Simple syrup, sometimes called “sugar syrup,” is a basic syrup that’s commonly used in cocktails and other beverages as a sweetener. 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 go-to 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 prefer to create my own recipes for them because it’s easy and much more affordable to make them in batches at home.
Add 200 g sugar and 200 ml hot water to a saucepan.
Heat over medium high heat while stirring for 3-5 minutes until sugar is dissolved but water is not yet boiling.
Remove from heat and let cool for 10 minutes.
Strain syrup through a fine mesh strainer 1-2 times to remove any sugar particles.
Pour syrup into a squeeze bottle or pouch with a spout using a funnel, then refrigerate or freeze.