How do you make simple syrup?
We know that simple syrup is a pivotal building block in many cocktails that we go over in our cocktail blog posts. We also know that it is not entirely clear in our blogs how to make some of those syrups. So we wanted to give some clarity and provide some insights on the process.
Why not just buy simple syrup from the grocery store?
Sure, you could get by purchasing a pre-bottled simple syrup but that does not necessarily give you full creative control of the syrup. It is much easier and cost effective to make your own simple syrup, especially if you want to experiment with different kinds of syrups such as Jalapeño, ginger, or bayleaf. Additionally, a pre-bottled simple syrup does not result in overall freshness. We like to use fresh ingredients for all of our cocktails and that absolutely includes the different simple syrups that we use.
What will I need to make simple syrup?
Here are the tools that you will need
- Food Scale
- Measuring cup
- Saucepan
- Source of Heat
Here are the ingredients that you will need:
- Sugar (white granulated sugar)
- Water
Use your food scale and measuring glass to weigh out equal parts sugar & water. An alternative to using a food scale would be to just measure out a certain amount of sugar and then match it with water. So if you measure ½ cup sugar match that with ½ cup water.
Add your equal parts sugar and water to a saucepan over medium to low heat. Then begin stirring until sugar is fully dissolved. Once fully dissolved, remove from heat, let cool, and pour into a glass jar that is able to be sealed tightly. When kept refrigerated simple syrup should last at least a month.
For simple syrups such as ginger, jalapeño, or bayleaf simple syrup follow the previously mentioned steps, but once you remove from heat throw in your ginger, jalapeño or bayleaf and let it infuse for 5-10 minutes. Once the flavors have been extracted strain out your syrup and add to a container that can be sealed tightly.
We have seen ginger and jalapeño syrup done fairly regularly; we added bayleaf syrup because of an interesting cocktail from @spiritedla that we saw on tik tok - Bayleaf Lemon Sour.
Now that you have the know-how on how to make simple syrup, go make your own and don’t be afraid to experiment.
Happy Cocktailing,
Team Amehla Co.