Sugar Syrup

Sugar syrup, also known as simple syrup, is a key ingredient in cocktails and mixology. Made from a combination of sugar and water, sugar syrup adds sweetness and balance to drinks, without the grainy texture of regular sugar. It is a versatile ingredient that dissolves easily, making it perfect for creating well-balanced and consistent flavors in cocktails. Whether used as a sweetener or to create syrups infused with various flavors, sugar syrup is an essential element in the world of mixology, contributing to the overall taste and texture of drinks.
Category
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mixer > Sugar Syrup
Origin
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brazil, India, Thailand
Invented
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
depends on it Unknown
Strength
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
0%

Q&A

ORIGINS_HISTORY

What is the history behind the use of sugar syrup in cocktails?

The use of sugar syrup in cocktails dates back to the 19th century when cocktails began to gain popularity. Bartenders needed a way to smoothly incorporate sweetness into their drinks without the granular residue of undissolved sugar. The solution was simple syrup, a mixture of water and sugar heated until the sugar dissolved completely. This innovation allowed for more refined and balanced cocktails, contributing significantly to the art of mixology. Over time, sugar syrup became a staple in bars around the world, evolving with the addition of flavors and variations in sugar types.

PREPARATION_TECHNIQUES

How do you make a rich sugar syrup?

Rich sugar syrup is made using a 2:1 ratio of sugar to water, resulting in a thicker, more concentrated syrup. To make it, combine two parts of sugar (such as demerara or white sugar for different flavor profiles) with one part of water in a saucepan. Heat the mixture over low to medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar is completely dissolved. Avoid boiling to prevent caramelization. Once the sugar is dissolved, remove the mixture from the heat and allow it to cool before transferring it to a clean, airtight container for storage. Rich syrup is ideal for cocktails requiring a deeper sweetness with a silky texture.

INGREDIENT_SPECIFICS

Can you use different types of sugar to make sugar syrup?

Yes, you can use different types of sugar to make sugar syrup, and each type will impart a unique flavor to the syrup. White sugar yields a neutral, clean sweetness, making it versatile for various cocktails. Cane sugar offers a slight molasses note, suitable for richer drinks. Demerara and brown sugar create syrups with a deeper, caramel-like sweetness, ideal for darker spirits. Experimenting with different sugars is a great way to customize the flavor profile of your cocktails.

SERVING_SUGGESTIONS

What are some classic cocktails that use sugar syrup?

Sugar syrup is a fundamental ingredient in many classic cocktails, providing sweetness and balance. Notable examples include the Old Fashioned, which blends whiskey, bitters, and sugar syrup; the Daiquiri, combining rum, lime juice, and sugar syrup; the Mojito, featuring rum, mint, lime, and sugar syrup; the Whiskey Sour, with whiskey, lemon juice, and sugar syrup; and the Tom Collins, made with gin, lemon juice, sugar syrup, and soda water. These cocktails showcase the versatility of sugar syrup in enhancing and balancing flavors.

DIETARY_CONSIDERATIONS

Is there a low-calorie alternative to sugar syrup for cocktails?

For those seeking a low-calorie alternative to traditional sugar syrup, a popular option is to use artificial sweeteners or natural sugar substitutes like stevia or erythritol to create a 'sugar-free syrup.' These ingredients can be mixed with water in similar proportions to regular sugar syrup, offering a sweetness comparable to the traditional version but with fewer calories. However, it's important to consider the sweetness intensity and potential aftertastes when choosing a substitute, as they can vary significantly from regular sugar and affect the final taste of the cocktail.

Ingredients like Sugar Syrup

How it works

Easily create your bar from the ingredients you have at home, and we'll show you what you can make with the ingredients you have to hand.

Once you've added this ingredient head to your My bar page and fill up everything else you have.

We'll also show you cocktails that can make by substituting what you have for one of the ingredients you don't, riffing on the original. Now go forth and create something delicious!