By michael vivar
There are those who enjoy the punch to the palate from straight hard spirits like gin and whiskey. Others prefer the gentler caress of a mixed cocktail.
Simple syrup is an indispensable mixer for cocktails with wider appeal. It's essentially water and sugar. Here's how to make a basic simple syrup and some variations.
Pour one cup of sugar into a pot. For ta classic simple syrup, white granulated sugar is traditionally used.
Add one cup of water. Tap water is fine, but mineral water from different regions imbue slightly distinctive flavors.
Boil sugar and water mixture until sugar is completely dissolved. Reduce further is a sweeter, thicker syrup is preferred.
Let cool, pour into a clean glass bottle and store in a dry cabinet.
Other sweeteners such as honey, brown sugar and agave can be used instead of sugar. Experimentation with ratios may be needed to find the correct flavor profile.
Introduce complexity by steeping ingredients like tea, spicy peppers, or edible flowers. This may take up to a week. Don't boil as the resultant syrup's taste will overpower a cocktail.
Variety isn't just the spice of life. It's also the sweetness. Simple syrups can be used in cocktails ranging from a stately mint julep to a playful frozen cosmo.
Straight spirit drinks were mentioned at the outset. Even those who enjoy their simplicity can be tempted by the light splash of simple syrups for a blossom of sweetness.
The Eurythmics were only partially correct. Sweet dreams are also made of simple syrups.