Rich Simple Syrup
Sweeter than the basic 1:1 ratio simple syrup, this bar staple is very simple (and cheap) to make from scratch. Not only for cocktails, you can use this rich simple syrup to flavour your iced tea or morning coffee.
Simple syrup is one of those staples you should always have on hand to sweeten your homemade drinks and cocktails. It’s so much easier to swirl in some sugary syrup, than to try to mix in sugar granules into a cold beverage, as they never seem to dissolve very well. As the name implies, simple syrup is very simple to make: all you need is an equal ratio of sugar and water.
What is Rich Simple Syrup?
Rich simple syrup on the other hand uses more sugar than water in order to create a thicker syrup. This 2:1 ratio allows you to use less of it in your drink when you want to sweeten it. And because of the high sugar content, it lasts at least a few months in the fridge (1:1 ratio syrup only lasts about a month). Plus, if you add some alcohol to the simple syrup, you can extend that shelf life to at least six months.
Rich Simple Syrup
Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar (450g)
- 1 cup water (250mL or 250g)
- 2 tbsp rum (optional)
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, bring water to a boil, then reduce heat to medium low.
- Stir in sugar, stirring frequently until fully dissolved.
- Remove the pan from the heat, and stir in rum if desired.
- Allow to cool to room temperature, before pouring into an air-tight container. Cover and refrigerate until needed.
Notes
- In order to ensure that your syrup lasts a while, sterilize your container (a glass mason jar works best) by filling it with boiling water and pouring it out just before adding in the cooled syrup.
- You can replace the granulated sugar in this recipe with demerara or brown sugar, for a slightly different flavour and richness.
- Sugar alternatives such as stevia and monk fruit sugar will work too, but you may need to reduce the amount used.
- You can infuse the flavour of your simple syrup with different types of herbs and spices, such as mint leaves, cinnamon sticks and vanilla beans. Just add them to the syrup while it’s simmering on the stovetop, then remove them after it’s cooled down to room temperature.
- Adding some rum not only helps flavour the simple syrup, but also helps extend the shelf life of it. You can also substitute with brandy.