Best Substitutes for Corn syrup

Out of Corn syrup? Here are the best alternatives that work in cocktail recipes.

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Original Ingredient

Corn syrup

Other Intensely sweet, viscous nose with neutral, clean sugar character. Thick, syrupy palate with pure glucose-fructose sweetness and heavy body. Long, cloying finish with sticky sweet residue.

Recommended Substitutes

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Sugar syrup

Use as a 1:1 substitute unless otherwise noted.

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Honey syrup

Use as a 1:1 substitute unless otherwise noted.

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Maple syrup

Use as a 1:1 substitute unless otherwise noted.

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Agave Syrup

Use as a 1:1 substitute unless otherwise noted.

General Substitution Tips

  • Match the alcohol level: a 40% spirit needs a similarly strong replacement or adjust volume.
  • For liqueurs, dilute spirits + simple syrup can replicate sweetness and proof.
  • Citrus substitutions: lemon and lime are mostly interchangeable at a 1:1 ratio.
  • For bitters, Angostura is the most neutral substitute for most other aromatic bitters.