How to Make and Flavor Simple Syrup

Use to Moisten Cakes, Sweeten Drinks, and Poach Fruit

Nov 18, 2008

Simple syrup is an often under utilized culinary staple that is not only useful in the bar. Here is a list of techniques to flavor and use simple syrup.

The options are endless for flavoring simple syrup. Try experimenting with your own recipes to produce moist and flavorful desserts and accompanying drinks.

Basic Simple Syrup

To make unflavored simple syrup, combine granulated sugar and water in a saucepan in a 2:1 ratio .

Stir to make sure all the sugar is moistened and not stuck on the bottom. Continue stirring on high heat until the mixture reaches a full boil. Remove from heat; you now have simple syrup.

You can use simple syrup without flavoring to moisten cake layers by using a pastry brush to dab the syrup onto the cut layers before you apply the icing or other toppings. But, if you want to add an extra burst of flavor to compliment your pastry or cake, try enhancing the syrup with a complimentary flavor.

Coffee Simple Syrup

If you baked a decadent mocha cake but aren't sure if it's moist enough, try flavoring your simple syrup with coffee and brushing it in between the layers. To make coffee simple syrup, follow the same steps as with the basic simple syrup 2:1 ratio and cooking; then, once the mixture comes to boil, add 1 oz of your favorite ground coffee and remove the pot from the heat. Cover and allow the syrup to steep for 20 minutes. Strain to remove the grounds and it's done.

Since you likely won't use all of the coffee syrup on your cake, try using it to sweeten a latte or cappuccino and serve it alongside a slice of cake. To store the extra syrup, pour it into a container with a tight lid and label it with the date you made it and refrigerate. Simple Syrup should last up to two weeks.

Spice Flavored Simple Syrup

Useful for moistening carrot cake or boosting the flavor in your hot apple cider, spiced simple syrup is great to have around during the holiday season. Add 1 nutmeg, 1 cinnamon stick, 1 vanilla been split and scraped, and 1 tablespoon black peppercorns to the same 2:1 sugar to water ratio and bring to a boil. Simmer over medium heat for 20 minutes; strain and cool completely.

Liquor and Liqueur Flavored Simple Syrup

Most classic European cakes use liquor or liqueur flavored simple syrup. To make, add 2 fl oz of liquor (such as brandy or rum) or 4 fl oz of liqueur (like framboise or kirsch) once the syrup has cooled completely. Since the flavor of alcohol can be overwhelming to some, especially children, make sure to adjust the amount based on who will be eating the cake or pastry.

Fruit Poached in Simple Syrup

If you are looking to enliven a dessert presentation, try using poached fruit in simple syrup as a garnish. Cranberries offer a bright and colorful embellishment to a simple pound cake or scoop of ice cream. To make, simply heat the 48 fl oz of plain simple syrup to a simmer and add the cranberries. Poach for 10 minutes and then allow them to cool completely in the liquid. Other fruit to consider may be oranges or pears.

Experiment With Your Own

The copyright of the article How to Make and Flavor Simple Syrup in Cooking Basics is owned by Julie Herson. Permission to republish How to Make and Flavor Simple Syrup in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.