Simple syrup is a basic mixture that combines sugar and water. It’s commonly used in cocktails, but you can also find it in non-alcoholic beverages and desserts. Why do they not just use sugar? Because dissolving it first eliminates the worry of sugar granules lingering in your drink. No one likes a crunchy cocktail.
While you can buy pre-made simple syrup, it’s surprisingly simple and cost-effective to make at home. In its most basic form, simple syrup is made by combining equal parts sugar and water. For a richer consistency or when you want to sweeten something without adding too much volume, you can opt for a rich simple syrup, which uses two parts sugar to one part water.
So does mixing water into your table sugar mean you need to store it somewhere other than the pantry? It sure does!
How To Store Simple Syrup
Simple syrup should be kept in the refrigerator rather than at room temperature for extended periods. Unflavored syrup can be prepared in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a month. However, flavored syrups, especially those with fruit flavors, are best used within two weeks of preparation.
When storing your syrup, a mason jar or any other airtight container with a secure lid works well. Glass containers provide the most extended shelf life, but plastic containers can also be used. Some people opt for plastic squirt bottles, making pouring the syrup into jiggers or other measuring tools easier. If using a squirt bottle, cap the tip once you’re done using it, or wrap the top with plastic wrap to keep the syrup fresh.
Can You Freeze Simple Syrup?
You can freeze simple syrup! It turns into a solid block and can stay frozen for three months to one year. If you’re thinking about freezing it, use plastic instead of glass, as freezing non-tempered glass can lead to breakage.
How To Defrost Simple Syrup
To defrost your simple syrup, simply move the container from the freezer to the refrigerator the night before to allow it to thaw. If you are in a hurry, you can thaw it at room temperature but don’t microwave it as it will mess up the texture.
How Long Does Simple Syrup Last?
Not all bottles of homemade simple syrup have the same shelf life!
One factor that affects the shelf life is the amount of sugar in the syrup. The more sugar you add, the longer it will last. The method used to make the syrup can also impact its expiration date. The most common way is the hot process, where the water and sugar mixture is brought to a boil. Boiling kills bacteria, creating a more stable syrup with a longer shelf life. Alternatively, you can make cold process syrup by adding cold water to sugar and stirring until the sugar dissolves. However, cold processed syrup doesn’t last as long as hot processed syrup.
Here are some approximate storage times you could work with:
- Light syrup can last about 2 weeks in the fridge
- Basic simple syrup (with a 1:1 ratio) can last up to 1 month in the refrigerator,
- Thick simple syrup with a higher sugar-to-water ratio can last about 2-3 months in the fridge.
When stored in the freezer, simple syrup can last up to 1 year.
How To Know When Simple Syrup Is Rancid?
Detecting when simple syrup has spoiled is relatively straightforward: its initial clarity will vanish, resulting in a cloudy appearance. Properly prepared simple syrup should be crystal clear, so the presence of cloudiness signifies the growth of bacteria. It may also produce unpleasant smells. If you notice either of these two things, time to make a fresh batch of syrup and get rid of the old one.
FAQs
Cloudiness in simple syrup indicates spoilage and suggests the presence of bacteria. It needs to be thrown out.
There are typically three commonly used mixing ratios. For a lighter syrup, combine 2 parts water with 1 part sugar (e.g., 1 cup water + ½ cup sugar). The widely preferred mix is equal parts water and sugar (e.g., 1 cup water + 1 cup sugar), known as basic simple syrup. Lastly, there’s a thicker syrup. Mix 1 part water with 2 parts sugar (e.g., 1 cup water + 2 cups sugar). The longevity of the syrup increases as the sugar content rises.
Certainly! There are numerous options for creating a variety of flavored simple syrups. By substituting white sugar with brown sugar, you can add caramel flavor to the syrup. In addition to fruits, spices like vanilla, anise, or cloves can be infused to add more depth. You can also incorporate herbs into the mixture to create flavors such as mint or fruits like elderberry!
Simple syrup is often called “sugar syrup” and occasionally “sugary syrup.”
Yes, the water component of simple syrup can evaporate if exposed to warm temperatures or heat sources.
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