How to Make Simple Syrup

From

Colleen Graham

Simple syrup, or sugar syrup, is very easy to make and is used in many cocktails such as Daiquiris and Hurricanes to add volume and sweetness. With this recipe you can make as small or as large a batch as you wish and store it in the refrigerator in a well sealed bottle indefinitely.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 parts sugar
• 1 part water

PREPARATION:

1. Bring the water to a boil.
2. Dissolve the sugar into the boiling water.
3. Once the sugar is dissolved completely, remove the pan from the heat.
4. Allow to cool completely and bottle.

Notes:

The ratio of sugar to water can be left to personal preference, traditionally it is one part water to two parts sugar but can be 1:1.

To make simple syrup so that 1 teaspoon of simple syrup equals 1 teaspoon of sugar, use approximately four parts sugar to three parts water. That way, if a cocktail recipe calls for sugar, you can just use the same measurement of simple syrup.

A couple of suggestions that will make your simple syrup better include adding 1/4 cup of corn syrup to the mixture. This will help prevent crystallization of the sugar, since it is a super saturated solution. The other suggestion is to add one or two ounces of vodka or neutral grain spirit to the simple syrup after it has been bottles. This will help prevent mold or bacteria from growing. —Darcy O'Neil

Source: http://cocktails.about.com/od/mixology/r/simple_syrup.htm

http://www.artofdrink.com/2006/01/simple-syrup-for-cocktails.php