So how many videos can be found on making simple syrup? A lot, which I must say is an understatement as it is the common glue that holds a lot of drinks together. Beyond the many mixed drink and cocktail recipes that call for simple syrup, you can use it to sweeten your coffee, tea, lemonades, and sodas so it will never go to waste.
The 1:1 Simple Syrup recipe is primarily used by bartenders, so assume any cocktail recipes will be using this thinner variation of sugar. If you prefer a rich syrup at home, know that you will likely want to use about .25oz (7ml) less than what the drink recipe calls for. With either option, you can make as small or as large a batch as you wish, just keep the same proportions.
How do you make it? Well, that is simple. No pun intended. There are two general simple syrup recipes, and they are made the same way. A 1:1 ratio of sugar to water with a storage time of 1 month. The other variant called rich syrup is a 2:1 ratio of sugar to water with a storage time of 6 months
Simple Ingredients: (By Weight)
- 1 cup granulate sugar
- 1 cup water
Directions:
- Step 1: Boil – Combine the sugar and the water in a small saucepan, stir to combine and then bring to medium heat. You do not want the water boiling to evaporate the water messing with your finally tuned 1:1 ratio
- Step 2: Simmer – Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is completely dissolved, and the liquid is clear.
- Step 3: Cool Down – Turn off the heat and allow the syrup to cool. Refrigerate in a sealed bottle.
How long does it last? About a month for the 1:1 and 6 months for the 2:1 ratio. As previously mentioned, there are two ways, and a quasi-third way, to extend the shelf life of simple syrup: 1) use the 1:1 ratio Simple Syrup and add a neutral spirit, 2) use the Rich Simple Syrup 2:1 ration and add a neutral spirit. The third way works for both simple and rich syrup: make sure you have a clean, airtight container and refrigerate.
You need to be mindful when switching up to using Rich Simple Syrup in cocktails; Rich simple syrup adds more viscosity to cocktails, but does have a few advantages over its 1:1 counterpart. First, less of it is needed per drink to obtain the same level of sweetening; about half of simple, so if you use .5oz then cut it down to .25 oz and you should get similar results. Adding a neutral spirit is easy, but I have never personally tried this method. I understand the concept anecdotally, but I do not make a ton of simple anyway so mine is fresh at all times.
There are a few sugars to pull from to provide this arsenal of sweetness. White Sugar, Cane Sugar, Turbinado Sugar (aka ‘Sugar in the Raw’), Demerara Sugar, and Brown Sugar to name a few.. Each type of sugar imparts a slightly different flavor, as well as look, to your beverage, and should be considered when selecting ingredients. For example, Demerara syrup has notes of molasses, toffee and coffee, which pairs better with dark spirits; a Demerara mojito, while still tasty, will not taste like a true mojito.
Read my article on Types of Sugar for a more detailed discussion.
Cheers and happy cocktailing!
