THE COOL CLUB
We’ve all been there – standing in the queue at the cafe choosing our next coffee simple syrups. From vanilla syrup and caramel syrup, to gingerbread and more, there are so many out there to devour. But, did you know, simple syrups are easy to make at home, and also a crucial cocktail ingredient?
With our help, you’ll be able to create that coffee shop or cocktail bar experience right from the comfort of your own home. How, we hear you ask? It’s easy when you know how – read on to find out more.
Simple syrups are easy to make at home
Whether you need a cocktail syrup or coffee syrup, the principles remain the same. For simple syrups, it’s all about having the right blend of sugar and water. To show you how easy it is to create your own at home, check out this simple syrup recipe which is a fantastic neutral sugar syrup, ideal for cocktails, coffees and other drinks.
Ingredients
x320g caster sugar
x175ml water
Method
1. On the hob, dissolve the caster sugar in the water.
2. When dissolved, transfer to a sterile bottle or jar and let it cool, before refrigerating for future use.
Why use a sterilised bottle or jar for your sugar syrup?
Similar to jam-making, a sterilised bottle or jar helps preserve the sugar syrup and stops it from getting spoiled with harmful bacteria. While it can be tempting to skip this step, it’s really important, and makes your sugar syrup last longer, too.
How to sterilise a bottle for your next coffee syrup or cocktail syrup
Use the oven
1. Wash your jars or bottles thoroughly with warm water and washing up liquid. Do not dry with a towel.
2. Put baking paper on one of the shelves of your oven and put the jars or bottles on top.
3. Heat the oven to 140°C and dry out the jars for 15-20 minutes.
Use the hob
1. Wash your jars or bottles thoroughly with warm water and washing up liquid. Do not dry with a towel.
2. Place into the pan and fill with water just below the rim. Lukewarm water is best.
3. Bring to the boil with the lid on and boil for at least 10 minutes.
4. After 10 minutes, turn the hob off and leave the bottles and jars until you are ready to use them.
How to make vanilla syrup
Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can start experimenting with different flavoured syrups. One of our favourites is vanilla syrup, as it features in so many cocktails and is a beautiful addition to an iced coffee. This easy vanilla syrup only uses a few ingredients, and is easy to whip up and enjoy.
Vanilla syrup recipe – the ultimate coffee syrup
Ingredients
x320g caster sugar
x175ml water
x3-4 tsp’s natural vanilla extract
Method
1. On the hob, dissolve the caster sugar in the water and add the vanilla syrup right at the end.
2. When dissolved, stir and transfer to a sterile bottle or jar and let it cool, before refrigerating for future use.
3. Voila! Enjoy with your favourite iced coffee or cocktail and pop back in the fridge for future use.
Cocktail syrups – the secret ingredient to delicious drinks
Because simple syrups are liquid, unlike cane sugar and sugar substitutes, the sweetness blends throughout the entire drink – saving you from getting a gulp of sugar as you finish your drink. This makes them perfect for cocktails, and a must-have for your next summer party drinks menu.
For inspiration, check out our Bramble cocktail, this Blackberry Limeade mocktail, our Espresso Martini or a refreshing Cucumber Collins. The beauty of cocktail making is that you can experiment with flavours and textures, so don’t be afraid to utilise the basics and invent your own syrup recipe! You can even use simple syrups in an iced coffee. For example, take a look at our article where we create 3 Cinnamon drinks with 1 Honey Cinnamon Syrup! Once you know how to make your own syrups at home, you’ll never look back! Do you have a favourite syrup recipe? Let us know!
