It’s called Simple Syrup for a reason! It’s because it’s so simple to make! Just add equal parts of sugar to water, boil, and simmer! Great for cocktails, fruits and desserts!
Simple syrup, also referred to as “sugar syrup” is a staple in many cocktails. When you want to mix up a drink and find that you don’t have any simple syrup, no worries! You can make it by using equal parts of sugar to water. If you can boil an egg, you can certainly boil up simple syrup!
Simple syrup is not just used in cocktails, it can also be used to sweeten lemonades, iced teas and other cold beverages. Simple syrup is used in cold beverages because it is a liquid sweetener and blends more evenly in cold liquids. Using granulated sugar will leave that grainy, crystalized taste in your mouth. And when you are drinking a nice refreshing beverage, you don’t want to feel like you just drank a spoonful of sugar!
While simple syrup is commonly used to sweeten beverages, it can also be used to sweeten fruits and baked goods. Just drizzle over fruit or use as a glaze! It will add a little sweetness to your fruit and add a little shimmer and shine to your baked goods.
If you don’t want to make your own simple syrup, you can find it in most grocery stores. In addition, most liquor stores carry it in the mixer aisle. For grocery stores, check the aisle with the cocktail mixers or you may find it juice aisle. If it’s not there, it may also be found in the baking isle or wherever liquid sweetness like honey and agave syrup are.
Instructions
It’s very easy to make simple syrup. Just add equal parts sugar to water. If you want to make a sweeter, thicker simple sugar, add two parts sugar to one part water. Bring them to a boil over high heat and stir consistently. Once it reaches a boil, bring it down to a simmer and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
Storing
When storing, place in a tightly sealed container. I like to use a mason jar or a bottle with a removable top. Store in a cool spot, as it will help prolong the shelf life of the simple sugar. When stored correctly, the shelf life can be up to 6 months.
If the simple syrup starts to grow “cloudy” it is a sign that is has gone bad. Simple syrup should remain clear and colorless. In addition to becoming cloudy in appearance, a sign that bacteria may have started to grow, it may start to smell bad too.
Flavored Simple Syrup
Simple syrup comes in hundreds of flavors. Most popular ones include: vanilla, lemon, cherry, peach, ginger, mint, cinnamon, coconut, almond, chocolate, peppermint, and even marshmallow. A flavored simple syrup is made by adding the ingredient to the sugar-water mixture during the boiling or cooling process. If the ingredient is solid, once the simple syrup is cooled, it is strained.
Flavored simple syrups are staples found in most coffee shops and are often used in speciality drinks. In addition, to using it in coffees, teas, lemonades and other milk based drinks, flavored simple syrups can be used as a topping. Drizzled on fruit, baked goods and even ice cream!
Simple Syrup
Equipment
- Sauce Pan
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Combine sugar and water in a pan.
- Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring regularly.
- Once it reaches a boil, reduce to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
- Remove from heat and cool.
- Once cooled, store in an air tight jar for up to 6 months.
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