DIY Simple Syrups

Hey guys. Sorry I went on a bit of an unplanned hiatus there, with the holidays and break and school restarting, things have been pretty crazy. I have many stories to tell, to say the least. But, for now, I wanted to share two recipes for simple syrups I made over the break. These can be used in coffee, cocktails, or added to carbonated water, take your pick.

So, basically, simple syrup is 1 part sugar + 1 part water + flavour, brought to a boil, cooled, steeped and strained.

Ginger and Black Pepper Simple Syrup

When mixed with carbonated water, you end up with ginger beer. (Apparently) When mixed with rum, you end up with a strong dark and stormy like drink.

You will need:

• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1/4 cup fresh ginger, sliced or grated
• 1 tbsp dry ginger
• 1 tsp black peppercorns

 

1. Whisk the ingredients together in a small pot. try not to spill the mixture on the stove, but do so anyway. try to wipe it up and resolve to take care of it later.
2. Bring the pot to a boil, and let boil down for 3-5 minutes or more, until a syrup consistency is reached
3. Let cool, and let steep overnight. realize that the syrup has made your entire fridge sticky
4. Strain into a jar over cheesecloth. work slowly, and try to minimize the mess.
5. Spend 45 minutes chipping the hardened sugar syrup off of everything in the kitchen.

usually a 1 ounce serving

Chamomile and Lemon Syrup

Simple and refreshing, slightly tart, this is a light flavour, best used to create a soda or paired with brandy(apparently, I didn’t actually test that one)

You need:

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup sugar
• juice and zest of 3 lemons (no pith!)
• 1-2 bags of chamomile tea or 2 tsp chamomile flowers

1. Whisk the ingredients together in a small pot. try not to spill the mixture on the stove, but do so anyway. try to wipe it up and resolve to take care of it later.
2. Bring the pot to a boil, and let boil down for 3-5 minutes or more, until a syrup consistency is reached
3. Let cool, and let steep overnight. realize that the syrup has made your entire fridge sticky
4. Strain into a jar over cheesecloth. work slowly, and try to minimize the mess.
5. Spend 45 minutes chipping the hardened sugar syrup off of everything in the kitchen.

usually a 1 ounce serving

 

Anyway, I hope you guys enjoyed this short little post, and I’ll be back soon with more!