Simple Syrup

Simple syrups are used to add sweetness to some cocktails. If you look online, most recipes will recommend using a 50/50 ratio of water and sugar; for example, 1 cup of water and 1 cup of sugar. We find this is way too sweet for our taste so we cut that down. You can add additional flavor, like lemongrass, lime or ginger, for example. The photo shows a lemon/lime simple syrup made with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves and lemon and lime peels. Simple syrup will last for about a month in your refrigerator so you can make a bigger amount. Below are the amounts used; it is a small amount because if you like a variety of drinks, you may want to make 2 or 3 different flavors to keep.

Ingredients

• 1 Cup of Water

• 1/2 Cup of Sugar

• Any optional flavor(s) of your choice

Instructions

1. Bring water to a boil

2. Stir in the sugar until the water turns clear.

3. Add any additional flavors and simmer on the stove for 30 minutes; this will bring out any flavors and thicken the liquid to more of a syrupy consistency.

4. Let cool then strain (with a mesh strainer) any optional ingredients and pour into an air tight mason jar or bottle and refrigerate.