Why Make Honey Syrup?

Honey has been tied to all sorts of health benefits, so why wouldn’t you want to consume more honey in your diet? Studies have shown that honey has anti-inflammatory properties that have been tied to improved heart health, digestion, and skin. 

There are two major reasons you may want to make honey syrup:

1. For use in cold drinks, tea, marinades, and vinaigrettes 
2. As a topping for pastries like pancakes, biscuits, and waffles

Honey doesn’t mix well into drinks because it has a tendency to clump. That’s why you must make it into a water-based syrup before mixing it in any beverage. Honey syrup is also a delicious topping, especially when you’re bored of traditional maple syrup and want to spice up your breakfast. 

I prefer using honey syrup for the first reason above, and my husband prefers it for the second one. Since we need two kinds of honey syrup in our house, I’ll share how to make both.

Two Honey Syrup Recipe Versions

Honey Syrup Recipe Ingredients for Drinks and Cooking:

Honey syrup used for cooking and drinks needs to be thinner and more watery than syrup for pastries. The texture of this syrup is comparable to popular coffee syrups like the Torani Syrup brand. 

• 1 cup of water
• 1 cup of honey

Honey Syrup Recipe Ingredients for Pastries:

The syrup used for pancakes is thicker, less watery, and more consistent with maple syrup. This consistency is created by swapping out one ingredient and slightly altering the honey ratio. The taste is also richer compared to the sweet taste of honey syrup used in beverages and cooking.

• ½ cup of honey
• ½ cup of butter
• ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon (optional, for flavor)

Easy Honey Syrup Recipe for Drinks and Cooking

This honey syrup recipe is what you will soon be using for all your drinks, marinades, and dressings. You will find this method is easiest with fresh, pure honey, although you can salvage old honey (I’ll talk about this later). 

To start off, you need a squeeze condiment bottle. Measure 1 cup of hot water and pour the water into the squeeze bottle.

Next, measure 1 cup of honey and add it to the squeeze bottle. You’ll see a beautiful mixture as the honey seeps into the water. 

Gently shake the bottle until the water and honey is well combined. I rolled the condiment bottle on the counter to get it mixed well. This only takes about 2 minutes.

Once well combined, set your honey syrup aside to cool before using. 

How Long Does This Honey Syrup Recipe Last?

The internet seems divided on how long this honey syrup method is safe to use. Some claim it lasts indefinitely on the counter, whereas others say it only lasts somewhere between 2-6 weeks in an airtight container in the refrigerator and six months in the freezer.

How confusing! No one wants to be responsible for causing food poisoning, so knowing when to toss something is essential. I’ve been storing this on my counter and haven’t noticed any alteration in the taste or flavor. 

Regarding food safety, I always recommend using your best judgment. Always toss your honey syrup if you see mold floating in it or if it tastes off. 

Flavor-Infused Honey Syrup 

Simply fill the condiment bottle with hot water and add cinnamon sticks, rosemary, lavender, rose petals, or other spices. Let the water sit for a few hours (or overnight to add more flavor), then add the honey. 

Reviving Old Honey

If you have old honey that needs some reviving, add it to a saucepan and mix in a cup of water. Turn your burner to low heat and stir gently as the crystallized pieces dissolve into the mixture. Pour your honey syrup into a condiment bottle and set aside to cool.

Warning: If you see mold or if the honey smells off, do not try to revive it. This means the honey has been contaminated (likely by a dirty knife or spoon).  Stay safe and throw it out!

Honey Syrup Recipe for Pastries

This honey syrup recipe swaps out water for butter. Butter gives the syrup a richer, savory flavor, which will have your mouth watering for more. You can use old or fresh honey for this recipe.

Start by adding ½ cup of honey to a medium saucepan. If you are using old honey, you will need to add around ¼ cup of water to the honey. Make sure the honey is dissolved into the water before adding butter.

Add one stick of butter (½ cup). Melt your butter on low. You could speed this step up by melting your butter ahead of time in the microwave for 15 seconds.

If desired, add ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon or other spices of choice after the butter is melted. I highly recommend cinnamon because the smell and taste are to die for. My husband pointed out that adding cinnamon makes the syrup taste like Texas Roadhouse butter.

Continue stirring until everything is well blended and warm–about 10 minutes if using fresh honey and cinnamon (do not allow to boil), then transfer your honey syrup to a mason jar. I used two 4-ounce mason jars.

Serve warm or store in the refrigerator. The butter in this recipe will cause the sugars to rest on top after sitting a bit, so you must stir the syrup every time you use it. Try serving this honey syrup recipe with one of these cute honey spoons.

Allow your honey syrup to warm to room temperature before serving for best results. 

How Long Does Pastry Honey Syrup Last?

Because pastry honey syrup contains butter, it will spoil in about two weeks if not processed or frozen. This recipe can be preserved in the freezer for up to 6 months.  

Flavor Variations

If cinnamon isn’t your favorite spice, you can use just about any spice or herb in place of it. Try ginger, basil, whole cloves, orange peel, rosemary, or thyme. You could also use flower petals such as rose, lavender, chamomile, or extras such as vanilla or almond. 

The Best Honey Syrup Combinations

Honey Latte

Use our water-based honey syrup recipe to make the latte of your dreams. All you need is coffee and your milk of choice. I like to mix in the honey after the milk and coffee are well blended for a stronger honey flavor.

Honey syrup is also a great addition to chai tea (a favorite beverage when fall rolls around).

Honey Marinade Chicken

Marinade your honey chicken overnight in our honey-water-based syrup in a bag for 2-24 hours for delicious honey-infused chicken. 

Honey Syrup in Yogurt or Oatmeal

I mentioned using honey in yogurt or oatmeal earlier, so I had to give my two-cents about which syrup I prefer in my oatmeal or yogurt. The answer is pastry honey syrup because it’s thicker and adds texture.

Wrapping Up the Easiest Honey Syrup Recipes

You’re about to become addicted to honey syrup like me! Honey syrup is the perfect addition to almost anything–breakfast beverages and pastries, dinner rolls, chicken marinades, and so much more. Hopefully, you’ve enjoyed learning all about how to make honey syrup! 

Looking for more mouth-watering recipes? Check out our Recipes page.