Some of you have been asking how to make specialty drinks at home. A simple solution is simple syrup.
The beauty of simple syrup is that it can add both sweetness and flavor to pretty much any beverage. Simple Syrup itself is a syrup created by cooking sugar and water together until a syrup is formed. Traditionally it's made with white cane sugar, however can be made with any sugar (brown sugar, turbinado sugar, honey, agave) for an added twist. Adding one of these alternative sugar simple syrups to your beverage may give you the extra flavor you're looking for.
The next level would be adding an infused simple syrup. There's just 2 extra steps to creating an infused simple syrup (instructions below), and the possibilities are endless! You can create just about any flavor you imagine by adding herbs, spices, fruit, or even tea leaves. Your imagination is the limit!
How to Make Any Infused Simple Syrup
Pour equal parts water and sugar in a saucepan. Gently heat the sugar and water while stirring to dissolve the sugar.
Promptly remove from the heat once all the sugar dissolves, or right before boiling. Letting the mixture boil will cause water to evaporate and change the water to sugar ratio.
Add infusion choice. Infuse 10 minutes or until cooled. The longer the infusion time the stronger the flavor will be.
Strain the syrup into a pitcher.
Store the simple syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. I like to use glass for storing beverages and syrups.
Infused simple syrup is ideal for adding flavor and sweetness to iced tea and coffee (since it's a liquid it blends quickly and well). It can also be used in lemondade, cocktails, mocktails, and boba tea.
Some ideas to try....
Cinamom infused honey simple syrup (use cinamon sticks)
Peach infused brown sugar syrup (use fresh peaches)
Lemongrass infused simple syrup
Lavendar infused honey syrup
Orange infused Agave syrup (use fresh orange rind)
Happy STEAPing,
Samantha