The unsung hero in many a well-balanced cocktail, Simple Syrup is a must-have for any drink enthusiast.
Where would civilization be without syrup? Any kind, too. Honey, maple, chocolate… Can you imagine these things not existing? Our pancakes and ice cream sundaes would be chores to eat instead of joys. Well, maybe not the ice cream. Syrups supposedly have their origins all the way back in Ancient Egypt, when they were first used in medicinal potions. Fast forward thousands of years to today, and tonight’s recipe, simple syrup, has evolved to help mixologists create potions of a different kind.
You can buy simple syrup at your local grocery or liquor store, but it is so simple to make—hence the name—that you can easily make it at home, and in a variety of flavors, too. Equal parts sugar and water, you just add the two together and simmer in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once the mixture is completely dissolved, you just let it cool for about thirty minutes, then bottle it up, cap it and put it in your fridge. Feel like an impromptu Whiskey Sour? Well, now you have plenty of simple syrup on hand to help you make just about any drink.
Bartenders would traditionally use just granulated sugar, which would often lead to an improperly mixed beverage, resulting in a poorly balanced cocktail. Once sugar and water were added together to create simple syrup, its slightly viscous texture and clear color helped to ensure consistent blending and flavor.
If you enjoy mixing up your own drinks at home, simple syrup is a must-have.
How Do You Infuse Your Simple Syrup?
Once your sugar and water have come to a simmer and are thoroughly melded together, take the mixture off the heat and let it cool. Add whatever fruits, herbs or spices you’d like to flavor your simple syrup with, like lavender, raspberries, Earl Grey, chai, mint… The sky’s the limit, really. Let it steep for around thirty minutes. If you like a more intense taste, let it sit longer. Strain your mixture into a container to keep any leftover clumps out.
What Is The Best Alcohol To Mix With Simple Syrup?
Why, anything and everything! Simple syrup became a bartender’s best friend in the 1860s, and since then almost every manner of alcoholic beverage calls for it. Not all, of course, but if you have a home bar with a bountiful shelf full of liquor, you must also have a bottle or two of simple syrup handy.
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Add 1 cup of water and 1 cup of granulated sugar into a small saucepan. Stir to combine.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir often. Continue until the sugar fully dissolves and the mixture reaches a gentle simmer.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the syrup cool to room temperature.
- Once cooled, pour the syrup into a clean jar or bottle with a tight-fitting lid. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
Nutrition
WHAT SHOULD I KEEP MY SIMPLE SYRUP IN?
The best receptacle you can use to keep your simple syrup in is a glass, resealable bottle. You can often find them at home goods or department stores. You can even look online.
WHAT ARE THE BEST STORE-BOUGHT BRANDS OF SIMPLE SYRUP?
If you prefer to have your simple syrup premade and ready to go, there are a few bottled brands that I use, such as Stirrings. There’s also a wide swath of flavored syrups from many brands, so check the ingredients to make sure you’re getting the purest form of mixer.
Some Notable Cocktails That Use Simple Syrup
If I started writing about all the drinks that use simple syrup, I’d probably never finish. Every recipe and variation of anything that requires this ingredient for a balanced tipple could potentially be miles long, so I’ll keep this section like the syrup itself. Simple.
- Tom Collins – Bright and citrusy, this bubbly beverage is easy to make and sip on.
- Daiquiri – This tart and sweet drink is a timeless classic.
- Gin Fizz – An incredibly smooth and frothy elixir, one of my favorites.
- Brandy Crusta – This brandy-based recipe is a New Orleans icon.
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