Introduction
If you’re looking to step up your cocktail or lemonade game, simple syrup is a must-have in your kitchen. Not only is it easy to make, but it also allows you to customize the sweetness of your drinks without the grittiness of granulated sugar.
The Classic Simple Syrup: A Step-by-Step Guide
The basic recipe for simple syrup is just that: simple. Combine equal parts sugar and water (e.g. 2 cups sugar and 1 cup water) in a saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Let the mixture simmer for about five minutes, then remove from heat and let it cool before storing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one month.
How to Sweeten Up Your Drinks: Making Simple Syrup at Home
Making your own simple syrup has a few advantages, the most obvious being that you can adjust the sweetness to fit your preferences. If you prefer a thicker syrup, use more sugar in the recipe. Want a thinner consistency? Add more water. You can also experiment with different types of sugar, like brown sugar or molasses, for a more complex flavor. And don’t limit your use of simple syrup to drinks; it works great as a sweetener in baked goods too!
From Lemonades to Cocktails: Learn How to Make Simple Syrup with These Tips
While simple syrup can sweeten up any drink, some are especially common and could really benefit from a homemade addition. Lemonades and iced teas are classic examples of drinks that benefit from a touch of sweetness. When it comes to cocktails, it’s important to balance the sweetness with acidic and bitter components. For example, a sour cocktail will usually include simple syrup, citrus juice, and a spirit. To make things easy, try these classic cocktail recipes that use simple syrup:
- Old Fashioned: muddle an orange slice, a cherry, and a sugar cube in a glass. Add ice and 2 oz bourbon. Top with a splash of simple syrup and a dash of bitters.
- Gin Sour: combine 2 oz gin, 1 oz lemon juice, and 1/2 oz simple syrup in a shaker with ice. Strain into a glass and garnish with a lemon twist.
- Margarita: combine 1.5 oz tequila, 1 oz lime juice, and 3/4 oz simple syrup in a shaker with ice. Strain into a salt-rimmed glass and garnish with a lime wedge.
Sweetening Your Life: A Beginner’s Guide to Making Simple Syrup
If you’re just starting out, making simple syrup can be intimidating. But don’t worry, with a little practice you’ll be a pro in no time! One important tip is to make sure the sugar is fully dissolved before removing the syrup from the heat. And if you mess up the ratio, don’t be discouraged! Just adjust the recipe next time or use the syrup in recipes where precision isn’t as crucial. To get you started, here are a few easy recipes for flavored simple syrups:
- Vanilla: add a split vanilla bean to the saucepan with the sugar and water and heat as normal.
- Cinnamon: add a cinnamon stick to the saucepan with the sugar and water and heat as normal.
- Citrus: add a few strips of lemon or orange zest to the saucepan with the sugar and water and heat as normal.
Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth: An Easy Recipe for Simple Syrup
If you’re looking for a quick and simple recipe for classic simple syrup, look no further!
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
Combine these two ingredients in a saucepan and heat over medium-high heat until the sugar dissolves. Simmer for five minutes, then remove from heat and let cool. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one month.
Not sure how to use your simple syrup? Try it in your morning coffee, drizzled over pancakes or waffles, or mixed with seltzer for a homemade soda!
DIY Sweetener: How to Make Simple Syrup with Minimal Ingredients
If you’re looking to experiment with alternative sweeteners, you can totally make simple syrup with honey, agave, or even stevia. Here’s a recipe to get you started:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup water
Combine these two ingredients in a saucepan and heat over medium-high heat until the honey dissolves. Simmer for five minutes, then remove from heat and let cool. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one month.
A Sweet Addition: Experimenting with Flavored Simple Syrups
The possibilities for flavored simple syrups are endless! Here are a few more ideas to inspire your next concoction:
- Rosemary: add a few fresh rosemary sprigs to the saucepan with the sugar and water and heat as normal.
- Lavender: add a handful of fresh or dried lavender to the saucepan with the sugar and water and heat as normal.
- Chai: add a chai tea bag to the saucepan with the sugar and water and heat as normal.
When infusing flavors, it’s important to let the mixture steep for a few minutes to develop the full flavor. Remove the flavoring before storing.
Conclusion
With simple syrup, the only limit is your imagination.
