Simple syrup, also known as sugar syrup, is a versatile sweetener that adds a touch of sweetness to various recipes without the hassle of sugar dissolving. It’s particularly useful when making sorbets, granitas, and sweetening iced beverages such as tea, coffee, and cocktails. The great thing about this syrup is that you can easily adjust the quantity based on your needs, as the ratio of water to sugar is always the same.
MAKES: 2 cups
TIME: 10 minutes
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 cups water
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Combine the sugar and 2 cups of water in a small pot.
- Bring the mixture to a boil and cook until the sugar is completely dissolved, stirring occasionally.
- Once the sugar has dissolved, remove the pot from heat and let the syrup cool to room temperature.
- Use the syrup immediately or transfer it to a clean container or jar, covering it tightly.
- Store the syrup in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.
COFFEE SYRUP:
- Use this coffee syrup as you would any dessert sauce. Simply replace some or all of the water with strong coffee or espresso for a delightful twist.
7 WAYS TO FLAVOR SUGAR SYRUP:
To add exciting flavors to your sugar syrup, follow these simple steps:
- Seeds from a vanilla bean, along with the scraped pod if desired.
- Cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, allspice, or crushed cardamom pods.
- Citrus zest (grated, minced, or in strips) – experiment with any type of citrus you prefer.
- Tea leaves (green tea works especially well) – infuse the syrup with the aromatic qualities of your favorite tea.
- Ginger (grated or minced) – adds a subtle, spicy kick to the syrup.
- Lavender buds (use sparingly, as too much can result in a soapy taste).
- Fresh herbs, including whole stems, such as mint, peppermint, verbena, and basil – these herbs provide a refreshing and aromatic touch to your syrup.
Enjoy the versatility of this simple syrup, elevating your desserts, drinks, and more with a touch of sweetness and customized flavors.
TIPS:
- While the equal parts ratio of water and sugar is the standard, feel free to adjust it based on your preference. If you prefer a sweeter syrup, you can increase the amount of sugar, or if you want it less sweet, decrease the sugar amount.
- Use high-quality sugar and filtered water for the best results. The quality of your ingredients can make a difference in the taste and texture of the syrup.
- When dissolving the sugar in water, stir occasionally to ensure all the sugar crystals dissolve completely. This helps in achieving a smooth and consistent syrup.
- Allow the syrup to cool to room temperature before using or storing it. Once cooled, transfer it to a clean container or jar with a tight-fitting lid. Refrigerate the syrup to prolong its shelf life.
- Have fun experimenting with different flavor infusions. You can try combining different herbs, spices, fruits, or even extracts to customize the syrup according to your preferences. Remember to strain out any solid flavorings before storing the syrup for a smooth texture.
- To keep track of the syrup’s freshness, label the container or jar with the date it was made. This helps you ensure you use it within the recommended storage time.
- Simple syrup can be used in a wide range of recipes. Apart from sweetening beverages, you can drizzle it over desserts like cakes, pancakes, or waffles, or use it as a base for homemade cocktails and mocktails.
- Consider gifting homemade flavored syrups to friends and family. Package them in attractive bottles or jars with personalized labels for a thoughtful and unique present.
- While the syrup can last up to 6 months in the refrigerator, always check for any signs of spoilage before using. If you notice any off flavors, mold, or changes in texture, discard the syrup.
- Feel free to double or halve the recipe based on your needs. It’s a versatile recipe that can easily be adjusted to suit larger or smaller quantities.
