How to Make Simple Syrup

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HOW TO MAKE SIMPLE SYRUP

Simple syrup is so called because it’s…well…simple. A base simple syrup is nothing more than 1 part water to 1 part sugar. Use simple syrup to sweeten cold drinks like lemonade, cocktails or hibiscus tea without endless stirring. Dab it onto cakes before you frost them to help keep them moist. It’s also an essential part of sorbet recipes. Below you’ll find a basic simple syrup recipe as well as recipes for syrups flavored with huckleberry, peppercorn, thyme, blood orange, and liquor.

INGREDIENTS
  • ½ cup sugar
  • ½ cup water

BASIC SIMPLE SYRUP RECIPE

1

Mix the water and sugar in a saucepan and bring to a simmer on the stovetop to dissolve the sugar. Once dissolved, remove from heat and you have made simple syrup.

FLAVORED SIMPLE SYRUPS

Huckleberry Simple Syrup
Add ¾ cup huckleberry puree (from blending fresh or frozen huckleberries) to the above simple syrup.

Tellicherry Peppercorn Simple Syrup (from our Huckleberry Crème Puree Recipe)
Simmer 1 ½ tbsp whole Tellicherry peppercorns in simple syrup on the stove for 3 minutes. Strain out the peppercorns and discard. This method can be used to make other spiced simple syrups using other whole spices like star anise, although the amount and simmering time may vary.

Thyme Simple Syrup
Simmer 1 cup each water & sugar on the stove with ten sprigs of thyme (about half a cup loosely packed). Stir frequently until the sugar dissolves, then bring the mixture to a boil and cook for five minutes. Remove and discard the thyme sprigs.

Blood Orange Thyme Simple Syrup
Warm thyme simple syrup (recipe above) on the stove. Stir in blood orange juice to taste and briefly simmer.

Alcohol Flavored Simple Syrup
Most simple syrups found in traditional cakes and tortes are flavored with liquor. Make a basic simple syrup, and let it cool to lukewarm. Stir in the liquor of your choice to taste. Then dab the simple syrup on your cake or torte before frosting to keep it moist.