How to make Simple Syrup
Simple Syrup is one of the most important ingredients in your home bar. In fact, if you look at ten cocktail recipes, it’s likely that eight of them include Simple Syrup.
So then, what is Simple Syrup, you ask? “It’s the salt and pepper of drinks,” says Ricardo ‘Rico’ Dynan, Bartender and Absolut Global Brand Ambassador.
Simple Syrup helps balance out the drink. From a delicious Mojito to sophisticated Old Fashioned, Simple Syrup is the secret weapon that’s going to help elevate the taste and quality of your drinks. It simultaneously carries and enhances flavors, adding both depth and complexity.
Prepare a large batch of Simple Syrup
Instead of making a single serving of Simple Syrup each time you prepare a cocktail, we recommend making a large batch. As always, use equal parts Caster Sugar and Water. Trust us, it’ll save you a lot of time and allow you to follow cocktail recipes on the fly. This not only adds convenience but also makes hosting and on-the-fly cocktail experimentation much easier.
Caster sugar is ideal for creating a smooth, consistent syrup. This ensures that your cocktails have a perfect balance of sweetness without any graininess.
Get Creative with Simple Syrup
You can also get creative with Simple Syrup to bring a whole new experience to your drinks. Here’s a few suggestions:
- Herbal Infusions: Add Rosemary, Thyme, or Basil for a botanical twist.
- Spicy Zest: Infuse with Cinnamon, Cloves, or Chili for a kick.
- Citrus Brightness: Include the peel of Lemon, Orange, or Lime for a zesty finish.
- Exotic Blends: Experiment with flavors like Lavender, Cardamom, or Hibiscus.
Play around, mix it up and have fun!
Simple Syrup is made of Sugar and Water in equal parts, for example, 1 part sugar to 1 part water. That’s it! For a richer syrup, you can also try a 2:1 ratio.
You can, but it usually contains preservatives and aromas you won’t want in your drinks. Plus, making it at home is super simple and much more cost effective.
In baking, Simple Syrup is often used to give Bread, Cakes, and Pastries a nice sheen. In cocktails, it’s used to balance flavors and add sweetness. For non-alcoholic drinks, it’s the secret to great tasting Lemonades, Iced Teas, and Mocktails.
Homemade Simple Syrup typically lasts about a week in the fridge.
Once you’ve made the mixture, pour it into bottles or any lidded container that’s easy to pour from.
To extend its shelf life, add a squeeze of Lemon or a splash of Vodka. Keep the container tightly sealed to maintain freshness.To check if your syrup has gone bad, look for tiny air bubbles in the container. If you see these bubbles, it usually means the Syrup has started fermenting and should be discarded.
To make Simple Syrup at home, combine equal parts Sugar and Water (1:1 or 2:2) in a saucepan. Simmer on low heat and stir until the Sugar completely dissolves. Let the syrup cool before using. Be sure to watch the video at the top of this page where Rico shows you how to make Simple Syrup.
It’s a more condensed and sweeter version of Simple Syrup, using two parts Sugar to one part Water (2:1). This variation is perfect for drinks that demand a stronger flavor or need more sweetness without adding too much liquid.
COCKTAILS WITH SIMPLE SYRUP
Tom Collins
Gin, Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup, Cherry, Lemon, Soda Water
Citron Pressé
Soda Water, Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup, Lemon
Mint Julep
Bourbon, Simple Syrup, Mint Leaf
Vodka Sour
Absolut Vodka, Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup, Egg White, Bitters, Cherry, Lemon
Pumpkin Pie Martini
Absolut Vanilia, Milk, Cinnamon Syrup, Pumpkin Puree, Sugar, Superfine
Pornstar Martini
Absolut Vanilia, Passion Fruit Purée, Vanilla Syrup, Pineapple, Passion fruit, Champagne
Vodka Collins
Absolut Vodka, Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup, Soda Water, Cherry, Orange
Kahlúa Sour
Kahlúa, Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup, Egg White, Lemon
Lemon Drop Martini
Absolut Citron, Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup, Triple Sec, Lemon Zest
