How To Make Simple Syrup
This post is called How To Make Simple Syrup, but it could also be called How To Make Flavored Syrups, too. Either way, the important thing to note is that there are a number of items that sing when a splash of simple syrup or flavored syrup is added – a cold brew coffee, grapefruit supremes, cocktails, etc. Heck, with a ginger or vanilla syrup, you can make your own tasty carbonated beverages – ooh homemade ginger ale! The beauty is that the basic recipe is the same. It is just a matter of adding whatever flavor you want. Of course, I always keep some plain on hand, too. In truth, I have other motives for making simple syrup.
The Real Reason To Make Simple Syrup
Sure, adding sweetness is one reason to make simple syrup, but the big reason to make it is to avoid the annoyance of sugar not dissolving in an icy cold beverage. Don’t get me wrong, sugar not dissolving in my summer drinks is definitely a first world problem, but since the fix is so simple, I see no reason not to indulge. Strangely, I remember the first time I was served simple syrup. It was with my iced tea at a ritzy hotel that was well outside my station. It sure was easy to sweeten that tea. I had no idea a little sugar syrup would make a lasting food memory. But isn’t that how food memories go – a small thing making a big impact. That’s why I love cooking!
To Make Simple Syrup – Dissolving Sugar
It does not get much simpler than dissolving sugar and water. Seriously, that is how you make simple syrup – dissolve 1 cup of sugar in 1 cup of water. You need a little heat to get this done because of the concentration of sugar. Pouring a cup of water into a small pan and adding a cup of sugar and letting it dissolve over medium heat is not difficult. Even the simplest salad in the world is not as simple as this. After the sugar is dissolved, let it cool and then the syrup can be stored in the fridge for a few days and used at will.
Make Simple Syrup with Flavor
To take simple syrup to the next level, add some flavorings – vanilla bean, a few star anise, cinnamon sticks. You get the idea. Dried spices work very well and with time spent steeping, a nice flavorful syrup can be made. If using a vanilla bean, make sure you split the bean and scrape the seeds. The flavor is in the seeds and the seeds make it look fancy. Simple syrup can also be enhanced buy steeping it with a big piece of peeled and sliced fresh ginger. Ginger syrup can be used for a variety of drinks – as mentioned, with a little soda water and a squeeze of lemon, you have a nice homemade ginger ale. In regards to steeping, more is better. Usually the time it takes for the syrup to cool completely is long enough. The syrup can then be strained and stored in the refrigerator. You can find little bottles at the store that make great storage and can also be used to make the syrups a nice gift.
Simple Syrup – Perfect for Cold Brew Coffee
How To Make Simple Syrup – The Video
A quick video that shows how easy it is to make simple syrup and flavoured syrup is below. The basic recipe follows.
- 1 cup of water
- 1 cup of sugar
- Mix the water and sugar in a small pot.
- Place the pot over medium heat and bring to a simmer.
- Simmer and stir until all the sugar is dissolved.
- Remove the pot from the heat and let cool.
- Transfer to an air tight container and store in the fridge.
- Simple Syrup is easy to flavor
- For Vanilla Syrup - split and scrape a vanilla bean. Add the bean and seed to the sugar/water and bring to a simmer. Let steep until cool or until desired level of flavor is reached. Strain if desired. Transfer to an air tight container and store in the fridge.
- For Cinnamon Syrup - Add 2 cinnamon sticks to the sugar/water and bring to a simmer. Let steep until cool or until desired level of flavor is reached. Strain if desired. Transfer to an air tight container and store in the fridge.
- For Anise Syrup - Add 3-4 star anise to the sugar/water and bring to a simmer. Let steep until cool or until desired level of flavor is reached. Strain if desired. Transfer to an air tight container and store in the fridge.
- For Ginger Syrup - Add a 3 oz piece of peeled and sliced fresh ginger to the sugar/water and bring to a simmer. Let steep until cool or until desired level of flavor is reached. Strain if desired. Transfer to an air tight container and store in the fridge.
Keep Eating! Keep Innovating!
How do you make simple syrup? Do you have a favorite flavor? Let us know in the comments or on Facebook.
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