This keto simple syrup recipe is a delicious, sugar-free version of traditional simple syrup and it's quite... simple!
With only two ingredients and five minutes required, this easy, sugar-free syrup is a great go-to when you're in need of a low-glycemic liquid sweetener.
This keto simple syrup is versatile, super easy to prepare, and it will store well in the refrigerator for up to a month. Whether you're on the keto diet, looking for diabetic-friendly liquid sweeteners or you're trying to reduce sugar all around, this sugar-free simple syrup recipe is a keeper.
what is simple syrup?
Traditional simple syrup is a liquid sweetener made with equal parts water and regular sugar, sometimes flavored depending on what it will be used for.
The most popular recipe is to mix one cup of sugar with one cup of water. It's essentially sugar water- cooked until the sugar dissolves- and perhaps its most common use is to sweeten cold drinks and cocktails since it mixes easily into the liquid.
why this recipe works
This keto simple syrup recipe is made the exact same way, but without the sugar, of course. Instead, you can create a homemade sugar-free simple syrup with allulose and water.
The great thing about simple syrup is it can be the base for any flavor you'd like! My version features a splash of vanilla extract, but you can also steep the simple syrup with ingredients like cinnamon sticks, a vanilla bean, fresh ginger, culinary lavender buds, berries, mint leaves, rosemary, etc.
This simple recipe opens up a whole new world of making homemade, low carb cocktails that rival their sugary counterparts.
This keto syrup is:
- quick and easy to make, with only two ingredients required and a five-minute prep time
- versatile- use it to sweeten drinks, cocktails, sauces, smoothies and more
- low glycemic with zero net carbs- keto, low-carb and diabetic friendly
- a keto sweetener that is a healthier alternative to regular simple syrup with a sweet, clean taste
about the ingredients
Allulose is a natural, pure sugar found in fruits like fig, kiwi and raisins. Due to the way the sugar alcohol is processed in our bodies, it has low (or no) impact on blood sugar levels. It's a low-carb, keto-friendly sweetener that is appreciated for its nice, clean taste.
For this keto simple syrup recipe you'll need these two (plus optional third) simple ingredients:
- granulated allulose
- filtered water (cold or at room temperature)
- vanilla extract (optional)
Allulose isn't as sweet as sugar so instead of a 1:1 water/sweetener ratio, you'll need an extra ⅓ cup of the low carb sweetener.
While I often prefer to use monk fruit sweetener as a sugar substitute, I tend to choose allulose over a granulated erythritol blend when it comes to drinks and sauces. That's because allulose dissolves really well and it can hold up to hot or cold without crystallizing (unlike erythritol).
This is the biggest reason why allulose is a great replacement for sugar when it comes to liquids like drinks and sauces. I've used it to make sugar-free limeade, bourbon chicken, keto lemon curd and keto chocolate sauce.
the easiest keto simple syrup recipe
This recipe will give you about 1-½ cups of simple syrup for all of your liquid sweetener needs!
Here's how to make it (the recipe card at the bottom of the page will have the full details and ingredient amounts):
- Combine the granulated allulose, cup of water and vanilla (optional) in a small saucepan.
- Whisk the ingredients together.
- Cook over medium heat until the sweetener dissolves (3-5 minutes).
- Pour the keto simple syrup into a glass jar and let it cool. Cover and store in the refrigerator.
tips for the best results
This recipe is so easy to follow, but here are a few tips that might help you out.
- To add different flavor agents, follow the recipe process and then add the flavor ingredients in at the end. Cover the saucepan with a lid and let the ingredients steep in the simple syrup until it is infused with the flavor. Note: The amount of time will vary based on whichever flavor agent you're using.
- If you'd like the syrup to be a bit thicker, you can also vigorously whisk in a pinch of xanthan gum (no more than ⅛ teaspoon). Xanthan gum is a gluten-free thickening agent often used in sauces and baking. Make sure to whisk it in really well to avoid any clumps forming.
