Syrups can be a great holiday gift. Decorate with ribbon and add a name tag for an elegant touch.
Simple Syrup
Flavored Simple Syrup
Use empty glass bottles to store the syrup. Clean bottles thoroughly before using.
If you want a thicker Simple Syrup, increase the sugar to 2 cups. This is best for pancakes and waffles and for pouring over cakes and desserts.
Flavor Variations
Autumn Spice: Add to the syrup, while cooking. 2 sticks cinnamon, 6 cloves, 2 pieces star anise, 6 pieces whole allspice, pinch freshly grated nutmeg. Strain before using.
Almond: Add 1 tablespoon almond extract after simmering.
Basil: Add 3/4 cup fresh basil leaves.
Bay Leaf: Add 2 dried bay leaves.
Brown Sugar Cinnamon: Replace granulated sugar with light brown sugar; add 2 cinnamon sticks while the syrup is cooking.
Chamomile: Add 2 tablespoons dried chamomile.
Cinnamon: Add 5 cinnamon sticks.
Elderflower: Add 1/2 cup elderflowers and the juice of 1 lemon.
Ginger and Cardamom: Add 1 tablespoon of ginger and 6 whole cardamom pods.
Jalapeño: Add one thinly sliced jalapeño and 1 teaspoon of lime juice.
Lavender: Add 3 tablespoons dried lavender.
Mint: Add 12 mint leaves.
Orange Ginger: Add to the syrup, while cooking, the rind of 1 orange and 1 piece (1 inch) fresh ginger, peeled.
Raspberry: Add 10 muddled raspberries.
Rose: Add 1/2 cup dried rose blossoms.
Rosemary: Add two large rosemary sprigs.
Vanilla: Add the pulp and pod of 1/2 vanilla bean to the sugar and water and proceed as directed for Flavored Simple Syrup.
Vanilla Bean: Add 1 tablespoon vanilla paste.
Uses for Simple Syrup
In Iced tea or coffee
In cocktails and mocktails
Pouring over cakes and desserts
As a quick glaze for meats, fish or poultry
Over pancakes and waffles