If you've been looking for a way to sweeten drinks, drizzle on pancakes, or mix into mocktails without all the added sugar, monk fruit simple syrup is about to become your go-to kitchen staple. This naturally sweet syrup is made with just two ingredients, and it brings the same classic flavor and consistency you expect from a traditional simple syrup, just without the blood sugar spike.
As a dietitian, I'm all about realistic swaps that don't compromise on flavor. Monk fruit sweetener is one of my favorite sugar alternatives since it tastes great and won't affect blood sugar levels like cane sugar does. As someone that also has type one diabetics in my family, this is a great replacement. This syrup is perfect for sweet tea, homemade lemonades, morning coffee, and even Southern cocktails if that's your vibe.
If you're looking for ways to use this syrup, try it in my Virgin Watermelon Mojito, Jameson Orange Lemonade Cocktail or stir a splash into my Easy Sparkling Apple Cider Mocktail for a naturally sweet twist.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Only 2 ingredients: It doesn't get much easier than water and monk fruit.
- Low carb sweetener & blood sugar friendly: A great option for anyone watching their sugar intake.
- Versatile & make-ahead friendly: Use it in everything from iced coffee to delicious mojitos!
Ingredients
This simple recipe uses just two ingredients to make a delicious monk fruit simple syrup option.
- Water: Acts as the base of the syrup and helps dissolve the sweetener.
- Monk Fruit Sweetener: I recommend using a classic white granulated monkfruit sweetener for the most neutral taste. Brands like Lakanto or Whole Earth are easy to find at most grocery stores or online.
Did you know? Unlike classic simple syrup, which uses a 1:1 sugar-to-water ratio, monk fruit sweetener is much more concentrated (100-250x sweeter than sugar), so this recipe uses a 2 parts water to 1 part sweetener for a balanced flavor that's not overpowering!
See the recipe card below for the full list of ingredients and measurements.
Substitutions & Variations
You can easily tweak this simple syrup recipe based on your preferences or what's in your pantry.
- Add a little vanilla extract to enhance the flavor, especially for coffee or desserts.
- Stir in fresh herbs like mint, basil, or rosemary while the syrup is hot to infuse it with subtle flavor. Perfect for your favorite cocktails and mocktails!
- Toss in cinnamon sticks or citrus peel while simmering for a seasonal twist or extra depth.
- Add a pinch of xanthan gum if you want a thicker syrup, though I personally find it not needed since the syrup already has a nice consistency on its own.
Instructions
This syrup comes together in under 10 minutes!
Step 1: Combine 1 cup water and ½ monk fruit sweetener in a small saucepan.
Step 2: Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Once clear and slightly thickened (about 3-5 minutes), remove from heat and let cool.
Step 3: Pour cooled syrup into a glass jar or bottle and refrigerate until ready to use.
Top Tip
A few simple techniques can help your monk fruit simple syrup turn out smooth, sweet, and ready for anything.
- To help the monk fruit dissolve smoothly, use a whisk while simmering and stir continuously for best texture.
- If your syrup turns overly thick or sticky, lower the heat to a gentle simmer instead of letting it come to a hard boil. This keeps it smooth and prevents burning.
- For the best flavor and shelf life, let the syrup cool completely before sealing it in a jar. This prevents condensation and separation!
Storage
This monkfruit syrup stores so well and is easy to keep on hand for drinks, dressings, and desserts.
- Store in a sealed glass jar or bottle at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. For a cute and functional option, I love using syrup bottles with pour spouts. They look great on my coffee bar and make serving easy!
- Let the syrup cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation.
- I don't recommend refrigerating it, since monk fruit can sometimes recrystallize in cold temperatures!
Ready to sweeten your drinks in a blood sugar friendly way?
Scroll down to grab the recipe for this two-ingredient monk fruit simple syrup. Tag me @healthdownsouth and show me how you're using it in your daily sips!
FAQ
Yes! When dissolved properly, monk fruit has a clean, sweet flavor that mimics sugar without bitterness or aftertaste.
Yes, monk fruit sweetener doesn't raise blood glucose levels and is considered safe for people with diabetes. Always consult with your healthcare provider if you have specific medical concerns.
Monk fruit is a natural sweetener made from the juice of the monk fruit plant, while allulose is a rare sugar found in small amounts in things like figs and raisins. Both are low-calorie and blood sugar friendly, but allulose behaves more like sugar in baking since it browns and caramelizes. Monk fruit tends to be a bit sweeter, so you often need less of it in recipes.
Yes, monk fruit is considered keto diet friendly because it contains zero calories and zero net carbs. Most monk fruit sweeteners on the market are blended with erythritol, a sugar alcohol that also has minimal impact on blood sugar. Just be aware if you're sensitive to sugar alcohols, especially in larger amounts!
Crystallization can happen if the syrup cools too quickly or is stored in the fridge. Monk fruit blends that include erythritol are more prone to this. To fix it, simply reheat the syrup gently in a saucepan with a splash of water and stir until smooth again. Let it cool completely before storing at room temperature in a sealed jar.
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Monk Fruit Simple Syrup
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup monk fruit sweetener granulated blend, such as Lakanto or Whole Earth
Instructions
- Combine 1 cup water and ½ monk fruit sweetener in a small saucepan.
- Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Once clear and slightly thickened (about 3-5 minutes), remove from heat and let cool.
- Pour cooled syrup into a glass jar or bottle and refrigerate until ready to use.
Notes
- Monk fruit is sweeter than regular sugar, so this recipe uses a 2:1 ratio of water to sweetener instead of the traditional 1:1.
- For extra flavor, try steeping fresh herbs like mint or rosemary, or add a splash of vanilla or almond extract once the syrup cools.
- Store in a sealed jar or syrup bottle at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
- Do not refrigerate, as it may cause the syrup to crystallize over time due to the erythritol blend. If crystallization occurs, gently reheat with a splash of water and stir until smooth.
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