Here’s a quick and easy method to prepare simple syrup in only 5 minutes using sugar and water! This vital cocktail sweetener dissolves seamlessly and can be kept for weeks in the fridge.
Were you aware that you can create it from scratch in just 5 minutes? Simple syrup serves as a liquid sweetener for a wide range of cocktails and coffee beverages. As a certified mixologist with over 300 cocktail recipes to my name, I quickly understood that mastering homemade simple syrup is a crucial skill.
Crafting your own simple syrup requires exactly 5 minutes and costs mere pennies! Having a jar in your refrigerator is essential for whipping up the ideal whiskey sour or gimlet at a moment’s notice.
What Is Simple Syrup?
Simple syrup is a liquid sweetener made from equal quantities of sugar and water. The heat thoroughly dissolves the sugar, resulting in a clear syrup that easily mixes into cold drinks. I utilize it in everything from classic cocktails to iced coffee, making it one of those kitchen essentials I always have readily available.
How to Make Simple Syrup: The Basic Formula
Simple syrup offers a clean, neutral sweetness to drinks like the whiskey sour or a latte. If you have granulated sugar, water, and 5 minutes, you can create it right at home. The idea is to combine equal parts sugar and water by volume (a 1:1 ratio) and heat them until the sugar is dissolved and a syrupy consistency is reached. Here’s how to do it:
1. Combine equal parts granulated sugar and water in a saucepan and heat over medium heat. (Utilize ½ cup each of sugar and water to yield ¾ cup of simple syrup, or 1 cup of each to produce 1 ½ cups of syrup.)
2. Stir until the sugar completely dissolves, approximately 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from heat before it comes to a simmer (or when the temperature reaches 140°F).
3. Allow it to cool to room temperature prior to use. Store in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 1 month.
Variations to Try
There are numerous ways to modify the basic simple syrup recipe to infuse cocktails and coffee or tea drinks with different flavors. Here are a few ideas:
– Rich simple syrup: Create rich simple syrup in the same manner as traditional simple syrup, but use a 2:1 ratio of sugar to water. This results in a sweeter and more potent syrup that doesn’t dilute the drink’s flavors. It offers a richer, fuller mouthfeel compared to standard simple syrup.
– Brown sugar syrup: Produce brown sugar syrup using the same process but with brown sugar. This syrup has notes of molasses and caramel and pairs well with bourbon and whiskey drinks like the whiskey sour.
– Demerara syrup: Craft demerara syrup using demerara sugar, which introduces a nutty, caramel flavor profile to drinks.
– Honey syrup: You can substitute natural sweeteners like honey to create a honey syrup using the same basic formula. Using pure honey directly in cocktails can be challenging since it doesn’t dissolve well in its raw state. (Try it in recipes like the Bees Knees or Gold Rush.)
Flavored Simple Syrups
Simple syrup can also be infused with herbs, spices, and other flavors to impart additional notes to beverages. Prepare the simple syrup, then let it sit at room temperature with the flavoring ingredient. Strain it out, and it becomes a delicious infused syrup you can use in drinks or give as gifts. Keep in mind that homemade infused simple syrups tend to lose flavor more quickly than store-bought varieties.
Natural Sweetener Alternatives
Several natural sweeteners can be used in cocktails and beverages without the need for syrup preparation:
– Maple syrup: Pure maple syrup can serve as an alternative to simple syrup in cocktail recipes. It introduces subtle hints of vanilla and caramel that enhance the flavor of most drinks! Contrary to what one might expect, it sweetens drinks without infusing a maple flavor (you would need maple extract for that). Give it a try in this classic Whiskey Sour for a flavor boost.
– Agave syrup: Agave syrup also functions as a substitute for simple syrup in cocktails, coffee, and tea drinks. If the label reads agave syrup (not agave nectar), it can be used as a 1:1 replacement. Light agave provides a clean, neutral flavor, amber agave offers some caramel notes, and dark agave imparts richer caramel flavors.
Storage & Shelf Life
Simple syrup will last for 1 month when stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator. I prefer to use a clean glass jar with a lid.
If you notice any cloudiness, odors, or mold, discard the syrup and prepare a fresh batch. I’ve never experienced a batch go bad before I consumed it, but always check before using syrup that has been previously stored.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much simple syrup does 1 cup sugar make? Combine 1 cup of water and 1 cup of sugar to produce 1 ½ cups of simple syrup. Basic math shows that 1 cup plus 1 cup equals