Simple Syrup
Simple syrup. What does it mean, in a beverage recipe? Simply put, it's boiling equal parts sugar and water. Simple... except when it's not. For example, a medium simple syrup is 2 parts water to 1 part sugar, and a thick simple syrup (also called "rich") is 1 to 1. What about flavored simple syrup? Confused? Read on...
Simple Syrup
Ingredients: 1 cup sugar, 1 cup water
Directions:
- Add sugar and water to a small saucepan.
- Bring to a boil, stirring slowly as it heats.
- By the time it boils, the sugar should be dissolved. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Store in jar and refrigerate for up to a month.
Flavored Simple Syrup
The concept is the same. For a bold flavor, add an extra ingredient to the water and allow to boil, and then add the sugar after removing the extra. For a milder flavor, add just as the water/sugar comination is coming to a boil, and remove the ingredient after the syrup cools. Possibilities include: orange, vanilla, lavendar, pepper, mint, rose, cinnamon, chile, ginger, etc. The sky is the limit! I even saw a chipotle-orange simple syrup. Yum!
No-Time Shortcut
Yeah, maybe you just don't have the time to heat and cool the syrup, or are not one of those crazy organized people who just happens to have it prepared ahead of time. Is the shortcut as good as the other way? Well, it isn't as sweet, but it'll do in a pinch. Here is a short-cut:
- Fill a jar with equal parts sugar and water.
- Shake vigorously until the sugar has dissolved.
- Use immediately.
So, now you know all about simple syrups, and can try out some of those recipes that you've been avoiding because simple syrup scared you... Enjoy!