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Monday, July 22, 2013

Simply Simple Syrup


I love simple syrups. I use them for tea, for cocktails, for flavoring in sparkling water and I generally have several flavors at the ready. Some I enjoy on their own while others I combine to create more complexity in my drink of choice. Be creative, get inspired and enjoy a refreshing beverage of your own on a hot summer day!

You can make a Light Syrup with a 2:1 ratio (2 water/ 1 sugar)
A Simple Syrup with a 1:1 ratio
Or a Rich Syrup with a 1:2 ratio (1 water/2 sugar) – also called Bar Syrup

Lavender
1 Tbsp.
Chamomile
2 Tbsp
Rosemary
4+ sprigs of fresh (or 1 Tbsp dried)

My basic recipe is the following (for a light syrup and of course adjust accordingly it you prefer sweeter):

1 cup filtered water
½ cup cane sugar
Leave plain or add flavoring (in the amounts indicated above).

Bring water and flavoring to a boil, reduce heat and add sugar. Simmer until sugar is melted and flavors have married (I usually let it go for about 10 minutes). Let cool, strain, bottle and refrigerate.

I love using the rosemary syrup with lemonade (a sprig of fresh rosemary makes a beautiful garnish). Chamomile is perfect with soda water (you can add a bit of milk or cream to make your own Italian style soda) and lavender is a favorite in my morning cup of Earl Grey tea. How would you enjoy using them?