Every cocktail maker needs to know how to make simple syrup. It’s always a good idea to have a jar on hand to mix into cocktails, to sweeten iced tea or coffee, and to bake into desserts. You can flavor simple syrup with herbs and spices, try out different sugars or just keep it plain. Store it in a jar until you need it!
Learning how to make simple syrup is incredibly easy! And if you ask me, every cocktail maker and baker needs to know how to make it.
Simple syrup is a key ingredient in many a cocktail. Depending on the recipe, it’s as essential as booze and bitters!
And it’s called “simple” for a reason. Anyone could make it. Seriously.
And because of that, it is most certainly not worth the $14 to buy it at a specialty store. If you own a measuring cup, a spoon, a pot and sugar and have running water, you can easily learn how to make simple syrup.
It really is that easy. Throw the sugar and water into a pot, dissolve the sugar and bring to a boil, then remove from the heat.
Once cooled, transfer the mixture to a mason jar. You can keep it in the fridge for up to one month in a sealed container.
You can also make it cold, by placing water and sugar into a jar. Put the lid on tightly, and shake hard until the sugar has dissolved. Voila!
Use it to sweeten coffee, iced tea and cocktails like this Bourbon Grapefruit Cocktail. It’s fantastic for beverages because the sugar is already dissolved, so the syrup just mixes right in.
You can even use simple syrup in baked goods, like this Cotton Candy Layer Cake.
You can have fun with ratios. I use a 1:1 ratio of sugar to water, but you can make a thicker, sweeter “rich syrup” if you use a either a 1.5:1 or a 2:1 ratio.
These keep longer than a month because the sugar acts as a preservative. When mixing drinks, you can use a little less rich syrup than simple syrup, because rich syrup is a lot more sweet.
Want to make it your own? That’s easy too. Simple syrup is really customizable.
Experimenting with infusions is one of my favorite ways to mix new flavors into my drinks. You can infuse simple syrup with most fruits, herbs and spices. Here are a few quick ideas:
- Cinnamon simple syrup: cinnamon sticks
- Pumpkin simple syrup: pumpkin puree
- Mint simple syrup: fresh mint sprigs
- Cranberry simple syrup: fresh cranberries
- Vanilla simple syrup: vanilla beans
One other way to change up your simple syrups is to try different kinds of sugar. I typically go for white sugar or brown sugar, but you can also try turbinado, muscovado or demerara for a richer taste.
Once you learn how to make simple syrup, you’ll be on your way to making amazing cocktails at home! Life will definitely be sweeter.
Place a pot over medium heat.
Add 1 cup sugar.
Add 1 cup water.
Stir together sugar and water.
After a couple minutes of stirring, the sugar will dissolve.
Bring to a boil for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
Once cooled, pour into a mason jar. Seal the jar and refrigerate up to one month.
Use in cocktails, iced tea, coffee and baked goods. Enjoy! // susannah
Simple Syrup
Simple syrup is an easy-to-make ingredient that's imperative for dozens of cocktail recipes.
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, stir together sugar and water until dissolved.
- Bring to a boil for 2 minutes, then remove from heat. Let cool completely.
- Transfer to a glass jar and seal tightly with a lid. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
Notes
You can use other kinds of sugar such as demerara, raw cane sugar, brown sugar. You can also add infusions such as mint, basil, cinnamon, vanilla, citrus zest — the pantry is your oyster here!
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1 ounceAmount Per Serving: Calories: 97Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 1mgCarbohydrates: 25gFiber: 0gSugar: 25gProtein: 0g
Watch the video below!
Video by Chris Henry Co.
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