Simple syrup, often referred to as “sugar syrup”, is one of the most popular syrups in the culinary world, especially in baking and mixology. You’ll find it in many of my cocktail recipes because it blends effortlessly with other liquids, adding just the right amount of sweetness.
Contents
Simple syrup recipe
The basic recipe for simple syrup involves combining equal parts sugar and water, typically in a 1:1 ratio. However, you can make rich simple syrup with a 2:1 ratio of sugar to water, resulting in a thicker, sweeter syrup. While granulated white sugar is the most common, simple syrup can also be made with brown sugar, demerara sugar, or even sugar substitutes like stevia
From this simple recipe, you can create flavored simple syrup. It is a fantastic way to add extra depth and complexity to your desserts, drinks, and other recipes. Here’s how to make the simple syrup:
DIY Simple syrup
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar you can use brown sugar like demerara to have a richer, more complex flavor with caramel notes
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Combine 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1 cup of water in a saucepan.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Once the sugar is dissolved, remove the saucepan from heat.
- Allow the syrup to cool to room temperature.
- Transfer the syrup to a sterilized, airtight container and store it in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Shelf Life: To store simple syrup, you can put it in an airtight container and put in the fridge. It can last for about a month. Rich simple syrup tends to last a bit longer due to the higher sugar concentration. You can freeze the syrup to make it last longer.
- Preservation: Adding a small amount of vodka can help extend its shelf life, acting as a preservative.
- To achieve a clear syrup, avoid boiling the mixture, as this can lead to crystallization.
- Sterilization: Ensure your storage container is sterilized to prevent any microbial growth, especially if you’re planning to store the syrup for an extended period.
Nutrition
Crystallization occurs when sugar molecules realign. To prevent crystallization:
- Add a splash of lemon juice or corn syrup to interfere with crystal formation
- Avoid stirring syrup once it’s removed from the heat
- Store in clean, sterilized containers to prevent sugar crystal formation
Variations
Flavored simple syrups
Infused syrups are made with various ingredients to impart unique flavors. To create flavored syrup:
- Add your chosen ingredient to the basic syrup recipe
- Simmer for 5-10 minutes after sugar dissolves
- Remove the saucepan from heat and let the syrup steep with the flavoring agent for about 30 minutes, or until the desired intensity is reached.
- Strain the syrup through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the flavoring agents.
- Allow the flavored syrup to cool to room temperature.
You can choose one of these ingredients or try to mix and match different flavoring agents to create the unique flavored syrup:
1. Popular Flavor Infusions
- Vanilla: 1 split vanilla bean or 1-2 teaspoons of vanilla extract (add extract after removing from heat).
- Almond: 1 teaspoon of almond extract
- Coconut: 1/2 cup shredded coconut
2. Herb-Infused Syrups
Herb-infused syrups elevate both cocktails and culinary creations. My personal favorite is a basil-mint syrup that adds a refreshing twist to summer beverages.
- 1-2 sprigs of fresh mint
- lavender, rosemary, thyme, sage, peppermint, basil
- 2-3 stalks of lemongrass
3. Fruit-Based Syrups
Fruit syrups infuse natural sweetness and vibrant flavors. I often use these to add a burst of fruitiness to pancakes or waffles.
- Peel of 1 lemon, lime, or orange (avoid the white pith, as it can be bitter).
- 1/2 cup cherries, berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, cranberries, blackberries)
- 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
- 1/2 cup sliced cucumber, dragon fruit, or mango
- 1 cup sliced pear, peach, or apple
- 1 cup of chopped rhubarb
- 1/2 cup mashed banana.
4. Spice-infused Simple Syrups add depth to both sweet and savory dishes.
- 1-2 cinnamon sticks, sliced jalapenos or habanero
- 2-3 star anise
- 5-6 whole cloves
- a few slices of fresh ginger
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder, 2 tablespoons ground coffee
- 5-6 crushed cardamom pods
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice mix
Keto version
This is a low-carb and sugar-free alternative to traditional simple syrup, commonly used in cocktails and beverages. It is made with a combination of a sugar substitute and water and can be used in various recipes to add sweetness without exceeding the daily net carb limit of a keto diet.
Like the basic syrup, you can also infuse the keto simple syrup with flavors such as vanilla, mint, or citrus peels by adding these ingredients during the heating process and straining them out after cooling.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated erythritol (or another keto-friendly sweetener such as allulose or monk fruit sweetener)
- 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum (optional, for a thicker consistency)
Instructions:
- Combine 1 cup of water and 1 cup of granulated erythritol in a saucepan.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the erythritol is completely dissolved.
- If you prefer a thicker syrup, slowly sprinkle in 1/4 teaspoon of xanthan gum while whisking continuously to avoid clumps.
- Once the erythritol is dissolved and the mixture is smooth, remove the saucepan from heat.
- Allow the syrup to cool to room temperature.
- Transfer the syrup to a sterilized, airtight container and store it in the refrigerator.
How to use
1. In Cocktails
2. Cold Beverages: This syrup dissolves easily in cold liquids, making it ideal for iced beverages.
3. In Baking and Desserts: The syrup enhances moisture in baked goods and adds a glossy finish to fruits. My secret weapon for rescuing dry cakes is a light brush of flavored syrup.
Dessert applications:
- Soak cake layers for added moisture and flavor (particularly useful for cakes that need to stay fresh for several days)
- Glaze fresh fruit for a shiny, sweet finish
- Sweeten whipped cream or frosting for consistent texture
- Drizzle over fruits, pancakes, and waffles
- Use as a base for sorbets and other sweet treats
