8 Summer Drink Syrups to Try at Home

I have become, dare I say, slightly obsessed with making my own drink syrups. What started off as a simple “if I can’t find this coffee flavor in the store I guess I can make it” type hobby has turned into a full blown arsenal of homemade simple syrups. When I realized that these coffee syrups I was making could be used in so much more than coffee, that’s when everything changed. Whether you’re stirring them into iced coffee, mixing up homemade lemonade, creating refreshing Italian sodas, or crafting a signature summer mocktail, a simple homemade syrup can completely transform an ordinary drink.

One of my favorite things about making drink syrups at home is how versatile they are. A single batch can be used in everything from cold brew coffee and iced tea to sparkling water and cocktails. Plus, they make your kitchen smell absolutely amazing while they’re simmering on the stove, and I can make a batch small enough that I don’t lose interest in it before I finish the entire syrup.

It’s hit a point where I now have a rotation and true favorites. These favorites are things that just make summer better, and seem to go with everything. They’ve caused me to dust off my soda stream and also buy lemons in bulk to make fresh lemonade all season. If you’re looking for fresh flavors to enjoy all season long, these are some of my favorite summer drink syrups to make.

Mint Simple Syrup

Fresh, bright, and incredibly versatile, Mint Simple Syrup is one of the easiest ways to add a refreshing summer flavor to your favorite drinks. The mint flavor pairs perfectly with lemonade, sweet tea, mojitos, sparkling water, and iced coffee drinks.

Unlike store-bought mint syrups that can sometimes taste artificial, homemade mint syrup delivers a naturally fresh flavor that tastes like summer in a glass, and is a perfect way to use some of your garden mint if you’ve got a plant that just keeps growing.

Get the full Mint Simple Syrup recipe here.

Rose Simple Syrup

If you’ve never tried rose syrup before, you’re in for a treat. Rose Simple Syrup adds a delicate floral sweetness that feels elegant and surprisingly refreshing during warm weather. It’s subtle and refreshing, and a less overpowering flavor than it’s floral neighbor, lavender.

A little goes a long way, making it perfect for specialty coffee drinks, homemade lemonades, sparkling beverages, and tea lattes. It also creates beautiful drinks that feel straight out of a boutique coffee shop – how impressive is it to ask your friends if they’d like a homemade iced rose latte??

Get the full Rose Simple Syrup recipe here.

Peach Simple Syrup

Nothing says summer quite like fresh peaches. I suggest buying them by the bushel because this syrup is going to be on repeat all summer. Peach Simple Syrup captures all of that juicy, sweet peach flavor and turns it into a versatile syrup you’ll want to add to everything.

This syrup shines in iced tea and lemonade but also works beautifully in cocktails, mocktails, and sparkling drinks.

Get the full Peach Simple Syrup recipe here.

Lavender Simple Syrup

Lavender has become one of the most popular coffee shop flavors in recent years, and for good reason. Its floral flavor creates a relaxing, sophisticated drink that’s perfect for summer.

Homemade Lavender Simple Syrup pairs especially well with lemonade, iced lattes, and tea drinks. It’s one of those flavors that feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to make at home.

Get the full Lavender Simple Syrup recipe here.

Lemon Simple Syrup

Bright, citrusy, and refreshing, Lemon Simple Syrup is a fun summer must have. It delivers concentrated lemon flavor without the tartness of straight lemon juice, making it ideal for sweetening drinks while adding fresh citrus notes. Because of the increased sugar content, it also allows you to add it to dairy products without the acidic curdling that adding straight lemon juice would cause.

It’s especially delicious in iced tea, sparkling water, and homemade lemonades.

Get the full Lemon Simple Syrup recipe here.

Passion Fruit Syrup

If you’re looking for a tropical flavor that instantly transports you to vacation mode, Passion Fruit Syrup is the answer.

Sweet, tangy, and packed with tropical flavor, this syrup adds a fun twist to iced drinks. It works especially well in lemonades, iced teas, sparkling drinks, and tropical-inspired coffee creations.

This is the one syrup that earns a place on the list of my favorite summer syrups but is, in fact, not homemade. I am not against a good Torani syrup, if it’s not something that I can make better at home. So far, Toasted Marshmallow and Passion Fruit syrups are my torani go to’s that can’t be replicated. The passion fruit flavor of this is so good and doesn’t give artificial, plus I don’t have to deal with passionfruit seeds. It’s a win for me and a gold star summer favorite.  

Get your Passion Fruit Syrup here.

Strawberry Mint Simple Syrup

Combining two classic summer flavors, Strawberry Mint Simple Syrup creates a refreshing syrup that’s perfect for warm weather entertaining.

The sweetness of strawberries balances beautifully with cool mint, making this syrup ideal for lemonades, teas, and sparkling beverages.

Get the full Strawberry Mint Simple Syrup recipe here.

Rhubarb Simple Syrup

If you grow rhubarb in your garden, this syrup is a must-make. Rhubarb Simple Syrup offers a unique sweet-tart flavor that’s perfect for spring and summer drinks. It is also a perfect way to use up rhubarb when you aren’t feeling in the mood for another Crisp or Custard Dessert.

Its vibrant color and refreshing taste make it a standout addition to lemonades, cocktails, sparkling water, and iced teas. While Rhubarb Slush is my absolute go to summer rhubarb drink, when I’m not ready for a slushy ice drink, this simple syrup works perfectly to still scratch that rhubarb itch.

Get the full Rhubarb Simple Syrup recipe here.

How to Use Homemade Drink Syrups

You can even mix and match flavors to create your own signature summer drinks.

Tips for Storing Homemade Syrups

Most homemade simple syrups should be stored in an airtight container or glass jar in the refrigerator. Depending on the ingredients used, they’ll typically stay fresh for 2 to 4 weeks.

For best flavor, always use clean utensils when serving and keep syrups refrigerated between uses.

Refresh Your Summer Drinks

Whether you’re sipping iced coffee on the patio, hosting a backyard barbecue, or simply looking for a fun way to elevate your afternoon lemonade, homemade drink syrups make it easy to create something special. Create a few at a time and set them out in these cute syrup bottles for a perfect lemonade bar or mocktail set up for something elevated at your next backyard get together, and it’s sure to be a hit.

From fresh Mint Simple Syrup and floral Rose Syrup to fruity Peach, Passion Fruit, Strawberry Mint, and Rhubarb varieties, there’s a flavor here for every summer craving. Try one – or make them all – and discover your new favorite summer drink. And let me know in the comments if there’s any hit summer flavors I’m missing – I love trying out new recipes and fine tuning another syrup to add to my collection!