to release remaining juices
Strain syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl
Stir in lemon juice and salt while warm
Cool completely, then transfer to a mason jar
Refrigerate up to 2 weeks

Notes

Instructions

Cherry wood adds a subtle sweetness without overpowering the fruit
This syrup works equally well for cocktails, iced tea, lemonade, pancakes, and desserts
For a thicker syrup, return strained liquid to low heat and reduce for 5–10 minutes