Simple syrup is exactly that—simple. Water simmered with sugar until you have a sweet syrup that can be added to nearly anything that needs a little sweetness. Try it in cocktails, lemonade, and iced tea.
Keep simple syrup on hand for mixing cocktails or sweetening your tea or fresh-squeezed lemonade.–Frank Stitt
CAN I INFUSE SIMPLE SYRUP?
Simple syrup can in fact have a more complex taste. The potential for inspired flavorings looms large when you follow chef Frank Stitt’s lead and infuse your mixture with fresh herbs or other aromatics. A large bunch of mint, basil, lemon peel, cinnamon, cardamom, or anything else you please. Drop your choice of flavoring into the hot syrup and let it infuse at least 2 hours and, preferably, overnight, in the refrigerator. Strain the syrup and use it to sweeten anything you desire. It’s that simple.
Simple Syrup
Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 cups water
Directions
- Combine the sugar and water in a small heavy saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring and swirling to dissolve the sugar. Dip a pastry brush in hot water and wipe down the sides of the pan to dissolve any sugar crystals that cling to the sides. Simmer for 2 minutes, then remove from the heat and let cool. Simple syrup keeps for weeks in a tightly sealed jar in the refrigerator.
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Recipe Testers' Reviews
Originally published July 08, 2010
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Kim Venglar
The name says it all: simple. You’ll find this in my refrigerator at all times. The grandkids use it to make lemonade or limeade. They use equal parts water, juice, and simple syrup. They also use it in Kool-Aid. The other day at work when the sangria we made was a little tart, we used simple syrup to sweeten it so there wouldn’t be any undissolved sugar. The possibilities are endless.