Easy Simple Syrup

A simple syrup, sometimes referred to as a sugar syrup, is in its most basic form, a liquid sugar used to sweeten things like cocktails, fruit juice, and other beverages. But, its use has a much further reach than just a cold and refreshing drink!

EASY SIMPLE SYRUP

Easy Simple Syrup can be used to add sweetness to foods, or even increase the sweetness level in foods that are already a little sweet. A perfect example is a fruit salad. Even though fruit is already naturally sweet, some people like to add a simple syrup to their fruit salad to increase the sweetness, but to also act as a shiny glaze.

It is often found in desserts. Just like the shiny glaze in the fruit salad, simple syrup can be used to glaze baked goods. Think of things like donuts or sugary, sweet buns. That stickiness and sweetness on the outside is easily achieved with a simple syrup drizzle.

You can purchase simple syrup almost anywhere. Large chain grocery stores would carry it, as well as bakery supply stores. Some liquor stores will carry it too, because it can be commonly found in many cocktail recipes. That’s exactly why I am making my own to share with you. I’ve been sharing some cocktail recipes as of late, and some of the cocktail recipes that I’ll be sharing soon have simple syrup in the recipe.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED AND HOW TO MAKE EASY SIMPLE SYRUP

To make my Easy Simple Syrup at home, you will need two ingredients. Well, I would go as far as saying that you only need one ingredient, because the other one is just water. The other is sugar. There is a contrasting argument out there that simple or sugar syrup needs a 2:1 ratio. That means two cups of sugar and one cup of water. I say no!

A 1:1 ratio works just fine. One cup of sugar and one cup of water works perfectly. Add both the sugar and the water to a sauce pan. Over high heat, bring the mixture to a boil. Stir to ensure that the sugar is not stuck to the bottom of the pan. We don’t want it to burn. Once the sugar is dissolved completely, allow the mixture to continue to boil for at least 10 minutes.

The water and sugar mixture will reduce and thicken. Here’s what you are looking for. If you use a 1:1 ratio, meaning one cup of water and one cup of sugar, you will want to boil them together until you end up with one cup. The syrup will be opaque and have a cloudy look to it. And, it will be thick and very, very sticky.

HOW TO STORE YOUR SYRUP

The best way to store your homemade Easy Simple Syrup is to pour it into a very clean jar. I like to use a mason jar or a liquid jar with a rubber resealable gasket lid like the one you see in the photos. Both will work just fine. If using a jar like I did, use a funnel to avoid spilling the syrup down the side of the bottle.

Store your syrup in the fridge for up to six months. I keep mine on the side of my fridge door right where I keep my extracts. All you need to do once you have made it, is to find enough recipes to use it in before the six months is up. Don’t worry, if you like summery cocktails, I have you covered. Otherwise, you can use it on baked goods, in your tea or coffee, and even on waffles instead of maple syrup.

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