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Home » Simple Syrup

Chocolate Simple Syrup

Published: Aug 24, 2021 · Modified: Jan 28, 2024 by Ali

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Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

This chocolate simple syrup is the best simple syrup to use in any type of drink, coffee, cocktail or even on cake. It’s perfect for any fall or winter drinks such as chocolate cocktails, hot chocolate, or chocolate lattes. It is vegan, uses only 3 ingredients and quick to make in only 15 minutes.

Chocolate syrup being poured into a small jar.

Flavored simple syrups such as this blueberry simple syrup, this thyme simple syrup, this raspberry simple syrup or this peach syrup let you create an endless array of creative cocktails and drinks. This chocolate one is another syrup to add to your collection.

Unlike other simple syrups, this chocolate one works for both cocktails and coffee lattes. For other coffee syrups, try this pumpkin spice syrup, this peppermint syrup or this pistachio syrup.

Jump to:
  • Chocolate Simple Syrup vs. Chocolate Sauce
  • Ways To Use Chocolate Simple Syrup
  • Equipment
  • Ingredients
  • Instructions
  • Storage
  • Expert Tips:
  • FAQ
  • 📖 Recipe

Chocolate Simple Syrup vs. Chocolate Sauce

This chocolate simple syrup is not quite the same thing as a classic chocolate sauce. Simple syrup is made with sugar, water and in this case — cocoa powder.

Chocolate sauce, such as this chocolate pancake syrup, may also contain melted chocolate, cream or butter, giving it a richer, thicker texture.

What’s the difference? This chocolate simple syrup is the best syrup for drinks. Regular chocolate fudge sauce won’t work as smoothly in a cocktail to sweeten and add flavor in the same way. If you’re making any type of chocolate drink, you need this chocolate simple syrup.

You can still add this simple syrup sauce to pancakes, waffles or ice as you normally would with chocolate sauce, but it won’t be quite as rich or fudgy as classic chocolate sauce.

Ways To Use Chocolate Simple Syrup

  • Coffee & Lattes: This is the best sweetener and flavoring for coffee. Coffee with a bit of chocolate is addictively good. Mix it with espresso and top with frothed milk for a chocolate latte. Or, make an iced mocha latte. You can also combine this chocolate syrup with this peppermint simple syrup to make a peppermint mocha latte.
A coffee latte made with chocolate syrup, on a white marble table.
A chocolate latte made with espresso, chocolate simple syrup and frothed milk.
  • Cocktails: Chocolate cocktails can be absolutely delicious, especially around fall and Christmastime. Add a couple spoonfuls of this syrup to any cocktail that has baileys or a coffee liqueur for a delicious drink. Or, use the syrup to make this chocolate old fashioned or this chocolate mojito.
  • Smoothies: Add a few tablespoons of this syrup to any breakfast smoothie or milkshake to easily give it a chocolate flavor, such as this chocolate strawberry banana smoothie.
  • Bubble Tea: If you love bubble tea, try this chocolate milk tea. 
  • Cakes: Simple syrup is often used to keep cakes moist and soft. You can use this chocolate syrup instead for chocolate cakes to add an even richer taste. After the cake has come out of the oven and cooled, pour this liberally over the cake, spread it out and let it sink in so the flavor can be fully absorbed. Try it with this mini layer cake.
  • Pancakes, Waffles & Ice Cream: You can absolutely drizzle this over any kind of food you want! As mentioned above, it is a syrup, not a sauce, so it won’t be as thick or fudgy as pancake chocolate sauce, but still tastes delicious. It works well as a healthier option than other store-bought sauces.

Equipment

  • A small saucepan to make the chocolate syrup in. 
  • A mason jar to store leftover syrup in.

Ingredients

The ingredients needed to make the chocolate coffee syrup.
  • Cocoa Powder: This is what gives the syrup its chocolate flavor. Use regular, unsweetened cocoa powder that you would normally bake with.
  • Sugar: Sugar adds sweetness to the syrup. Classic simple syrup uses granulated sugar. You could use brown sugar, but this will give a slightly more caramel flavor.
  • Water: Water is used to create a smooth syrup with the right consistency.

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, mix the cocoa powder, sugar and water together until combined.

A process photo illustrating step 1.

