Homemade Hummingbird Nectar Recipe – Correct Sugar Water Ratio

Looking for the correct hummingbird nectar recipe? The correct hummingbird nectar recipe uses a ratio of 1 part white sugar to 4 parts water, creating a simple food source that closely mimics the natural nectar hummingbirds feed on.

This homemade nectar is inexpensive, easy to prepare, and provides hummingbirds with the energy they need throughout the season.

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Ingredients for the hummingbird nectar recipe 

To make this hummingbird nectar, you only need two ingredients:

• ¼ cup of refined white sugar
• 1 cup of water

You’ll also need a small saucepan.

How to make the hummingbird nectar recipe

This recipe is really easy to prepare.

• Place the water and sugar in a saucepan.
• Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
• Place the pan over medium heat.
• Boil for five minutes.
• Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
• Pour it into a hummingbird feeder.

FAQ about hummingbird nectar

Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?
No. Plain refined white sugar is recommended for homemade hummingbird nectar. Avoid brown sugar, honey, artificial sweeteners, and other sugar substitutes.

Should I add red food coloring?
No. Red dye is unnecessary and is not recommended. The red color on a feeder is enough to attract hummingbirds.

Do I need to boil the water?
Boiling helps the sugar dissolve and can reduce impurities, but many people successfully make hummingbird nectar with hot water and thorough mixing.

How long does homemade hummingbird nectar last?
Store unused nectar in the refrigerator for up to five days and replace nectar in feeders regularly, especially during hot weather.

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Admin note: This homemade hummingbird nectar recipe first appeared on the blog in June 2013. This post has been updated with new photos and a printable how-to card.

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Yield: 1 cup of hummingbird nectar

Homemade Hummingbird Nectar Recipe

Print

Learn the correct hummingbird nectar recipe with the proper 1:4 sugar-to-water ratio. Make this quick homemade hummingbird food recipe in minutes

Prep Time 2 minutes

Active Time 5 minutes

Additional Time 15 minutes

Total Time 22 minutes

Difficulty easy

Estimated Cost $1

Materials

• ¼ cup of refined, white sugar
• 1 cup of water

Tools

• 1 saucepan

Instructions

1. Combine the sugar and water in a saucepan.
2. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
3. Boil for five minutes.
4. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
5. Fill the hummingbird feeder with the nectar.
6. Store any unused nectar in the fridge for up to five days. (or boil and cool if that's your preferred method).

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