How To Make Simple Syrup At Home

Simple syrup is one of the most common ingredients in cocktails. It serves as a sweetener that blends seamlessly into various drinks. Most supermarkets and liquor stores will sell simple syrup for you to use in your cocktails. However, as the name suggests, it is really simple and easy to make simple syrup at home. Here’s how to make simple syrup.

How To Make Simple Syrup

Making simple syrup is really easy and requires only two ingredients: sugar and water. Here’s how to make simple syrup step by step.

Instructions

1. Combine Sugar and Water: In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar and water. The standard ratio is 1:1, but you can adjust it based on your preference. For a thicker, sweeter syrup, use a 2:1 ratio of sugar to water.
2. Heat The Mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir the mixture gently to help the sugar dissolve into the water.
3. Dissolve the Sugar: Continue to heat and stir occasionally until the sugar is completely dissolved. There’s no need to bring the mixture to a boil; just hot enough to dissolve the sugar.
4. Cool the Syrup: Once the sugar is dissolved and the syrup is clear, remove the saucepan from the heat. Allow the syrup to cool to room temperature.
5. Store the Syrup: Transfer the cooled syrup to a clean bottle or jar. An airtight container is best for storage.
6. Refrigerate: Store the simple syrup in the refrigerator. It will keep for about a month.

Tips

• Avoid Overheating: Don’t let the syrup boil for too long, as this can change its consistency and taste.
• Infusions: For flavored syrups, add ingredients like citrus zest, herbs, spices, or fruit during the heating process. Strain these out before storing.
• Shelf Life Extension: Add a small amount of vodka or neutral spirit to extend the syrup’s shelf life.

List of Cocktails That Use Simple Syrup

As I mentioned above, simple syrup is used in many cocktails. Here’s a list of classic cocktails that use simple syrup.

• Mojito: A refreshing Cuban cocktail made with white rum, lime juice, mint leaves, soda water, and simple syrup.
• Daiquiri: A classic cocktail consisting of rum, lime juice, and simple syrup. It can be served shaken with ice or blended.
• Whiskey Sour: A mix of whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup, often garnished with a slice of lemon and a cherry.
• Tom Collins: Made with gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and soda water, served in a Collins glass with ice.
• Old Fashioned: A whiskey cocktail where simple syrup is used to dissolve the bitters and add a touch of sweetness.
• Margarita: Traditionally made with tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur, but some recipes add simple syrup for extra sweetness.
• Gimlet: A simple mix of gin (or vodka) and lime juice, sweetened with simple syrup.
• Caipirinha: Brazil’s national cocktail, made with cachaça, sugar, and lime. Simple syrup can be used in place of sugar for a smoother blend.
• Bee’s Knees: A Prohibition-era cocktail made with gin, lemon juice, and honey simple syrup.
• Mint Julep: A traditional Southern cocktail made with bourbon, mint, and simple syrup, served over crushed ice.
• Bramble: A gin-based cocktail featuring lemon juice, simple syrup, and blackberry liqueur.
• Clover Club: A classic cocktail combining gin, lemon juice, raspberry syrup, and simple syrup.
• French 75: A celebratory drink made with gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and topped with Champagne.
• Sidecar: A mix of cognac, orange liqueur, and lemon juice, often with a touch of simple syrup to balance the citrus.
• Pisco Sour: Made with Pisco, lime juice, simple syrup, egg white, and bitters.