What Aisle Do You Find Simple Syrup In?

January 10, 2026 •

3 min read

The global simple syrup market size was estimated at over $3.2 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow, reflecting its widespread use in everything from cocktails to baked goods. When you need to buy it, you might find yourself wandering through a few different sections of the store, as its location can vary based on the grocery chain and even store layout.

Quick Summary

Simple syrup is usually found in a few key grocery store locations: the cocktail mixers section, the coffee and beverage aisle, or the baking section. Finding the right aisle depends on the specific store's layout and where they choose to stock beverage sweeteners.

Key Points

Check the Cocktail Mixer Aisle: The most probable location for pre-made simple syrup is near grenadine, drink mixes, and other cocktail accessories.
Scan the Coffee and Tea Section: Many stores place simple syrup next to coffee supplies, especially flavored coffee syrups, as it's used for sweetening cold beverages.
Look in the Baking Aisle: In some stores, simple syrup can be found with other baking and dessert sweeteners, like honey and maple syrup.
Make It Yourself for a Fresher Product: Homemade simple syrup is easy and cheap to make with just sugar and water, and is often fresher than store-bought versions.
Consider the Store's App: Larger grocery store chains often have an app that can tell you the specific aisle number for an item in your local store.
Store Properly for Longevity: Homemade simple syrup should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator to prevent mold growth, where it can last up to a month.

Navigating the Grocery Store: Where to Find Simple Syrup

While simple syrup is a pantry staple for many home bartenders and bakers, its exact location in a grocery store can be a mystery. The search for this liquid sweetener often involves checking several aisles, as it can be shelved based on its primary use. Knowing where to look will save you time and help you get back to your recipe faster.

The Cocktail Mixer Aisle

One of the most common places to find bottled simple syrup is alongside other cocktail mixers. This is especially true in larger supermarkets or those with dedicated liquor sections. Look for a concentrated collection of items used for mixing drinks. In this section, you will typically find:

Grenadine and other flavored syrups
Bottled margarita and mojito mixes
Sodas and club sodas used as mixers
Other bar essentials like olive juice and bloody mary mix

The Coffee and Tea Section

As simple syrup is a popular sweetener for cold beverages like iced coffee and tea, some stores place it with other coffee-related products. This placement makes sense, as many people purchase simple syrup for just this purpose. Here you might see it next to:

Flavored coffee syrups (e.g., vanilla, caramel)
Packaged coffee beans and grounds
Teabags and loose-leaf tea
Creamers and other coffee add-ins

The Baking and Sugars Aisle

Finally, some grocery stores stock simple syrup with other baking ingredients, particularly with the sugars and sweeteners. This is less common but can happen since simple syrup is used to moisten cakes and desserts. While searching this aisle, check near the packaged sweeteners. You might see:

Granulated and powdered sugar
Honey and maple syrup
Sweeteners like agave and stevia
Baking extracts like vanilla and almond

The Smartest Solution: Making Homemade Simple Syrup

If you find yourself going on a simple syrup hunt with no luck, the easiest and most cost-effective solution is to make it at home. All you need are two ingredients you likely already have in your pantry: sugar and water. It is a quick and straightforward process that yields a fresher product. The basic recipe is simply equal parts granulated sugar and water, heated until the sugar dissolves. For a "rich" simple syrup, you can use a 2:1 ratio of sugar to water for a longer shelf life and sweeter taste. Homemade syrups offer the advantage of being able to control the quality of ingredients and can be easily customized with flavor infusions like mint or citrus zest.

Store-Bought vs. Homemade Simple Syrup


Feature	Store-Bought Simple Syrup	Homemade Simple Syrup
Cost	More expensive per ounce	Far less expensive; uses pantry staples
Convenience	Grab-and-go; saves a few minutes	Requires minimal effort and 5-10 minutes
Ingredients	May contain preservatives or additives	Contains only sugar and water (plus optional infusions)
Freshness	Preserved for a long shelf life	Fresher, with a more vibrant flavor profile
Flavor Customization	Limited to available bottle options	Easily customizable with herbs, spices, or citrus peels

Conclusion

While finding simple syrup in a store might require a quick tour of a few different aisles—from cocktail mixers to baking supplies—it is always a dependable purchase. For the most control over flavor and cost, or if you simply cannot locate a bottle, making it at home is an excellent alternative. Whether you are using it to sweeten an iced tea or craft a perfect cocktail, knowing where to look or how to quickly make your own ensures you are never without this versatile kitchen essential.

The Easy Homemade Simple Syrup Method

To make a basic simple syrup at home, follow these steps:

Combine 1 cup of granulated sugar with 1 cup of water in a small saucepan.
Heat the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until the sugar is completely dissolved. Do not boil vigorously.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the syrup to cool completely.
Transfer the cooled syrup to a clean, airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep for about one month.
For rich simple syrup, use two parts sugar to one part water; it will last longer in the fridge.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, simple syrup is not the same as grenadine. Simple syrup is a clear, sweet mixture of sugar and water. Grenadine is a flavored, reddish-pink syrup, traditionally made from pomegranate juice, which is much tarter and used for different cocktails.

If you don't have simple syrup, you can use agave nectar, honey, or maple syrup as substitutes. Keep in mind that these alternatives will change the flavor profile of your drink and may require adjusting the amount used, as they have different sweetness levels.

Homemade simple syrup typically lasts for about one month when stored in a clean, airtight container in the refrigerator. A "rich" simple syrup, which has a higher sugar concentration, can last for a bit longer.

Historically, simple syrup was named by pharmacists to differentiate it from more complex, compounded syrups made with medicinal plants. It was considered "simple" because it was just sugar dissolved in water.

Yes, you can make simple syrup without heating it, but it requires more vigorous stirring or shaking. Simply combine equal parts sugar and water in a jar and shake until the sugar dissolves completely. Heating the mixture, however, is a faster method for dissolving the sugar.

The best way to store simple syrup is in a clean, airtight glass bottle or jar in the refrigerator. Glass is preferred over plastic as it doesn't retain odors that could affect the syrup's flavor.

Yes, simple syrup can be frozen to extend its shelf life indefinitely. The high sugar content prevents it from freezing solid, so it can be stored in the freezer in a freezer-safe container.