Difference between revisions of "Make Simple Syrup"
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True to its name, simple syrup is quite simple to make. It requires only two ingredients: sugar and water. Because it is cooked, it does not have those annoying grains of sugar, making it a common sweetener for drinks where texture is important. Once you know how to make simple syrup, you can experiment with adding your own flavors and variations. | True to its name, simple syrup is quite simple to make. It requires only two ingredients: sugar and water. Because it is cooked, it does not have those annoying grains of sugar, making it a common sweetener for drinks where texture is important. Once you know how to make simple syrup, you can experiment with adding your own flavors and variations. | ||
| − | [[Category:Syrups]] | + | [[Category: Syrups]] |
== Ingredients == | == Ingredients == | ||
* 1 cup (225 grams) white, granulated sugar | * 1 cup (225 grams) white, granulated sugar | ||
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== Steps == | == Steps == | ||
=== Making Simple Syrup === | === Making Simple Syrup === | ||
| − | #Fill a saucepan with equal amounts of water and sugar and stir. Remember that the sugar will dissolve, so you will end up with a little bit less than you think. If you started with 1 cup (225 grams) of sugar and 1 cup (240 milliliters) of water, you will end up with 1½ cup (360 milliliters) of simple syrup.<ref>http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/simple-syrup</ref> If you need more/less simple syrup than that, adjust the ratios accordingly. | + | #Fill a saucepan with equal amounts of water and sugar and stir. Remember that the sugar will dissolve, so you will end up with a little bit less than you think. If you started with 1 cup (225 grams) of sugar and 1 cup (240 milliliters) of water, you will end up with 1½ cup (360 milliliters) of simple syrup.<ref name="rf1">http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/simple-syrup</ref> If you need more/less simple syrup than that, adjust the ratios accordingly. |
#Bring the mixture to a boil. Turn the heat to medium or medium high, and let the mixture come to a boil. Stir occasionally to help the sugar dissolve. | #Bring the mixture to a boil. Turn the heat to medium or medium high, and let the mixture come to a boil. Stir occasionally to help the sugar dissolve. | ||
| − | #Simmer the mixture over low heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture turns clear.<ref>http://whatscookingamerica.net/Sauces_Condiments/SimpleSyrup.htm</ref> Stir the mixture occasionally with a whisk or spoon. This will may take anywhere between 3 to 5 minutes. | + | #Simmer the mixture over low heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture turns clear.<ref name="rf2">http://whatscookingamerica.net/Sauces_Condiments/SimpleSyrup.htm</ref> Stir the mixture occasionally with a whisk or spoon. This will may take anywhere between 3 to 5 minutes. |
#Remove the mixture from heat and let it cool. If you are making the simple syrup for a recipe, you can use it as soon as it cools down. If not, read on to learn how to store it. | #Remove the mixture from heat and let it cool. If you are making the simple syrup for a recipe, you can use it as soon as it cools down. If not, read on to learn how to store it. | ||
#Pour the simple syrup into a glass jar or bottle. If you choose to use a bottle, stick a funnel down the neck of the bottle first. This will make pouring the simple syrup in easier. | #Pour the simple syrup into a glass jar or bottle. If you choose to use a bottle, stick a funnel down the neck of the bottle first. This will make pouring the simple syrup in easier. | ||
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#Bring the mixture to a boil, then simmer it until the sugar dissolves. This will take about 3 to 5 minutes. Stir the mixture occasionally. | #Bring the mixture to a boil, then simmer it until the sugar dissolves. This will take about 3 to 5 minutes. Stir the mixture occasionally. | ||
#Remove the saucepan from heat and add some spices or fresh herbs. You can use crushed, dried herbs, but avoid using ground spices; they will be too hard to filter out. If you'd like to make several different flavors, pour the simple syrup into jars first, then add your desired herbs or spices. Here are some ideas to get you started: | #Remove the saucepan from heat and add some spices or fresh herbs. You can use crushed, dried herbs, but avoid using ground spices; they will be too hard to filter out. If you'd like to make several different flavors, pour the simple syrup into jars first, then add your desired herbs or spices. Here are some ideas to get you started: | ||
