A Step-by-Step Guide

Simple syrup is a staple ingredient in many recipes, from cocktails to desserts. It is a mixture of water and sugar that has been dissolved over heat. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make it:

Ingredients:

• 1 part white granulated sugar
• 1 part water

Equipment:

• Saucepan
• Candy thermometer (optional)
• Stirring spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Jar or bottle for storing syrup

To make a basic simple syrup:

1. Combine sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Stir constantly until sugar dissolves, around 3-5 minutes.
3. If using a candy thermometer, wait for the temperature to hit around 220°F, or when the mixture has just started to simmer.
4. Remove from heat, let cool, and store in a jar or bottle in the fridge for up to one month.

Here’s a visual guide for the steps:

Tips and Tricks

Making simple syrup is fairly straightforward, but there are some tips to keep in mind to ensure that your syrup doesn’t turn out grainy or cloudy.

Temperature:

The temperature during the heating process is essential to making the perfect simple syrup. Most recipes will suggest waiting until the sugar has dissolved before removing the mixture from heat. An alternative is to use a candy thermometer to ensure the correct temperature is reached. The sugar mixture should be heated to 220°F to 222°F for optimal results.

Storage:

Simple syrup should be stored in clean and sealed containers, preferably a jar or bottle. It will last up to one month if kept in the fridge, but it’s best to use it within two weeks for peak flavor.

Alternative Sweeteners:

While white granulated sugar is the most commonly used sweetener for simple syrup, other sweeteners can be used as a substitute. Brown sugar, honey, or agave nectar can all be used to make flavored syrup, but the ratios and cooking times may differ.

Flavored Simple Syrup

Flavored simple syrups can add a unique twist to cocktails, desserts, or other recipes. Here are some of our favorite recipes:

Mint Simple Syrup:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup mint leaves (loosely packed)
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water

Process:

1. Add mint leaves, water, and sugar in a saucepan.
2. Bring to a boil over medium-low heat and stir until sugar is dissolved.
3. Let simmer for 5-10 minutes, remove from heat, and let cool.
4. Strain the mixture through a fine strainer into a clean bottle and use within a month.

Ginger Simple Syrup:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh ginger (peeled and sliced)
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water

Process:

1. Combine ginger, water, and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 15-20 minutes.
3. Remove from heat, let cool, and strain through a fine strainer.
4. Store in a clean jar or bottle and use within a month.

Citrus Simple Syrup:

Ingredients:

• 1 lemon and 1 orange, zested
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water

Process:

1. Combine water, sugar and citrus zest in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Stir until sugar dissolves, then remove from heat and let cool.
3. Strain the mixture into a jar or bottle and use within a month.

Vanilla Simple Syrup:

Ingredients:

• 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water

Process:

1. Add water, sugar, and vanilla bean to a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil and stir until sugar is dissolved.
3. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 10-15 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and let cool.
5. Strain the mixture and store in a bottle or jar for up to a month.

Infographic

Here’s a handy infographic to summarize the steps for making simple syrup:

Variations

While white granulated sugar is the most commonly used sweetener for simple syrup, other sweeteners can be used as a substitute:

Coconut Sugar Simple Syrup:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup coconut sugar
• 1 cup water

Process:

1. Combine water and coconut sugar in a saucepan.
2. Bring to a boil while stirring.
3. Remove from heat and let cool before storing in a jar or bottle.

Honey Simple Syrup:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup honey
• 1 cup water

Process:

1. Combine honey and water in a saucepan.
2. Heat over medium heat while stirring, until honey dissolves.
3. Remove from heat and let cool before storing in a jar or bottle.

Agave Nectar Simple Syrup:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup agave nectar
• 1 cup water

Process:

1. Combine agave nectar and water in a saucepan.
2. Bring to a boil while stirring.
3. Remove from heat and let cool before storing in a jar or bottle.

How to Use Simple Syrup in Cocktails

Simple syrup is commonly used as a sweetener in cocktails. It adds both sweetness and balance to drinks, and different variations can be used depending on the cocktail and the individual’s preferences.

Daiquiri Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 oz light rum
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• 1 oz simple syrup

Process:

1. Combine ingredients in a shaker with ice.
2. Shake until chilled and strain into a glass filled with ice.
3. Garnish with lime.

Margarita Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 oz tequila
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• 1 oz simple syrup

Process:

1. Combine ingredients in a shaker with ice.
2. Shake until chilled and strain into a glass filled with ice.
3. Garnish with salt and a lime wedge.

Dos and Don’ts

Common Mistakes:

• Not stirring enough leading to grainy texture.
• Overcooking the mixture leading to crystallization and thickness.
• Not using the correct ratio of water to sugar, resulting in a mixture too sweet or not sweet enough.

Best Practices:

• Use a candy thermometer or heat the mixture till sugar has dissolved and boiling appears right under the surface.
• Store the syrup in a sealed and clean jar or bottle in the fridge and use within two weeks for the best results.
• Use the correct ratio of water to sugar as per the recipe to ensure perfect and consistent results.

Troubleshooting:

• If the syrup turns out cloudy, it likely means the sugar was not dissolved properly. Reheat the mixture on low heat, stirring continuously until dissolved and let cool.
• If the syrup becomes too thick and crystallized, it indicates that the mixture was overcooked. Reheat on low heat, add more water to thin it out, and stir until dissolved.