Simple syrup is an easy-to-blend replacement for plain sugar (which doesn't thoroughly dissolve in cold drinks) in many beverages, such as mojitos or sweet iced tea. Infused or flavored simple syrups are also becoming more popular, as they add not only the flavor of sugar to drinks, but hold various flavors from herbs, edible flowers, spices, or fruit.
Flavored simple syrups are actually quite easy to make at home, and they can stay in the refrigerator in a sealed, sterile glass container for up to two weeks for handy use. All that's needed is sugar, water, a stove, and the desired additions.
Here is a basic recipe for plain simple syrup, along with recipes for homemade ginger, hibiscus, and spiced simple syrups.
Basic Simple Syrup Recipe
Depending on what it is used for, simple syrups often vary in consistency. For example, a thin syrup might be best for glazing desserts. This thick simple syrup recipe is best for sweetening cold drinks. Since this recipe consists of a simple 2-to-1 ratio, it can be easily doubled and stored.
Once cooled, this syrup can be stirred into any beverage of choice, from homemade lemonade to margaritas.
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 2 cups granulated sugar
Preparation
- Bring water to a boil in a sauce pan; reduce heat to low.
- Add sugar and stir until dissolved. Allow to cool.
- Stir into cold beverage of choice.
- Store in a clean glass container with a lid.
Note: After the sugar dissolves into the simple syrup, flavors can be added if using extracts or essences in place of fresh ingredients.
Ginger Simple Syrup Recipe
Ginger can add a tantalizing kick to many cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages. Start with a little fresh ginger from the produce aisle and turn it into a tasty treat!
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup peeled and thinly sliced ginger (or more for stronger flavor)
Preparation
- Bring water to a boil; reduce heat to low.
- Add sugar and ginger; stir until sugar is dissolved.
- Allow to simmer for about 30 minutes (less time will create a more mild infusion, more time will result in a stronger flavor).
- Allow to cool. Strain and discard ginger.
- Use in ginger cocktail recipes or use some imagination to invent unique mixtures!
- Refrigerate leftover syrup in a sealed glass container.
Hibiscus Blossom Simple Syrup Recipe
These colorful flowers in the backyard are edible! They also make an aromatic and colorful addition to many cocktails, teas, and other summer drinks. Hibiscus blossoms are available in dried form in many supermarkets, organic or health food stores, and Latin American or Asian markets. In a pinch, hibiscus tea bags are generally easy to find and a few can substitute for whole dried blossoms. As always, double-check to make sure flowers used from the wild are edible before consuming.
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 handfuls dried hibiscus blossoms
Preparation
- Bring water to a boil; reduce heat to low.
- Add sugar and stir until dissolved. Add hibiscus blossoms.
- Allow to simmer for 15 minutes.
- Allow to cool. Strain and discard blossoms.
- Use in hibiscus cocktail recipes or iced tea.
- Refrigerate remaining syrup in sealed glass container.
Spiced Simple Syrup Recipe
This warmly flavored simple syrup is a delicious compliment to many cocktails, whether in the spring or the winter.
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 whole cinnamon stick
- 3 cloves
- 3 allspice berries
- 1 orange slice, with rind
Preparation
- Bring water to a boil; reduce heat to low.
- Add all ingredients. Stir until sugar is dissolved.
- Simmer on low for 15-20 minutes.
- Allow to cool. Strain and use in cocktails, rum punches, or holiday drinks.
- Refrigerate in sterile, sealed glass container.
Lavender Simple Syrup and Pomegranate Simple Syrup are also easy to make and can be used in a wide variety of recipes!
VRS101
Melissa Parks - Melissa M. Parks began her practice in writing with her first publication in the second grade, and now holds a BA in creative writing from ...
