The recipe library

Happiest · Zero-Proof

Cold-Process Simple Syrup

No stove, no fuss—just enough patience for a clear bottle.

About 1½ cups5 minutes, plus 30 minutes restingClean, heat-safe jar or bottle

01 · What you need

Ingredients

02 · Make it

Method

  1. 01

    Add sugar and water to a clean jar with a tight-fitting lid.

  2. 02

    Shake hard for 30 seconds, rest 10 minutes, then shake again.

  3. 03

    Repeat until the syrup is clear and no sugar remains on the bottom. Refrigerate.

Happiest note

The small-batch answer when you want a drink now, not a saucepan to wash later.

03 · Use it well

  • Quick weeknight sours
  • Iced coffee and tea
  • A last-minute zero-proof highball

Tonight's Brief

On the chart.

Explore the chart

Technique

The useful move.

Fits the occasion

Set the scene.

Keep exploring

More zero-proof recipes.

All recipes