Step 2: Heat the mixture on a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Continue heating for 5 to 10 minutes, bringing the syrup to a very gentle simmer. Once the sugar has completely dissolved, remove the pan from the stove and let the chocolate syrup fully cool to room temperature.

A process photo illustrating step 2.

Storage

  • Fridge: First, let the chocolate simple syrup fully cool to room temperature. Then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 to 2 weeks. Stir or shake well before using.
  • Freezer: Freeze the syrup in a freezer safe container for up to 2 to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using.

Expert Tips:

  • Simmer, but don’t boil. Once the sugar granules have completely dissolved, the chocolate syrup is finished. A gentle simmer is ok, but don’t let the syrup boil. 
  • Make it thicker. If you want a thicker syrup, you can allow the syrup to vigorously simmer for a couple of minutes. Don’t simmer the syrup for too long, otherwise it will become too thick and sticky. Keep in mind that the syrup will thicken up as it cools. 
  • Add in some melted chocolate. If you want an extra rich and creamy sauce, melt in some chocolate as you are making this syrup.

FAQ

Does this taste like store bought chocolate syrup?

This chocolate simple syrup is similar to store bought chocolate simple syrup, but tastes much better since there is no artificial flavoring.

What consistency should simple syrup be?

Typically, simple syrup should be slightly thicker than water. If the syrup is thicker than this, it was likely heated for too long or at too high a temperature.

A jar of chocolate syrup on a grey background.
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📖 Recipe

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A mason jar filled with chocolate simple syrup, on a grey napkin.

Chocolate Simple Syrup


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 3 reviews

  • Author: Ali
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: ¾ cup 1x
  • Diet: Vegan
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Description

This chocolate simple syrup is the best simple syrup to use in any type of drink, coffee, cocktail or even on cake. It’s perfect for any fall or winter drinks such as chocolate cocktails, hot chocolate, or chocolate lattes.


Ingredients

Scale
  • ¼ cup cocoa powder
  • ¾ cup water
  • ½ cup granulated sugar

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, whisk the cocoa powder, sugar and water together until smooth and there are no more clumps of cocoa powder.
  2. On a saucepan over medium to high heat, bring the chocolate mixture to a gentle simmer. Adjust the heat to maintain a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
  3. Continue to simmer for 10 minutes as the syrup thickens slightly. Remove the saucepan from heat and let the syrup cool to room temperature before using or storing in the fridge.

Notes

  • Storage: Store this syrup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to several weeks.
  • Syrup vs Sauce: This chocolate simple syrup is not quite the same as a chocolate sauce. If you want a thick, rich chocolate sauce, try this chocolate pancake syrup instead.
  • Prep Time: 2 minutes
  • Cook Time: 13 minutes
  • Category: Simple Syrup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 tbsp
  • Calories: 39
  • Sugar: 8.3g
  • Sodium: 0mg
  • Fat: 0.2g
  • Saturated Fat: 0g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0.2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 9.3g
  • Fiber: 0.3g
  • Protein: 0.3g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Leave a comment if you tried this recipe!

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Maria B Rugolo

    March 14, 2023 at 9:45 pm

    I made this for brushing on my chocolate cake layers. I didn't read the instructions (as I've made simple syrups before) so I only cooked this to a boil to ensure the sugar dissolved. It worked beautifully for my intended purpose. I can only guess how much better it would be to follow the instructions as written! A great recipe! Many thanks.

    Reply
  2. Beth

    August 26, 2021 at 2:00 am

    This chocolate simple syrup is perfect for our family gathering. My daughter is going to love helping me make an ice cream bar! Saved to my bookmarks for this weekend!

    Reply
  3. Biana

    August 25, 2021 at 10:42 pm

    What a great idea for chocolate syrup for coffee and hot chocolate!

    Reply
    • Sonja

      January 13, 2024 at 3:30 pm

      This chocolate simple syrup has changed my cocktail life. Thank you so much. Bourbon and chocolate are sacred!!!

      Reply
      • Ali

        January 15, 2024 at 2:24 pm

        Yes it’s so great in lots of cocktails, so glad you liked it!

        Reply

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Ali in a white tank top wearing sunglasses, with trees with yellow leaves in the background.

Hi, I'm Ali! Full-time nurse, lifetime foodie. Join me as I create, eat and drink the most delicious brunch, cocktail & dessert recipes! More about me —>

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