Are you a little ashamed to admit that you have no idea what “simple syrup” is? Don’t be! In this quick read, we discuss what is simple syrup in a drink, what it’s made from and why it’s so damn awesome in everything.
Simple syrup, or as some like to call it, “sugar syrup,” is the secret ingredient that silently elevates the tastes of your favorite beverages. Just like the butter, salt, or olive oil in your go-to recipes, it sneaks its way into your cocktails, whether you’re shaking up an espresso martini, a mojito, or a Long Island iced tea.
OK great, but what IS simple syrup in a drink? When your cocktail or mocktail recipe states ‘simple syrup’ as an ingredient, what the hell is that mystery ingredient?
What is Simple Syrup in a Drink?
In its simplest form, simple syrup is a liquid form of sugar that adds sweetness to drinks and dishes without altering their flavor. It’s the choice of bartenders and connoisseurs everywhere because it easily dissolves into cold cocktails, ensuring a smooth and evenly sweetened drink every time.
Simple syrup comes in two main forms. First, we have the standard syrup, boasting an equal sugar-to-water ratio (1:1), ensuring a consistent pour each time. Then, there’s rich syrup, packing twice the sugar punch with a 2:1 ratio, resulting in a thicker, more luscious texture.
What is Simple Syrup in a Drink Used For?
Next to alcohol, few ingredients hold as much sway in creating delicious cocktails as simple syrup. Apart from sweetness, rich syrup brings a whole new dimension of texture and thickness to any drink. In the vibrant world of cocktails, citrusy or fruity concoctions like daiquiris or margaritas often cozy up to simple syrup. On the other hand, when you are in the mood for a bold, spirit-forward drink like an old-fashioned or a Manhattan, rich syrup can help elevate the experience.
In addition to cocktails, there are several other ways you can use simple syrup, such as:
- Non-Alcoholic Mixed Drinks: Simple syrup infused with creative ingredients adds a unique twist to a drink, offering an alternative to the complexity typically brought by spirits.
- Iced Tea: A few drops of fresh juice or herb syrup to your iced tea elevate its flavor to a whole new level.
- Lemonade: Why not experiment with a mint-infused simple syrup or an Earl Grey tea-infused one in your lemonade? Trust me, it’s a refreshing twist worth trying!
- Hot or Iced Coffee: Give your morning coffee a boost by pouring some vanilla, hazelnut, or spiced syrup into your cup. It’s sure to make your brew extra special!
In the mood to get your hands a little sticky? Then check out our easy-to-follow How to Make Simple Syrup guide and whip up your own sugar syrup at home. Trust me, it’s a quick 10-15 minute job, and any leftovers can be kept in your fridge for a few weeks, ready to jack up your next round of drinks.
Or, get fancy and try your hand at making infused simple syrup here. It will take a little longer, but the results will be more interesting than plain sugar-water simple syrup.
What is Simple Syrup in a Drink FAQs
What is simple syrup used for?
When we think about simple syrup, cocktails are the first that pop into our heads. However, simple syrup is way more versatile than just taking your drinks to a whole new flavor level. Seriously, the possibilities are endless! Here are a few of our favorite ways to make the most out of your homemade simple syrup.
- Ice creams and cream sodas
- Cake layers
- Iced tea or iced coffee
What to use instead of simple syrup?
Running low on simple syrup? No worries! You might already have some fantastic alternatives hiding in your kitchen cupboard. Honey, maple syrup, and agave are all great options. Juicy fruits like oranges can work wonders too! But really, simple syrup is so easy to make on the stove or microwave, and unlike those alternatives, simple syrup has a neutral taste which means it doesn’t interfere with other flavors.
What does simple syrup taste like?
The classic simple syrup recipe uses equal parts sugar and water. The result is a clear, clean, and a tad sweet solution that doesn’t mess with the flavors of your drinks. Add it to any cocktail to really let the flavor of the spirits and other ingredients shine.
What drinks use simple syrup?
Simple syrup spreads sweetness evenly throughout the beverage, no matter if it’s hot or cold. It is a crucial ingredient of countless iced drinks, mocktails and cocktails, including iced coffee, lemonade, Long Island iced tea, Mai Tai, New York sour, Hebrew hammer, espresso martini, and many more!
How much simple syrup in a drink?
The golden rule for mixing up a killer cocktail is two parts spirit – think rum, tequila, vodka, etc., and one part sweet, like honey, agave, simple syrup, or even fruit syrup. Now, if you’re substituting granulated sugar for simple syrup, you’ll typically want about ¼ ounce of syrup for every teaspoon of sugar.
What is Simple Syrup in a Drink – Conclusion
Let’s be honest with ourselves, we all have a bit of a sweet tooth. Sugar is downright delicious, and we consume heaps of it, whether in food or drinks. Dealing with granulated sugar can be a hassle. From making sure your drink is hot enough so it dissolves, to trying to open those tricky packets without making a mess, the struggle is real.
Luckily, we’ve found a better solution: simple syrup.
Can you purchase simple syrup? You betcha. It’s definitely more convenient, but you’d be missing out on all the fun and creative possibilities of making it yourself. Plus, by following our quick guide to How to Make Simple Syrup, you’ll discover just how easy and cost-efficient it is to DIY your own sweet concoction.
