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Basic Simple Syrup Recipe:
Prep time: 2 min
Cook time: 3 to 5 minutes
Total time: 7 minutes
Ingredients:
Cold Water
Granulated Sugar
NOTE: Decide which type of Simple Syrup (thin, medium, or thick) you want to make
to determine how much water and sugar you need to use. See Types of Simple Syrup above.
Directions:
In a high-sided saucepan over medium-high heat, bring cold water and sugar to a boil.
Turn the heat to low and stir constantly until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture is clear, approximately 3
to 5 minutes. Remember - the longer you boil it, the thicker the syrup will be when cooled.
To test if the sugar is completely dissolved: Using spoon, scoop up a small amount of the syrup. You shouldn't be able to see any
sugars crystals in the liquid. If you do, boil a little longer.
Optional: At this point you can add flavorings
(see below for ideas).
After boiling, let the syrup cool to room temperature, then pour into a tightly sealed, clean glass jar and store in the refrigerator
(Any clean and sealable container can be used). The syrup can be refrigerated for up to
6 months. You can also stir in 1 tablespoon corn syrup to help ensure the syrup stays smooth.
Infused Or Flavored Simple Syrups - How To Infuse Simple Syrup:
You can also flavor your
Simple Syrup in many interesting ways with the addition of herbs and spices. Infused Simple Syrups will work and taste fantastic in just about
any summer cocktail. Be creative!
- lemon, lime, orange, and/or grapefruit zest
and/or freshly-squeezed juice
- whole cinnamon sticks
- whole vanilla bean (split open the
beans)
- whole cloves
- whole cardamom pods
- culinary lavender (fresh or dried -
great in lemonade)
- basil leaves
- ginger root (peeled and cut into rounds
or coarsely chopped)
- mint leaves (I usually keep a bottle in
my refrigerator for making Mint Juleps an
Mojitos during the summer)
- rosemary sprigs
- fresh eucalyptus
- peppercorns
- chili peppers (fresh or dried)
- rose water - substitute some of the
water with rose water (make sure you use
food-grade rose water that is ok for consumption, some
are not)
- any sort of fruit or vegetable (fresh or
frozen)
- green tea (substitute prepared green tea
for the water)
Just add the flavoring (of your choice) once the
water and sugar are done boiling and removed from the heat source. Let sit approximately 20 to 30
minutes to infuse the Simple Syrup. Using a wire mesh strainer, strain out the flavoring
before using or storing. Some people like to simmer their flavorings when the
sugar and water boils.
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