Difference between revisions of "Make Sugar Water"

Sugar water, also known as "simple syrup," is used to sweeten drinks, such as [[Make Lemonade|lemonade]], [[Make Iced Tea|iced tea]], mint juleps, and cocktails.<ref name="rf1">Food Network, [http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/simple-syrup-for-sweetening-tea-recipe.html Simple Syrup for Sweetening Tea]</ref> It can also be used for making desserts and feeding humming birds. This article will show you several different ways of making sugar water. It will also give you some ideas on how to further enhance your sugar water.

=== Ingredients for Sugar Water<ref name="rf2">Food Network, [http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/simple-sugar-syrup-recipe.html Simple Sugar Syrup]</ref> ===

=== Ingredients for Concentrated Sugar Water<ref name="rf3">Art of Drink, [http://www.artofdrink.com/recipes/ingredient/simple-syrup?/recipes/ingredient/simple-syrup/ Simple Syrup]</ref> ===

=== Ingredients for Hummingbird Sugar Water<ref name="rf4">Wild Bird Shop, [http://www.wildbirdshop.com/Birding/humfeed.html Wild Bird Shop, Feeding Humming Birds]</ref> ===

#Fill a pot with 1 cup (240 milliliters) and 1 cup (200 grams) sugar. This will give you about 1 ½ cups (350 milliliters) of sugar water.<ref name="rf2" /> If you need to make more/less sugar water, then use one part water to one part sugar.

#Reduce the water to a simmer and wait until the sugar dissolves. As soon as the water begins to boil, reduce the heat and bring the water to a simmer. It will take about three minutes for the sugar to dissolve.<ref name="rf5">Food and Wine, [http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/simple-syrup Simple Syrup]</ref>

#Store the sugar water in the refrigerator. Use it within one month.<ref name="rf2" /> You can use sugar water to make lemonade or cocktails.

#Pour 4 cups (960 milliliters) of water and 1 cup (200 grams) cane sugar into a pot. Do not use red food coloring, honey, or any other type of sugar; any of these things may end up harming the hummingbirds. Honey spoils too quickly, and low-calorie and artificial sweeteners do not give hummingbirds enough calories.<ref name="rf4" /><ref name="rf6">National Wildlife Federation, [http://www.nwf.org/How-to-Help/Garden-for-Wildlife/Gardening-Tips/How-to-Attract-Hummingbirds-to-Your-Garden.aspx How to Attract Hummingbirds to Your Garden]</ref>

#Bring the mixture to a boil and cook it until the sugar dissolves completely. This should take one to two minutes.<ref name="rf7">Bird Watchers, [http://www.birdwatchers.com/debtips.html Debbie's Tips for Attracting and Feeding Hummingbirds]</ref>

#* Boiling the water is important, because the high heat will kill any bacteria that might be in the water.<ref name="rf8">National Zoo, [http://nationalzoo.si.edu/scbi/migratorybirds/webcam/hummingbird_nectar_recipe.cfm Hummingbird Nectar Recipe]</ref>

#Fill the hummingbird feeder and store the rest of the sugar water in the refrigerator. The sugar water will later about two weeks in the fridge.<ref name="rf9">Hummingbirds, [http://www.hummingbirds.net/feeders.html#recipe Hummingbird Feeders]</ref>

#Maintain your [[Feed Hummingbirds|hummingbird feeder]]. If you wish to [[Attract Hummingbirds|attract hummingbirds]] with tasty sugar water, you will need to change it every two to three days—and everyday if it is hot outside. Hummingbirds will not drink spoiled sugar water. Also, be sure to keep your hummingbird feeder in the shade; keeping it out in the sun will cause the sugar to spoil faster.<ref name="rf10">All About Birds, [http://www.allaboutbirds.org/feeding-hummingbirds/ Feeding Hummingbirds]</ref>

#Consider using brown sugar instead of white. This will give you a richer flavor. It will also give the drink a golden tint; because of this, it is better to use the brown sugar water for rum-based drinks instead of clear drinks.<ref name="rf11">The Kitchn, [http://www.thekitchn.com/straight-up-diy-simple-syrup-48094 Straight Up: DIY Simple Syrup]</ref>

#* You can also use honey instead of sugar for a sweet, golden syrup.<ref name="rf12">Bon Appetit, [http://www.bonappetit.com/recipes/article/how-to-make-4-infused-simple-syrups-and-change-your-cocktail-game-like-whoa How to Make 4 Infused Simple Syrups]</ref>

#Consider adding some rosewater. Substitute part of the water in your recipe for some rosewater. Be sure to use pure, edible rosewater; some rosewater types are for cosmetic purposes only and not meant to be consumed.<ref name="rf13">What's Cooking America?, [http://whatscookingamerica.net/Sauces_Condiments/SimpleSyrup.htm Simple Syrup Recipe]</ref>

#Make some no-cook sugar water using castor sugar. Do not use confectioner's or powdered sugar. Simply pour one part castor sugar and one part water into a bottle, close the bottle, and shake it for a few minutes until the sugar dissolves. The fine grains of castor sugar make it easier to dissolve in water, so you don't need to cook it.<ref name="rf11" />

#Add herbs to the sugar water to make flavored syrup. <ref name="rf11" /> Once the sugar has dissolved, add the herbs of your choice, and take the pot off the stove. Let the herbs sit in the sugar water for an hour, then pour the sugar water into a new container through a strainer. Discard the herbs and store the flavored syrup in the refrigerator. Some great herbs include:<ref name="rf13" />

* Prevent your syrup from crystallizing by adding ¼ cup (60 milliliters) corn syrup = prevents sugar from crystallizing.<ref name="rf3" />

* Stop mold and bacteria from developing by adding 1 to 2 ounces (30 to 60 milliliters) vodka.<ref name="rf3" />