Simple syrup is a liquid sweetener made by dissolving equal parts sugar and water, typically by heating the mixture until the sugar is fully dissolved. It is commonly used to sweeten cold drinks, cocktails, iced tea, and lemonade because it blends smoothly without leaving gritty sugar residue
. Key points about simple syrup:
- Basic ratio: 1 part sugar to 1 part water by volume.
- Preparation: Heat sugar and water together until sugar dissolves, then cool and store in the refrigerator.
- Variations: Rich simple syrup uses 2 parts sugar to 1 part water for a thicker, sweeter syrup. It can also be infused with herbs, spices, fruits, or other flavorings like mint, rosemary, lavender, jalapeño, or vanilla to enhance cocktails or desserts
- Uses: Besides cocktails, simple syrup is used in cooking and baking as a glaze or sweetener, and to keep cakes moist
Simple syrup is a versatile and essential ingredient for evenly sweetening beverages and desserts, especially when sugar alone would not dissolve well in cold liquids
