Simple Syrup

Simple syrup is a sweet liquid made by dissolving sugar in water. It is called “simple” because it is made with just two ingredients: sugar and water. It is commonly used in cocktails and other drinks to add sweetness and balance flavors. It is also used in baking and cooking to add sweetness to various dishes and desserts.

To make simple syrup, combine equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan and heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar has dissolved. You can also add flavours to the syrup by adding herbs, spices, or fruit peels to the mixture while it is heating. Once the sugar has dissolved, remove the syrup from the heat and let it cool before using. You can store the syrup in the refrigerator for up to a month.

Cocktails with Simple Syrup

There are many cocktails that use simple syrup as a sweetening agent. Here are a few popular examples:

1. Mojito: A refreshing cocktail made with white rum, mint, lime juice, and simple syrup.
2. Daiquiri: A classic cocktail made with white rum, lime juice, and simple syrup.
3. Margarita: A popular Mexican cocktail made with tequila, lime juice, and simple syrup.
4. Old Fashioned: A classic whiskey cocktail made with bourbon or rye whiskey, bitters, and demerara simple syrup.
5. Gin Fizz: A refreshing cocktail made with gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
6. Whiskey Sour: A classic cocktail made with whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
7. Pina Colada: A tropical cocktail made with white rum, pineapple juice, and coconut cream, sweetened with simple syrup.

These are just a few examples, but there are many other cocktails that use simple syrup as an ingredient. You can use it to add sweetness and balance flavors in a wide variety of cocktails.

Simple Syrup Variations

There are many variations of simple syrup that you can make by adding different flavors to the basic recipe. Here are a few examples:

1. Flavored simple syrup: You can add herbs, spices, or fruit peels to the simple syrup while it is heating to infuse it with flavor. For example, you can add a few sprigs of mint, a cinnamon stick, or a strip of orange peel to the syrup while it is heating.
2. Rich simple syrup: To make a thicker, more concentrated simple syrup, use a ratio of 2 parts sugar to 1 part water. This will result in a syrup with a thicker consistency and a more intense flavor.
3. Spiced simple syrup: You can add spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and allspice to the simple syrup while it is heating to give it a warm, spiced flavor.
4. Honey simple syrup: Instead of using granulated sugar, you can use honey to make a simple syrup. Simply combine equal parts honey and water in a saucepan and heat over medium heat until the honey has dissolved.
5. Maple syrup simple syrup: You can use maple syrup instead of granulated sugar to make a simple syrup with a distinct, woodsy flavor. Simply combine equal parts maple syrup and water in a saucepan and heat over medium heat until the maple syrup has dissolved.

These are just a few examples of the many variations of simple syrup that you can make. You can get creative and experiment with different flavours to find the combinations that you like best.