Recipe, Sea Glass Journal Recipes
Sea Glass Simple Syrup Recipes
Oct
Sea Glass Simple Syrup Recipes
A coastal collection of color, flavor, and inspiration for every handmade moment.
Introduction
Simple syrups are one of those magical recipes that truly live up to their name — simple to make, endlessly customizable, and a beautiful canvas for creativity. Whether you’re crafting lavender syrup for your morning latte, rose syrup for spring desserts, or hibiscus syrup to drizzle into sparkling water, these translucent colors and natural hues remind us of sea glass glimmering in the sun.
This Sea Glass Simple Syrup Collection was inspired by the idea of slowing down — savoring sweetness and creativity in the same breath. Much like the Stop and Smell the Roses crochet pattern, these syrups are a gentle reminder to pause and enjoy life’s sensory details.
Base Recipe: Classic Simple Syrup
Ingredients
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1 cup granulated sugar
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1 cup water
Instructions
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Combine sugar and water in a small saucepan.
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Heat over medium, stirring until sugar fully dissolves.
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Let cool and pour into a clean jar or bottle.
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Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
That’s it — a 1:1 ratio (equal parts sugar and water) is your base formula. From here, you can infuse flavor, color, and character.
Sea Glass Variations
Each syrup follows the same method as above, but with added botanicals or fruits. Simmer for 5–10 minutes, steep for 20 minutes, then strain.
| Flavor | Add During Heating | Color Note |
|---|---|---|
| Lavender | 2 Tbsp dried lavender buds | Pale lilac |
| Hibiscus | 2 Tbsp dried hibiscus petals | Deep rose |
| Rose Petal | ¼ cup dried rose petals | Soft blush |
| Butterfly Pea Flower | 1 Tbsp dried petals | Sky blue (turns violet with lemon!) |
| Lemon | Zest of 1 lemon | Warm yellow |
| Ginger | 2 Tbsp sliced fresh ginger | Amber gold |
| Peach | ½ cup sliced peach | Coral pink |
| Mint | ¼ cup fresh mint leaves | Light green |
| Basil | ¼ cup fresh basil leaves | Herb green |
| Raspberry | ½ cup fresh raspberries | Ruby pink |
| Rosemary | 1 sprig fresh rosemary | Sage green |
Sweetener Substitutions & Ratios
Not everyone uses white sugar — and the beauty of simple syrup is that it can adapt beautifully to other sweeteners.
| Sweetener | Ratio (to 1 cup sugar) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Raw Cane Sugar / Turbinado | 1:1 | Adds a light amber color and caramel undertone. |
| Brown Sugar | 1:1 | Rich, molasses-like syrup — great for coffee or bourbon cocktails. |
| Honey | ¾ cup honey : 1 cup water | Sweeter than sugar; use less and avoid boiling to preserve floral notes. |
| Maple Syrup | Use as-is or mix ¾ cup maple + ¼ cup water | Thinner than sugar syrup but full of character. |
| Agave Nectar | ⅔ cup agave : 1 cup water | Neutral flavor; dissolves easily. |
| Coconut Sugar | 1:1 | Creates a warm brown tone, mild caramel taste. |
| Stevia (liquid) | Skip the water heating step | Use drops to taste; no need to heat, as it dissolves instantly. |
| Monk Fruit or Erythritol | 1:1, heat gently | Doesn’t thicken as much but still sweet. |
Tip: If using natural sweeteners like honey or agave, never let them boil — just warm gently to preserve nutrients and aroma.
Texture, Storage & Shelf Life
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Texture: Syrups thicken slightly as they cool. For thicker consistency (like dessert drizzle), use a 2:1 sugar-to-water ratio.
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Storage: Keep refrigerated in sterilized glass jars for up to 1 month (or 2 weeks for syrups with fresh fruit).
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Preservation: Add 1 tsp vodka or lemon juice per cup of syrup to extend freshness naturally.
How to Use Sea Glass Simple Syrups
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In Drinks: Add a tablespoon to sparkling water, lemonade, or iced tea.
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In Coffee: Try lavender or rose syrup in iced lattes for a floral twist.
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In Baking: Brush onto cakes to keep them moist and fragrant.
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For Gifts: Pair with a Stop & Smell the Roses crochet flower and tie with a ribbon for a handmade coastal gift set.
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In Cocktails: Infuse into mojitos, spritzers, or gin and tonics for natural color and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use fresh herbs or flowers instead of dried?
Yes! Double the quantity of fresh to replace dried (e.g., ¼ cup fresh = 2 Tbsp dried).
Q: Why did my syrup crystallize?
This happens if it boils too long or cools too fast. Reheat gently with a tablespoon of water to re-dissolve.
Q: Can I make them sugar-free?
Yes — use stevia or monk fruit extract. Note that the texture will be thinner, but flavor and sweetness remain.
Q: How do I keep the colors bright?
Avoid high heat and over-steeping. For butterfly pea or hibiscus, add lemon juice at the end to adjust color vibrancy naturally.
Final Thoughts
These Sea Glass Simple Syrups are meant to capture both taste and memory — moments of creativity that look as beautiful as they taste. Whether you gift them, use them in your kitchen, or photograph them alongside your handmade crafts, they remind us of what “Sea Glass” really means: transformation, patience, and light passing through.
You May Also Like
- [Sea Glass Companion Recipe Collection →]
About Kristin Omdahl
Kristin Omdahl is a bestselling author, designer, and creative entrepreneur known for her “sensory storytelling” — weaving food, craft, and nature into unforgettable fiction and non-fiction. Her debut novel, The Sea Glass Journal, is a love letter to Florida’s Gulf Coast, exploring themes of healing, connection, and creative legacy.
When she’s not writing, Kristin shares crochet and knitting designs, recipes, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of her creative process with her global community on Patreon.
