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Cucumber Simple Syrup Recipe
Cucumber Simple Syrup Recipe

Cucumber Syrup

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About This Syrup

Simple syrup, sometimes called “sugar syrup,” is a basic syrup that’s commonly used as a sweetener in craft cocktails and other beverages. Unflavored simple syrup is made by dissolving an equal amount of granulated sugar in an equal amount of water, usually in a 1:1 ratio, to create a sweet-tasting liquid. Although it was once customary to use sugar itself in recipes, simple syrups have become the preferred sweetener in cocktails especially because they blend more easily with the other ingredients without leaving behind undissolved sugar crystals.

One of my favorite ways to create delicious new flavor combinations in our cocktails is to use simple syrups infused with fruits, herbs, and other additives. There are lots of pre-made flavored syrups on the market these days, but I create my own recipes for them because it’s easy (and much more affordable) to make them in batches at home.

This recipe is for a homemade cucumber syrup that was first used in the Hugo Mojito, a cocktail created by John Langner of Helix Wine, Craft Bar, & Café in Altoona, Wisconsin. The recipe combines two of our favorite classics, the Hugo Spritz and the Mojito, into one incredibly refreshing cocktail that has since become a go-to for us during the warmer months.

Syrup Ingredients

To make this simple syrup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

White Sugar: This is a sweetener. I used C&H Premium Pure Cane Granulated Sugar.

Cucumber Juice: This is the liquid juice of a cucumber. I used fresh cucumber juice.

How to Make This Syrup

When making syrups, I prefer to make most of ours using the sous vide method, but I made this one on the stovetop because the sugar only needs to dissolve in the cucumber juice for a short period of time.

To make this syrup, you’ll need the following tools:

Blender: This is used to blend up ingredients. I used the Cuisinart SPB-7CH SmartPowder Electronic Bar Blender.

Measuring Cups: These are used to measure the ingredients. I use the OXO 8 Piece Stainless Steel Measuring Cup Set and the OXO Good Grips Silicone Measuring Cup Set.

Food Scale: This is used to precisely weigh the ingredients. I use the GDEALER Food Scale because it offers extremely accurate weights and is easy to store thanks to its compact size.

Saucepan: This is what the syrup ingredients are placed inside to cook. I use the Cuisinart 3 Quart Stainless Steel Saucepan.

Silicone Spatula: This is used to stir the syrup. I use the OXO Good Grips Silicone Everyday Spatula because its flexibility allows me to stir and wipe the syrups out of the pan more thoroughly than a spoon.

Fine Mesh Strainer: This is used to remove solid ingredients from the syrup during the transfer process. I use the Barfly Stainless Steel Fine Mesh Strainer because its tightly woven mesh is excellent for removing small seeds and pieces of fruit.

Funnel: This is used to transfer the syrup from the bag to the storage containers without making a mess. I use the ANNIOCA Silicone Food Grade Funnel because it’s flexible and easy to store.

Squeeze Bottle: This is used to store the syrup in the refrigerator for immediate use. I use the OXO Good Grips Squeeze Bottles because they’re high quality.

Storage Pouch with Pouring Spout: This is used to store extra syrup in the freezer for later use. I use the OHMAXHO 16 oz Reusable Plastic Pouches because they’re made with a thick material that doesn’t come open after freezing the syrup.

OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Measuring Cups and Spoons Set, 2.9, 8 Piece
OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Measuring Cups and Spoons Set, 2.9, 8 Piece
Set includes: 1/4 Cup, 1/3 Cup, 1/2 Cup, 1 Cup, 1/4 tsp, 1/2 tsp, 1 tsp and 1 T Spoons; Handles feature permanent, etched measurement markings
$38.85 Amazon Prime
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OXO Good Grips 3 Piece Squeeze & Pour Silicone Measuring Cup Set, Blue
OXO Good Grips 3 Piece Squeeze & Pour Silicone Measuring Cup Set, Blue
Honeycomb pattern dissipates heat and keeps hands protected; Flexible silicone is microwave safe and ideal for melting butter, chocolate and more
$23.70 Amazon Prime
Cuisinart SPB-7CH SmartPower 40-Ounce 7-Speed Electronic Bar Blender, Chrome
Cuisinart SPB-7CH SmartPower 40-Ounce 7-Speed Electronic Bar Blender, Chrome
Perfect for blending, pureeing, mixing, liquefying and stirring; 7-speed touch pad control with easy-to-read indicator lights
$79.85 Amazon Prime
OXO Good Grips Silicone Everyday Spatula - Peppercorn
OXO Good Grips Silicone Everyday Spatula – Peppercorn
Silicone Everyday Spatula is the perfect tool for stirring, mixing, scraping and more; Flexible edges are polished and beveled to get every bit from bowls and cookware
OXO Good Grips Chef's Squeeze Bottle - Set
OXO Good Grips Chef’s Squeeze Bottle – Set
Set consists of medium bottle and large bottle with one thick tip and one thin tip; Unique attached cap stays open while you squeeze for a precise pour
$11.99 Amazon Prime

This post contains affiliate links, meaning we make a small commission each time you purchase a product using our links. Product images sourced from Amazon Product Advertising API. Amazon affiliate links last updated on 2024-10-03.

How to Store This Syrup

Once the syrup is made, it will need to be kept cool to preserve its freshness. Whether it will be stored in the refrigerator or the freezer affects the type of container I use, and I make the decision on where to store it based on when I expect to use some or all of the syrup in cocktails.

Refrigerator Storage: I will usually store our syrups in the refrigerator when I plan to use them in a cocktail either right away or within a few days. If that’s the case, I will store some in a condiment squeeze bottle so I can easily pour the syrup into a jigger when I make the drink. It’s rare that I need all sixteen ounces right away though, so I often keep some in the refrigerator and will transfer the rest of the syrup to a pouch so it can be frozen and used later.

Freezer Storage: I will usually store our syrups in the freezer when I don’t think I will use them in a cocktail within a week. If that’s the case, I store them in pouches with pouring spouts because those are made with a flexible material that won’t come open as the syrup expands during the freezing process. I will then thaw the pouches in a bowl of water when I want to use the syrup again.

Flavored syrups like this one should last one to two weeks in the refrigerator and can last up to six months if frozen. I recommend listing the date the syrup was made before storing it so you can keep track of when batches should be used or discarded.

Recipe

This recipe yields approximately sixteen ounces of syrup, which is enough for anywhere from fifteen to thirty-five cocktails depending on the amount needed for the drink.

Cucumber Syrup

This recipe is for a homemade cucumber syrup that was first used in the Hugo Mojito, a cocktail created by John Langner of Helix Wine, Craft Bar, & Café in Altoona, Wisconsin. The recipe combines two of our favorite classics, the Hugo Spritz and the Mojito, into one incredibly refreshing cocktail that has since become a go-to for us during the warmer months.

Prep Time 10 mins Assembly Time 20 mins Total Time 30 mins Difficulty: Intermediate Servings: 16 Calories: 50 Best Season: Any

Ingredients

Method

  1. Peel three cucumbers, then add to a blender and blend for 10-20 seconds until smooth.

  2. Pour blended cucumber through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove solids.

  3. Measure out 200 ml cucumber juice, then add to a saucepan and heat over medium high heat until boiling.

  4. Add 200 g sugar and heat while stirring for 3-5 minutes until sugar is dissolved.

  5. Reduce heat to low, cover pan, and let simmer for 10 minutes.

  6. Remove from heat and let cool for 5-10 minutes.

  7. Strain syrup through a fine mesh strainer 1-2 times to remove any sugar particles.

  8. Pour syrup into a squeeze bottle or pouch with a spout using a funnel, then refrigerate or freeze.

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About The Author

Kendall is the creator of Novel Nightcaps, a mixology blog chronicling recipes she tries from her cocktail book collection.