This Is The Easiest Way To Make Homemade Simple Syrup
Simple syrup has aptly earned its name as it is one of the easiest syrups you will ever make. This sweetener is not just a necessity for your at-home bar and concocting your favorite adult beverages (although it really is great to have on hand when making your favorite espresso martini). Simple syrup can also be used to sweeten teas and coffees, serve as a base when you are making certain types of candies, and used as a glaze for desserts. Part of the appeal in using simple syrup is that because it is a liquid, it easily blends and mixes with other liquids (via The Spruce Eats).
Simple syrup is made by heating equal parts water and sugar until it dissolves. It's important not to boil the solution to the point that it turns into a syrup, as this leads to evaporation and the ratio will be out of whack. That's it. Easy peasy. This is known as the hot method of making simple syrup. There is also a cold method, which involves putting room temperature water and sugar into a container and shaking or mixing it until it dissolves.
Simple syrup also has two strengths: one-to-one (1:1) and two-to-one (2:1). In the United States, most bars use the 1:1 ratio of simple syrup, but if you jump across the Atlantic to the United Kingdom, you will find their simple syrup is made with a 2:1 ratio and is often called rich simple syrup (via Food Republic).
Simple syrup variations
While simple syrup is simple to make, there are plenty of variations on the basic recipe, with one of the most common being flavored simple syrup. To make flavored simple syrup, you can steep herbs like basil or rosemary, add cinnamon sticks or vanilla bean, or even a floral, like lavender, to change up the flavor. Once you are done heating up the mixture and it has cooled, simply use a sieve to remove the remnants of these ingredients.
Additionally, you can try making the simple syrup with different sugars. Different sugars have different properties and can change the flavor and the color of the mixture. If you are feeling daring, you might want to try using brown sugar to make your simple syrup. Because simple syrup is so easy to make, it allows for you to be creative and a little adventurous. Try making a ginger simple syrup and mix up some Moscow Mules, or stir up some lilac simple syrup and add it to your favorite gin and tonic.
Storing the simple syrup is also relatively easy. Just store the syrup in an airtight container like a mason jar used for canning and keep in the refrigerator. Simple syrups are generally good for three to four weeks (via Liquor).