| − | #* 4 cinnamon sticks, broken in half.<ref>http://www.saveur.com/article/Recipes/Cinnamon-Syrup</ref> | + | #* 4 cinnamon sticks, broken in half.<ref name="rf3">http://www.saveur.com/article/Recipes/Cinnamon-Syrup</ref> |
| − | #* 1 tablespoon lemon, lime, grapefruit, or orange zest.<ref>http://allrecipes.com/recipe/221033/lemon-syrup/</ref> | + | #* 1 tablespoon lemon, lime, grapefruit, or orange zest.<ref name="rf4">http://allrecipes.com/recipe/221033/lemon-syrup/</ref> |
| − | #* 1 tablespoon dried herbs, such as thyme, lavender, or rose petals.<ref>http://www.food.com/recipe/lavender-simple-syrup-385609</ref> | + | #* 1 tablespoon dried herbs, such as thyme, lavender, or rose petals.<ref name="rf5">http://www.food.com/recipe/lavender-simple-syrup-385609</ref> |
| − | #* 3 to 4 fresh rosemary, thyme, or lavender sprigs.<ref>http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/rosemary-simple-syrup</ref> | + | #* 3 to 4 fresh rosemary, thyme, or lavender sprigs.<ref name="rf6">http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/rosemary-simple-syrup</ref> |
| − | #* 1 cup (25 grams) fresh mint or basil leaves.<ref>http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/mint-simple-syrup-0</ref> | + | #* 1 cup (25 grams) fresh mint or basil leaves.<ref name="rf7">http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/mint-simple-syrup-0</ref> |
| − | #* ½ vanilla bean pod, seeds scraped and added in.<ref | + | #* ½ vanilla bean pod, seeds scraped and added in.<ref name="rf3" /> |
| − | #Cover the saucepan tightly with a lid and wait 30 minutes. During this time, the herbs, spices, or flowers you added will steep and release their flavors into the simple syrup.<ref>http://www.thekitchn.com/straight-up-diy-simple-syrup-48094</ref> | + | #Cover the saucepan tightly with a lid and wait 30 minutes. During this time, the herbs, spices, or flowers you added will steep and release their flavors into the simple syrup.<ref name="rf8">http://www.thekitchn.com/straight-up-diy-simple-syrup-48094</ref> |
| − | #Strain out the herbs, spices, or flowers. They may look pretty in the jar, but they will shorten the shelf life of the syrup.<ref>http://thepioneerwoman.com/food-and-friends/how-to-make-simple-syrup/</ref> Place a fine, mesh strainer or sieve over a glass jar or bottle, and pour the simple syrup through it. Discard the herbs, spices, or flowers that get caught in the strainer. | + | #Strain out the herbs, spices, or flowers. They may look pretty in the jar, but they will shorten the shelf life of the syrup.<ref name="rf9">http://thepioneerwoman.com/food-and-friends/how-to-make-simple-syrup/</ref> Place a fine, mesh strainer or sieve over a glass jar or bottle, and pour the simple syrup through it. Discard the herbs, spices, or flowers that get caught in the strainer. |
#* If you are filling a bottle, you might want to stick a funnel down the neck of the bottle first. | #* If you are filling a bottle, you might want to stick a funnel down the neck of the bottle first. | ||
#Close the jar or bottle tightly, and store the simple syrup in the fridge. Use it to sweeten or flavor iced teas, coffees, lemonades, and cocktails. It will last about 1 to 2 weeks. | #Close the jar or bottle tightly, and store the simple syrup in the fridge. Use it to sweeten or flavor iced teas, coffees, lemonades, and cocktails. It will last about 1 to 2 weeks. | ||
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== Tips == | == Tips == | ||
* Use 2 parts sugar to 1 part water for a thicker, sweeter simple syrup. | * Use 2 parts sugar to 1 part water for a thicker, sweeter simple syrup. | ||
| − | * Use brown sugar instead of white sugar for a richer flavor.<ref | + | * Use brown sugar instead of white sugar for a richer flavor.<ref name="rf8" /> |
| − | * Use 1 part sugar to 2 parts water for a thinner, less sweet simple syrup. To make an ultra thin simple syrup, use 3 parts water to 1 part sugar.<ref | + | * Use 1 part sugar to 2 parts water for a thinner, less sweet simple syrup. To make an ultra thin simple syrup, use 3 parts water to 1 part sugar.<ref name="rf2" /> |
| − | * To make a non-cook version: fill a jar with equal parts hot water and castor sugar (not confectioners' or powdered), close it tightly, and shake it to mix.<ref | + | * To make a non-cook version: fill a jar with equal parts hot water and castor sugar (not confectioners' or powdered), close it tightly, and shake it to mix.<ref name="rf8" /> |
| − | * You can make simple syrup using honey instead! Simply replace the sugar with honey.<ref>http://www.bonappetit.com/recipes/article/how-to-make-4-infused-simple-syrups-and-change-your-cocktail-game-like-whoa</ref> | + | * You can make simple syrup using honey instead! Simply replace the sugar with honey.<ref name="rf10">http://www.bonappetit.com/recipes/article/how-to-make-4-infused-simple-syrups-and-change-your-cocktail-game-like-whoa</ref> |
== Warnings == | == Warnings == | ||
