---
title: "Homemade Gum Syrup — Jarabe de Goma for Cocktails"
description: "Versión en Español. Gum syrup, or jarabe de goma, is made by dissolving 1 cup of sugar in 1/2 cup of water over medium heat, whisking in 1 tablespoon of powdered gum arabic, and simmering gently for a..."
url: https://www.chileanfoodrecipes.com/homemade-gum-syrup-jarabe-de-goma-recipe/
date: 2026-09-27
modified: 2026-09-27
author: "Carlos Uhart M."
image: https://www.chileanfoodrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/homemade-gum-syrup-jarabe-de-goma-featured.jpg
categories: ["Beverages"]
type: post
lang: en
---

# Homemade Gum Syrup — Jarabe de Goma for Cocktails

[Versión en Español](https://comidaschilenas.com/receta-de-jarabe-de-goma-casero-dulzura-perfecta-para-tus-cocteles/)

![Bottle of homemade gum syrup for cocktails, jarabe de goma](https://www.chileanfoodrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/homemade-gum-syrup-jarabe-de-goma-featured.jpg)*Homemade jarabe de goma*

Gum syrup, or jarabe de goma, is made by dissolving 1 cup of sugar in 1/2 cup of water over medium heat, whisking in 1 tablespoon of powdered gum arabic, and simmering gently for about 10 minutes until slightly thickened, then cooling and storing it in a sterilized jar in the refrigerator. It takes 5 minutes of preparation plus 15 minutes of cooking and makes 12 servings.

Unlike simple syrup, it gives cocktails a silky texture and more body, which is why it is a favorite for pisco sours and daiquiris.

## How to Make Gum Syrup?

With just three ingredients, sugar, water, and powdered gum arabic, you get a syrup that balances sour flavors with a silkier sweetness.

## Nutritional Information

Each serving of gum syrup contains approximately 45 kcal, 0 g of protein, 0 g of fat, 0 mg of cholesterol, 12 g of carbohydrates, 12 g of sugars, and 1 mg of sodium. These values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients and portion sizes.

## Homemade Gum Syrup Recipe

**Preparation:** 5 minutes
**Cooking:** 15 minutes
**Servings:** 12 servings

### Ingredients

- 1 cup (200 g) of white sugar
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) of water
- 1 tablespoon of powdered gum arabic

### Instructions

1. In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves completely.

![Granulated sugar for the gum syrup](https://www.chileanfoodrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/granulated-sugar-jam.jpg)*Sugar*

1. Add the powdered gum arabic and keep stirring to prevent lumps. Lower the heat and simmer gently for about 10 minutes.

![Powdered gum arabic, the key to a silky syrup](https://www.chileanfoodrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/powdered-gum-arabic-syrup.jpg)*Gum arabic*

1. Cook until the syrup thickens slightly. Remove from the heat and let cool, then store it in a sterilized, airtight jar in the refrigerator.

## Additional Tips

### Use superfine sugar

Caster sugar dissolves faster, giving a clearer, smoother syrup and less risk of crystallization.

### Sprinkle the gum slowly

Adding the gum arabic gradually while stirring prevents lumps.

### Keep it cold

Refrigerated in a sealed jar, the syrup keeps for several weeks.

| Original ingredient | Substitute | Ratio | Flavor note |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| White sugar | Brown sugar | 1:1 | Caramel notes, for aged rum or whisky |
| Gum syrup | Simple syrup | 1:1 | Sweetness without the silkiness |
| 2:1 ratio | 1:1 ratio | | Thinner, less sweet |
| Gum arabic | None | | Becomes rich simple syrup |

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

### 1. What is the ideal sugar-to-water ratio?

The classic ratio is 2 to 1, which gives more sweetness, viscosity, and shelf life than a 1 to 1 simple syrup.

### 2. Can I use simple syrup instead?

Yes, to sweeten, but you lose the texture and body that gum arabic adds.

### 3. Where can I buy gum arabic?

In baking supply shops, cocktail supply stores, or herbal shops; always choose a fine powder.

### 4. How do I use it in a pisco sour?

Use it in place of sugar or simple syrup in the same amount; it also helps build the foam.

## What Is Gum Syrup?

Gum syrup, also called gomme syrup, is a rich sugar syrup thickened with gum arabic, used in classic cocktails for texture.

## What Is Gum Arabic?

Gum arabic is a natural resin from acacia trees, mainly from sub-Saharan Africa, used as a stabilizer and thickener in foods and drinks.

## Did You Know?

Gomme syrup appears in many 19th century cocktail recipes, and bartenders have revived it for its silky mouthfeel.

## Recommended

- [Chilean Mango Sour](https://www.chileanfoodrecipes.com/chilean-mango-sour-pisco-cocktail-recipe/)
- [Chilean Calafate Sour](https://www.chileanfoodrecipes.com/chilean-calafate-sour-patagonian-cocktail-recipe/)
- [Chilean Copao Sour](https://www.chileanfoodrecipes.com/chilean-copao-sour-atacama-cactus-fruit-cocktail-recipe/)
- [Chilean Pisco Mojito](https://www.chileanfoodrecipes.com/chilean-pisco-mojito-cocktail-recipe/)