Cocktails 101: Easy Homemade Simple Sugar Syrup
Simple Syrup is a commonly used ingredient in many cocktails, and they don’t call it ‘simple’ syrup for nothing! It’s ridiculously easy to make, and since it lasts up to a month in the fridge, we can make one large batch and go back to it each time we want to make a cocktail.
Method
Combine equal parts white sugar with water (1 cup of each) in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring the water and sugar together until the sugar has dissolved. Allow to cool and refrigerate for later use.
Can You Make Flavoured Simple Syrup?
Yes, you can! Flavoured syrups are fun and can be made with a variety of ingredients you likely already have in the fridge or pantry! Here are a few flavouring options.
Vanilla syrup – Add a split vanilla bean to the simmering syrup. Let the vanilla bean cool in the syrup. Strain and store.
Cinnamon – Add a few sticks of cinnamon to the syrup when it's hot and let steep for a few hours or overnight. Strain and store.
Herbal syrup – Springs of rosemary, lemon thyme, sage and mint leaves all make wonderful additions to simple syrup. Add a small handful of the fresh herbs to the hot syrup, steep for about 30 minutes, then strain and store.
Ginger syrup – Cut slices from a piece of ginger root and add to the simmering syrup. Let the ginger slices cool in the syrup. Strain and store.
Honey syrup – Use the same 1 to 1 one formula of honey to water. Honey offers a light floral quality.