- To store this keto simple syrup, seal the jar with a lid and store in the refrigerator for up to one month.
how to use keto simple syrup
Now that you have a sugar-free syrup on hand, the options are endless for how you can enjoy it!
Make up a batch (or two) to sweeten your favorite cocktails, coffee, sauces and more without worrying about added sugar.
You can use this keto syrup as a low carb sweetener in recipes like these:
- your everyday favorite drinks like iced tea, homemade lemonades or limeade
- keto cocktails and mocktails like this skinny margarita, low-carb sangria and watermelon slushie
- iced coffee or hot drinks like your morning coffee and this bulletproof matcha latte
- keto "oatmeal" and chia puddings
- smoothies
- drizzled onto a cake (similar to how sponge cakes are prepared)
- to add a touch of sweetness to savory meals like this cashew chicken or tomato sauce''
If you enjoy this easy, keto simple syrup recipe, let me know with a five-star review/comment in the recipe card below OR send me a message on social media! You can find me on Instagram or Facebook and I LOVE seeing what you're making.
you might also love...
- This roundup of delicious, sugar-free cakes for anyone and any occasion!
- A list of easy, low-carb and low sugar drinks at Starbucks (plus instructions on how to order).
- Savory keto scones with cheddar and chives are always a great idea.
Keto Simple Syrup Recipe (Sugar-Free)
This keto simple syrup recipe makes the perfect, sugar-free sweetener for drinks, cocktails, sauces and anything else that requires a touch of sweetness! Just two ingredients and five minutes are required to create your own sugar-free simple syrup at home.
Ingredients
- 1 cup filtered water (cold or at room temperature)
- 1-⅓ cups granulated allulose
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine the granulated allulose, water and vanilla (optional).
- Whisk well and cook over medium heat until the sweetener dissolves, about 3-5 minutes (stir occasionally).
- Pour the simple syrup into a glass jar and let it cool.
- Cover and store in the refrigerator.
Notes
- To add different flavor agents, follow the recipe process and then add the flavor ingredients at the end. Cover the saucepan with a lid and let the ingredients steep in the simple syrup until it is infused with the flavor. The amount of time will vary based on whichever flavor agent you're using. Options include: culinary lavender buds, rosemary, fresh ginger, mint, vanilla bean or cinnamon sticks.
- For a slightly thickened syrup, vigorously whisk in a pinch of xanthan gum (no more than ⅛ teaspoon). Xanthan gum is a gluten-free thickening agent often used in sauces and baking. Make sure to whisk it in really well to avoid any clumps forming.
- Store the syrup in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to one month.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 1Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 1mgCarbohydrates: 0gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 0g
This nutritional information is approximate and is provided for convenience as a courtesy.
Fay Beth says
Do you add the Zanthan gum while cooking or after you remove it from heat?
Abby says
You can add the xanthan gum at any point- just be sure to whisk it in well!
Pye says
Granulated allulose has 13.5g of carbs PER Tablespoon. That is 288g of carbs in this recipe. NOT ZERO. Even if you believe in net carbs, there are NO fiber carbs in allulose. This is not low carb.
Abby says
The net carbs for allulose are not calculated by subtracting fiber from total carbs. Allulose does not have a glycemic impact on blood sugar because the body doesn't metabolize it (you can read more about this with a simple Google search- there is lots of research to support that). So the net carbs for allulose is in fact 0 per serving. Allulose has long been a low-carb, keto and diabetic-friendly sweetener since it is 0 on the glycemic index.
Katherine says
Can other sweeteners be substituted when I do not allulose on hand? ie: monkfruit or say "swerve"? Thank you!
Abby says
Hi Katherine- You can try monkfruit or Swerve but the erythritol in it tends to crystallize when it is cooled. Allulose doesn't do that which is why I like to use it for syrups/sauces. If you do try it with a monkfruit sweetener blend, I would reduce the amount by 1/3 cup since it's sweeter than allulose.