From simple syrup basics to tried-and-true flavor combos, learn how to make Flavored Simple Syrup Combos. Infusing simple syrups-or flavored syrup-with spices, fruits, veggies, and herbs makes happy hour and entertaining easy!
Learn How to Make Flavored Simple Syrups!
Hey folks! Over the past year or so, we have been chatting about unique, seasonal drinks that are easy enough for you to make at home. Alcohol Infusions, along with fresh fruits or herbs, are key ingredients in many of those drink recipes like my Pear Rosemary Sparklers. I’ve shared tips on how to use simple syrups in recipes too, but we really haven’t gotten into the nuts and bolts of what a simple syrup is. Today, I want to teach you how to make DIY Flavored Simple Syrups which are great in your favorite, everyday drinks like tea or coffee as well as cocktails. You can even use them in easy dessert recipes.
Simple Syrup Basics
Let’s start with making a plain simple syrup. A simple syrup is equal parts water and sugar mixed together then gently heated up until the sugar completely dissolves. The sugar melts completely for maximum sweetness when heated. Have you ever stirred sugar into cold tea then wondered why it doesn’t taste nearly as good as the sweet tea you might have tried at a restaurant? This article talks a little about the science, but essentially, heating up the sugar water creates a completely fluid, sweeter end product in much less time.
Time to add some flavor to your simple syrup!
Now that you know how to make the plain version of this sweet concoction, let’s talk about Flavored Simple Syrups. They are the easiest way to add flavor to your favorite classic cocktails. You can add herbs, spices, fruits, peppers, or any combination of ingredients once you have brought your simple syrup to a gentle boil and all the sugar is dissolved. Heat will help to extract flavor from your add-ins, creating a tasty syrup. This is a raspberry blueberry basil syrup.
Helpful tips for Flavored Syrup:
- Simmer heartier items like rosemary, lemongrass, or rhubarb longer for a stronger taste.
- Tender herbs like thyme or soft berries will fall apart if simmered too long, so remove them from the stove almost immediately. Flavors are extracted while the syrup cools.
- Get creative with unique ingredients like black peppercorns, mulling spices, or celery.
- Try honey, brown sugar, or agave nectar instead of plain white sugar for different tastes.
- The longer Flavored Simple Syrups sit, the stronger the flavors will be. Taste the mixture frequently as it cools. Once you are happy with your creation, strain solids from syrup and discard.
- Keep syrups in a closed container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
How do you use DIY Flavored Simple Syrups?
Let’s talk about how you can be super creative with these delicious concoctions now that we have the basics covered. Simple syrups are great in cocktails, but they are an equally tasty way to add flavor to iced tea or making a refreshing summer drink like this Strawberry Lemonade. You could also drizzle a simple syrup over oatmeal, pancakes, or your favorite ice cream. Let your taste buds go wild with the possibilities!
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1/4 cup fresh raspberries
- 1/4 cup fresh blueberries
- 6 basil leaves
Instructions
- Bring water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add sugar and stir until dissolved.
- Add berries and basil to saucepan. Simmer 3-5 minutes.
- Remove saucepan from heat, cool completely.
- Strain solids from syrup and discard.
- Store syrup in a lidded jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
Home Chef Tip: Substitute honey, agave nectar, or cane sugar for a different sweetness.
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We hope you love these DIY Flavored Simple Syrups tips, tricks, and recipes as much as we do. If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to stop by our Cocktail section for more ways to jazz up happy hour at home . For daily recipe inspiration, subscribe to our newsletter, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Pinterest. Enjoy!
Disclosure: Message intended for our readers 21+ only. Please drink responsibly!
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