Making simple syrup is as easy as its name suggests.
That's why we want you to learn the basics of almost any simple syrup recipe and how to add your favourite flavours to make it your own. Your next cocktail won't know what hit 'em.
A simple syrup consists of two simple ingredients: Sugar and water. For this recipe, let's measure out one cup of water and one cup of sugar.
You can substitute sugar with brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup. If you have another sweetener in mind, give it a try. This is the time to experiment.
Your syrup should be equal parts water and sugar. So one cup of sugar to one cup of water. If you want a richer, deeper flavour then add more of your selected sweetener.
If you're looking to add another flavour to your simple syrup, we have some examples and guidelines below. Add more or less of the recommended flavour depending on your tastes.
The steps:
- Combine water, your chosen sweetener, and any flavour additions in a small saucepan.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high, stirring until sugar dissolves. Safely taste your syrup to ensure it's as sweet, rich, and flavourful as you want.
- Simmer for 1 minute.
- Remove from heat, let syrup cool and steep for 30 minutes.
- Once cooled, transfer to your chosen airtight container.
Are you experimenting with Fitch & Leedes Grapefruit Tonic? Thyme to try a thyme infused syrup. Add a half cup of loosely packed sprigs of thyme to every one cup of sugar and water used in the first step.
Mixing with Fitch & Leedes Indian Tonic? Try a lavender syrup. Follow the same steps, but add 3 tablespoon of culinary lavender flowers to every 1 cup of sugar and water.
Adding a Fitch & Leedes Pink Tonic to your drink? Try pairing it with a mint-flavoured syrup, adding 1 cup of fresh mint leaves to every 1 cup of sugar and water.
A simple syrup will last for 4 weeks. The shelf life of a simple syrup with an added flavour may vary, depending on the freshness of the added ingredient. Make sure to test your syrup before adding it to your cocktail to ensure it's still up to your standards. We want you adding the best mixers and spirits to your cocktail. That applies to a simple syrup, too.
This article is inspired by Liquor.com’s Simple Syrup Recipe and Allrecipes.com's flavoured recipes.