Ingredients
That's the list. Two ingredients. Both of which you already have. The only reason to buy pre-made simple syrup is if you're out of sugar or don't have access to a stove. Otherwise, you're just paying for someone else's water bill.
Instructions
- Boil the water. Put the water in a small saucepan over high heat. Wait for it to boil. This is not complicated.
- Add the sugar. Once the water is boiling, add all the sugar. Stir it around.
- Stir until clear. Keep stirring until all the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture turns from cloudy to clear. This takes maybe a minute or two. When you can't see any sugar crystals and it looks like slightly thick water, you're done.
- Cool it down. Take it off the heat and let it cool to room temperature before using it in drinks. Hot simple syrup in a cold cocktail is a bad time. If you're in a hurry, pour it into a container and stick it in the fridge.
- Store it. Pour into a jar or bottle. Keeps in the fridge for about a month. Label it so nobody drinks it thinking it's water and has a very confusing experience.
Variations (If You're Feeling Fancy)
- Rich simple syrup: Use 2 cups sugar to 1 cup water. Thicker, sweeter, lasts longer. Some cocktail recipes call for this specifically.
- Flavored syrups: Add herbs, citrus peel, or spices while the mixture is hot, let it steep for 30 minutes, then strain. Lavender, rosemary, ginger, whatever. Now you're a fancy bartender.