Simple Syrup for The Win
Simple syrups are a great addition to cocktails or if you just want to add a flavor kick to a simple pour. Not into to cocktails? Use simple syrups in lemonade, iced tea or on baked goods.
Making simple syrups is just that…simple!
Simple Syrup Recipe
1 cup water
1 cup sugar
Mix in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Simmer 5 minutes and cool completely. Pour into bottle/jar/container. Store in the fridge.
There are differences of opinion for how long homemade simple syrups will last if stored in the fridge. Some say 1 month, others say up to 6 months. My rule of thumb; make small batches and this will not be an issue! Otherwise, if the odor or consistency has changed or if you see stuff floating in it, then it’s time to throw it out.
After you have mastered basic simple syrup, try different flavors and combinations.
Replace the water in the basic recipe with fruit juice or flavored herbal tea.
Add fresh fruit, fruit zest or peels with the water. Make sure to strain before or as you add to jar,
For a milder flavor add peels or zest to the simple syrup as it cools.
Substitute demerara or turbinado for the regular sugar. This adds caramel and nutty notes.
Use honey instead of sugar. Only have flavored honey? Even better!
Use spices and herbs! Cinnamon, mint, ginger, thyme, and rosemary all add unique flavors to simple syrup.
Combine flavors: ginger-peach, lemon-thyme, blackberry-mint, and vanilla with turbinado sugar… the possibilities are endless.
Ginger Plum Simple Syrup
Here is an example of one of the unlimited options of flavored simple syrups: Ginger Plum Simple Syrup.
1. Peel and cut up 6-8 ripe plums, place in a 2 cup measuring cup.
2. Add water to fill to the 2 cup line.
3. Pour into a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes. Cool.
4. Strain juice in to measuring cup (I ended up with 2/3 cup juice).
5. Pour juice into saucepan and add an equal amount of sugar (2/3 cup).
6. Bring to a boil, lower temperature. Add 3-4 slices of fresh ginger and simmer for 5 minutes.
7. Remove from heat and cool. Remove ginger.
8. Pour into jar/bottle/container. Store in refrigerator.
Ginger Plum Old Fashioned
1. 2 ounces bourbon (I used Nikka)
2. 1 ounce Ginger Plum Simple Syrup
3. 3 dashes Cardamom bitters
4. Add all to glass and stir. Add ice ball and enjoy!
Get creative and have fun when making simple syrups. Try something new and use it to create your own cocktail. Share with others and tag me so I can see your cocktail creation. Cheers!
