The Simplicity of Simple Syrup

Simple syrup is the straightforward component of countless incredible cocktails. Staple cocktails like the French 75, Old Fashioned, Tom Collins, and Whiskey Sour all utilize the sweetness of simple syrup to complete their flavor profile. Initially developed in the 1800s around the same time that the term “cock-tail” was coined, simple syrup has since earned its place in the four essential cocktail elements; liquor, water, bitters, and simple syrup.

Also known as “sugar syrup,” simple syrup is the liquified form of sugar used to sweeten your favorite cocktails, iced coffee, iced tea, and other beverages. Unlike your typical packets of sugar that sink to the bottom of your drink, this liquid sweetener disperses sweetness evenly throughout beverages of any temperature. And the ease of the recipe is astounding; you dissolve sugar in water. If you can boil water, you can make simple syrup!

Excuse the obvious statement, but making simple syrup is very simple. Traditional simple syrup is made from one part sugar and one part water (1:1). You can also make a richer variation by combining two parts sugar and one part water (2:1). The process to make it is identical.

TOOLS NEEDED

1. Medium Saucepan

2. Measuring Cups (Liquid and Dry)

3. Glass Jar or Bottle (Storage)

INGREDIENTS

1. 1 Cup Water (Filtered, preferably)

2. 1 Cup Granulated Sugar

THE STEPS

• Heat: Heat the water in a medium saucepan until hot, but do not bring it to a boil.

• Stir: Stir the sugar in the water frequently until it has fully dissolved and created a syrup-like consistency.

• Cool: Cool the simple syrup to room temperature before storing in a glass jar. Simple syrup can be stored for up to 2-3 weeks in a refrigerator.

Once you have mastered the art of making simple syrup at home, you may want to start exploring other flavor options. For instance, you can infuse herbs and spices or substitute the sugar with another sweetener. Some popular simple syrup variations include Lavender Syrup which pairs nicely with lemonade cocktails; Honey Syrup that gives a sultry sweetness to gin cocktails; and Agave Syrup that attenuates nectar into your favorite margarita. If you plan to whip up the simple syrup in bulk, stick with the 1:1 sugar and water ratio for best results.

In the cocktail world, simple syrup is the most common sweetener used. It helps to balance the acidity and bitterness of a cocktail, which aids the booze for a more well-rounded flavor profile. So, with all the rewards and the only risk being your measuring skills, we hope you’re rushing to make your own simple syrup tonight!

Now that you are well versed in the construction of simple syrup, let’s put that rich sweetener to use for cocktail creation at home. Here are a few cocktails that are featured in the Cocktail Lounge that will help you try making a variety of syrups:

Simple Syrup: Just like the syrup, the Koval Gin Gimlet is simple. Combine gin, lime juice, and simple syrup, and you’re on the way to a refreshingly crisp cocktail. Start practices by making the basic 1:1 simple syrup with sugar and water using the instructions above. Try making the Koval Gin Gimlet.

Honey Syrup: Are you interested in time travel? Head back to the 1920s with this Prohibition-era cocktail, The Barr Hill Gin Bee’s Knees. Featuring gin, lemon juice, and honey, this cocktail is the cat’s meow. The homemade honey syrup accentuates the unique flavor profile of the gin. Click Here for the full Barr Hill Gin Bees Knees recipe.

Thyme Syrup: In cooking, thyme is viewed as a mild herb that adds a fresh flavor. In cocktails, thyme is a subtle, herbaceous addition to your refreshment. The Saint Liberty Mary's Berry Smash utilizes sweet, sour, and herb to create a complex cocktail using a thyme-infused simple syrup. Check out the Saint Liberty Mary's Berry Smash.

Demerara Syrup: Simple syrup uses granulated sugar. Demerara syrup uses demerara sugar, which is less processed raw cane sugar with light brown crystals. While made identically, their flavors are far from similar. Give it a go with the Ten to One — a Rum Old-Fashioned that highlights the warm, molasses flavor of the demerara syrup. To get the recipe click here.

Mint Syrup: If you have 1 cup of water, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and 1 cup of fresh mint leaves, you are less than five minutes from mint simple syrup. Once you have that mint syrup made, it’s time for mojitos! Check our recipe for a Mount Gay Frojito, a classic with a frappe twist, by clicking here.

We hope that you have fully recognized the undeniable allure of simple syrup. It is rich, sweet, and effortless to create. Now you have learned how to make it and have five simple syrup cocktails variations to try at home, our work here is done.