How to Make Simple Syrup

Simple syrup is used to sweeten both alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages. If you'd like to be prepared, you can make up a batch ahead of time, making it simple to whip up your favorite drink. Read on to learn how to make simple syrup.

If you want a fully equipped bar, you must keep simple syrup on hand. Simple syrup, sometimes called sugar syrup, is a mixture of sugar and water that is often used to sweeten beverages. Using simple syrup allows you to add concentrated sweetness to a drink without having grains of sugar that aren't dissolved at the bottom of the glass. It's a key ingredient in many cocktails and cold beverages. If you're planning to make iced tea, iced coffee, lemonade, daiquiris, or many other drinks, you'll find it useful. If you put it in the refrigerator, it will keep for about a month - and, as its name implies, it's simple to make!

Simple syrup is also extremely versatile, allowing it to be flavored and used in numerous recipes. By adding a bit of pureed fruit, the syrup can also double as a topping for pancakes, waffles or French toast.

The following simple syrup recipe should give you about 2 cups of simple syrup.

• 2 cups sugar
• 1 part water

• You'll need:

1. A pot (to cook the syrup in)
2. A stovetop (to cook the syrup on)
3. A clean bottle (to store the syrup in)
4. A funnel (to transfer the syrup from the pot into the bottle)

1. Combine sugar and water in a pot.

2. Bring to boil over high heat.

3. Stir until sugar is dissolved into water.

4. Boil until syrup thickens, about three minutes.

5. Let stand for an hour to cool.

6. Put funnel in mouth of bottle.

7. Pour syrup into bottle through funnel.

8. Store bottle in refrigerator.

• Simple syrup should be stored in a clean bottle in the refrigerator. Although it has a high sugar content, which makes it resistant to spoilage, it doesn't last forever. If your refrigerator keeps food at less than 40 degrees, the syrup should be able to be stored safely for up to a month.http://iml.jou.ufl.edu/projects/Fall08/Leva/simplesyrupdirections.html<ref>