In the gardening world, we try to use every bit of the fruits and vegetables we can. For this recipe, I am going to show you how to make homemade strawberry syrup using the tops since strawberry season is here! Most of the time people throw them right into the trash. However, there is so much goodness in those strawberry tops.
Here's how I make this amazing strawberry simple syrup recipe!

This recipe makes a huge bottle full. I like to use this syrup on my homemade waffles and my Dutch Baby Pancakes.
I also make a lot of Non-alcoholic drinks during this summer, and this strawberry syrup will come in handy!
HOW TO MAKE STRAWBERRY SYRUP
Begin by taking the tops and placing them in a stockpot. Pour enough water to cover and turn the heat up until it reaches a boil.

I added 4 cups of the tops off of fresh strawberries, 3 cups of sugar, and 3 cups of water. Let it come to a boil and boil for about 10-12 minutes. Then, turn the heat down to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes.
When it has finished simmering, strain the strawberry tops from the juice using a fine mesh strainer.

CANNING STRAWBERRY SYRUP
This can be canned like strawberry jam. Grab clean canning jars and lids and place them in a hot water bath until they are fully heated. Once hot, take the jars out carefully and begin spooning the hot syrup into the hot jars. Leave 1/2″ headspace for Weck jars and 1/4″ headspace for Ball jars.
Next, wipe the lids and rims of the jars clean of water. Now, lay the lids on the jar and screw on the band.

Once the lids are on and the hot water bath is ready, gently place the clean canning jars in the pot. Make sure that the jars are covered with water. When the hot water bath has reached a boil, process jars for 10 minutes.
Lift the jars out of the canning bath after about 10 minutes and let them rest on the counter. If using the standard canning lids there will be a popping sound. That sound lets you know it is sealed.
But, if you are like me, you can skip this step if you don't want to can it. Just simply put it into an airtight jar and place it in the refrigerator. It will last about 3 weeks in the fridge. You can also freeze this by putting it in a freezer-safe container. It will last 3 months in the freezer.

As I said before, it makes the perfect simple syrup to make delicious drinks with or to use it as topping on ice cream or french toast!
Check out these strawberry drinks you can use this syrup in
How to Make Strawberry Syrup with the Tops

Ever wonder what to do with all those strawberry tops? This recipe shows you how to take those strawberry tops and turn them into strawberry
syrup.
Ingredients
- 4 cups of strawberry tops
- 3 cups of sugar
- 3 cups of water
Instructions
Pour strawberry tops and sugar into a stockpot and cover with the water.
Bring to a boil and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
Take the pot off the burner and carefully strain out the tops.
Pour juice back into the pot.
Bring juice back to a boil and then simmer until it reduces about 20 minutes or so.
Turn off the burner, pour the syrup into a jar or bottle, and store it in the fridge.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
20Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 127Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 2mgCarbohydrates: 33gFiber: 1gSugar: 32gProtein: 0g
Bobbi Waelde
Thursday 3rd of July 2025
I’m sorry but this is a weak strawberry water. I process a case of strawberry’s I use those tops and boil for 30 minutes then simmer another hour. Let the tops set in water over night I ended up with 6 cups of strawberry water added 4 cups sugar then let it reduce to half. It’s a syrup consistency and very dark. It takes several hours to achieve this. It makes one 500 ml jar.
Jennifer Sikora
Friday 4th of July 2025
I am not sure what you are doing but it does not take that long. You can read all the comments of people who have tried this and it has turned out perfect for them.
Pat
Tuesday 17th of June 2025
After water bath how long will the syrup last on the shelf?
Jennifer Sikora
Saturday 21st of June 2025
I am not sure since it has been canned and water bathed it is shelf stable, so I am assuming a year?
Kelly
Tuesday 10th of June 2025
Can I freeze the tops as I collect them?? It will take me awhile to get 4 cups. TIA
Jennifer Sikora
Thursday 12th of June 2025
Yes. that is what I do -- any strawberries going bad or just the tops, I keep a bag in the freezer and throw them in there until I get enough to make what I need to make the syrup
Donna
Wednesday 4th of June 2025
My strawberry syrup did not thicken. Help?
Jennifer Sikora
Thursday 5th of June 2025
Put it back on and let it boil a little longer. That will thicken it.
Kathi
Friday 25th of April 2025
Do you take the green leaves off first? Or do you boil with the leaves on?
Jennifer Sikora
Tuesday 29th of April 2025
Boil it with the leaves on. That is the beauty of this recipe. You don't waste anything.