Sugar syrup is quite easy to make and can be used to make a large number of drinks, dishes and desserts. If you prepare more than necessary, you can store it in a sterile, airtight container and keep it in the fridge for between two weeks and six months, depending on the process and the ingredients used. Alternatively, you can keep it in the freezer for up to a year.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Make It Last Longer
Step 1. Pour the syrup into an airtight container
Choose an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid (such as a Tupperware container or glass bottle) to reduce the syrup's exposure to oxygen. However, avoid glass containers if you intend to store it in the freezer.
Bottles with spouts are perfect for pouring syrup into cocktails. However, replace the spout with an airtight cap before storing it in the fridge
Step 2. Sterilize the container
Before starting, sterilize the container to make the syrup last as long as possible. It is not enough to wash it superficially. The sterilization process is easy to follow: just pour boiling water into the container and onto the outer surface. Empty it just before pouring the syrup. Do you need to sterilize a plastic container? Place it in a larger bowl along with a cup full of water and place it in the microwave. Let it heat for three minutes, then carefully remove it.
Be careful not to burn yourself or damage kitchen surfaces when working in contact with hot water and containers
Step 3. Store the syrup in the fridge
Closed the container, place it in the refrigerator, while avoiding leaving it on the kitchen counter, where it will otherwise be exposed to heat and sunlight. The low light and the low temperatures of the refrigerator allow to extend the duration of the syrup.
Step 4. Use it within a month if you have prepared it by following the hot process and dosing the ingredients in a ratio of 1: 1
This type of relationship affects the shelf life of the syrup. In fact, using equal parts of sugar and water allows it to last for about four weeks.
Step 5. Use the syrup within six months if you have prepared it by following the hot process and dosing the ingredients at a ratio of 2: 1
As it contains more sugar, the shelf life of the syrup will be considerably extended.
Step 6. Cold prepared and flavored syrups should be used within two weeks
A simple, cold-prepared, flavored syrup does not last as long as a hot, neutral-tasting syrup, regardless of the sugar to water ratio. Make sure you use it within two weeks of making it, otherwise it could start to go cloudy and / or be ruined by mold.
Step 7. Add 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of vodka to the hot prepared syrups to extend their shelf life
Mix 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of vodka with the syrup before refrigerating. This ingredient allows you to keep hot syrups with a ratio of 1: 1 in the fridge for three months (for six, if prepared hot with a ratio of 2: 1).
Step 8. Freeze the sugar syrup (prepared hot or cold) for up to a year
Be sure to use an airtight sterile container. Given the high sugar content, it may not freeze completely. When it comes time to use it, thaw it by immersing the container in hot water.
Do not freeze the sugar syrup in a glass jar, as it may crack
Method 2 of 2: Make Simple Syrup
Step 1. Prepare the syrup using the hot procedure to make it last longer
Pour equal parts of the water and sugar into a saucepan. Cook the ingredients over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar has completely dissolved. Remove the pot from the heat, turn off the gas and let the mixture cool.
Make sure you don't boil it, or the water will evaporate, altering the water-to-sugar ratio
Step 2. Prepare the sugar syrup using the cold procedure to avoid cooking the mixture
Pour equal parts of the water and sugar into a jar or bowl. Stir or shake them vigorously until the sugar has completely dissolved. This will take some time, as the sugar dissolves more slowly in cold water.
Adjust the tap water to the temperature you prefer - it doesn't have to be cold. This method is called "cold" because the mixture is not subjected to a cooking process, as happens with the hot process
Step 3. Play with the proportions to change the flavor and texture of the syrup
Use more or less sugar depending on how you intend to use the syrup. Adjust the sugar to water ratio (for example, 2: 1) until you get a flavor and texture that you like. Keep one thing in mind: the more sugar you use, the longer the syrup will last.
Step 4. Flavor the syrup if you like
Remove the pot from the heat, add your favorite flavors, such as a sprig of rosemary, orange peel, a cinnamon stick, or 1 or 2 vanilla pods. Leave it to infuse until the mixture has cooled, then remove it and stir or shake the syrup to evenly distribute the aroma.
