The synthesis of solid electrolytes is often described as the mixing of simple precursors (e.g. Li₂CO₃, La₂O₃, etc.), followed by extensive heating and regrinding to yield a single phase solid ion conductor. In this presentation we move beyond the traditional "heat and beat" approach to synthesis to a more nuanced approach more analogous to classic organic synthesis with the controlled and stepwise addition of reagents. We will show this approach produces a 500 fold increase in grain boundary conductivity of perovskite solid electrolytes and the complete synthesis of others in under 15 minutes and 200^oC lower reaction temperatures. Through control of reaction energetics reaction selectivity can be enhanced offering unique opportunities to facilitate the properties of solid ion conductors.