True to its name, this simple sugar syrup is really easy to make. The only ingredients required are two: water and sugar. Thanks to the intervention of heat, the syrup will have a smooth and uniform consistency, totally free of lumps that could be annoying in the mouth. This quality makes it perfect for sweetening preparations where fluidity is important, such as cocktails and drinks in general. Once you have learned to reproduce the basic recipe, you will be able to experiment with new variations and new flavors.
Ingrediants
- 250 g of white granulated sugar
- 250 ml of water
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Make Simple Sugar Syrup
Step 1. Measure the water and sugar in equal parts, then pour them into a saucepan
Remember that since the sugar will dissolve in the water, the final amount will be slightly less than the starting amount. Using 250 g of sugar and 250 ml of water you will get about 400 ml of syrup. If you want to prepare more or less syrup, adjust the doses accordingly, changing the quantities of water and sugar proportionally.
Step 2. Stir and bring the mixture to a boil
Turn on medium to medium-high heat, then wait for the water to start boiling. From time to time, stir to dissolve the sugar in the water faster.
Step 3. Once it comes to a boil, reduce the heat and let the syrup simmer until the sugar has completely dissolved and becomes transparent
Stir occasionally with a spoon or a whisk. This step should take approximately 3-5 minutes.
Step 4. Remove the syrup from the heat source, then let it cool
If you are ready to add it to another recipe, you can use it as soon as it reaches room temperature; otherwise continue reading to know how to store it correctly.
Step 5. Pour it into a bottle or glass jar
If you have chosen to use a bottle, pour it through a funnel to facilitate the work and to avoid the risk of dirtying the surrounding surfaces.
Step 6. Store the sugar syrup in the refrigerator
You can use it to sweeten tea, coffee, lemonade and cocktails. It will last for about four weeks.
Method 2 of 2: Make a Flavored Sugar Syrup
Step 1. Measure the water and sugar in equal parts, then pour them into a saucepan
Start with 250g of sugar and 250ml of water. Stir to combine the two ingredients.
Step 2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the sugar has completely dissolved in the water
This should take approximately 3-5 minutes. Stir occasionally with a spoon or a whisk.
Step 3. Remove the pot from the heat, then add an herb or spice to your taste
As for aromatic herbs, you can choose to use them fresh, dried, whole or crumbled; instead in the case of spices it is essential to add them whole, because in powder form they would be too difficult to filter. If you want to create different recipes, first divide the syrup into several jars, then add the desired aromatic ingredients. Here are some ideas to take inspiration from:
- 4 cinnamon sticks, broken in half.
- 1 tablespoon of grated lemon, lime, grapefruit or orange zest.
- 1 tablespoon of a dry herb, for example thyme, lavender or rose petals.
- 3 or 4 fresh sprigs of rosemary, thyme or lavender.
- 25 g of fresh mint or basil leaves.
- The seeds of half a vanilla pod (cut it in half lengthwise and scrape the seeds from the inside of the pod with the blade of the knife).
Step 4. Cover the pot with an appropriately sized lid, then let the aromas infuse their flavor into the syrup
You will need to let it rest for about 30 minutes; during this time the herbs, spices or flowers will release their essences permeating the syrup.
Step 5. Filter the syrup to retain the aromas
They could visually embellish the syrup jars, but would significantly shorten their shelf life. Place a colander or fine mesh sieve over the mouth of the bottle or jar, then pour the syrup into it. Discard any herbs, spices, or flower petals that remain in the colander.
If you want to transfer the syrup into a bottle, insert a funnel into the neck, then place the strainer inside the funnel
Step 6. Screw the lid or cap on tightly, then store the syrup in the refrigerator
Use it to sweeten or flavor iced tea, coffee, lemonade or a cocktail. It will last for about one or two weeks.
Advice
- Using brown sugar instead of white sugar will result in a more intense syrup.
- If you want to make a syrup with a very fluid and not excessively sweet consistency, you can use one part of sugar for every two parts of water. With a proportion of three parts of water each part of sugar you will get a very watery and mild syrup.
- Use 2 parts of sugar each part of water to make a very sweet and thick syrup.
- If you don't want to use the stove, use hot water and a variety of extra fine sugar (but not powdered sugar). Pour both ingredients into an airtight jar, then shake vigorously to mix.
- You can try making a syrup with water and honey; simply substitute honey for sugar.
Warnings
- Don't lose sight of the syrup while it cooks; the sugar may burn and caramelize.
- Sugar syrup can go bad. If you spot mold or if you notice that it smells bad, throw it away.
