How To Make RICH Simple Syrup
It takes only sugar and water to create this version of simple syrup which yields a sweeter (or "richer") and slightly more viscous result. As it is more concentrated, you can use it for the same applications as standard simple syrup but with less water diluting your final product. This makes it a great option for sorbets and cocktails :)
Simple syrup is a liquid sweetener that can be used in sorbets, cocktails, iced and hot teas, lemonade, to moisten cake layers and more!
In the process of making a simple syrup you completely dissolve the sugar and transform it into a liquid sweetener. This textural difference can be very important depending on what you’re making. For example, could you imagine moistening cooked sponge cake layers by spooning sugar onto them? Of course not! That wouldn’t be possible. But you can brush on some simple syrup and it will soak into the cake layers, moistening and flavouring them.
Simple syrup is also very important when making sorbets - but you can read more about why that is, over here.
Simple syrup looks almost identical to water (apart from a few tiny bubbles) and is slightly more viscous in texture than water. If you often sweeten your beverages with sugar, you will find simple syrup very useful as it can be mixed into drinks easily and will flavour them evenly, unlike a spoonful of sugar which will often sink to the bottom of cold drinks and make the lower half of the beverage sweeter than the top.
So, what’s the difference between a simple syrup and a rich simple syrup?
You can create different types of simple syrups, by varying the ratio of sugar and water used. A standard simple syrup uses a 1:1 ratio of sugar to water, but this rich simple syrup uses a 2:1 ratio of sugar to water, producing a sweeter, richer, and slightly more viscous result. This is better for sorbets and cocktails as it can sweeten the product without any excess water diluting the consistency or adversely affecting the texture.
PRO TIP: For a healthier choice, I like to sweeten beverages with maple syrup. However, depending on the beverage, you may not want the note of maple or slight colour it can give, in which case, a simple syrup is the ideal choice!
CONTENTS OF THIS RECIPE POST
I always recommend reading the entire post to get the best understanding of the recipe, helpful tips, information about ingredients, storage advice etc.
Here’s an overview of the topics covered in this post :)
WHAT INGREDIENTS GO INTO RICH SIMPLE SYRUP?
Sugar
You use granulated white sugar when making a rich simple syrup.
Water
I like to use filtered water when making my simple syrups.
CAN I MAKE RICH SIMPLE SYRUP WITH BROWN SUGAR?
You can use brown sugar to make rich simple syrup, however keep in mind that this will affect the appearance and flavour of the syrup. It will have a deeper, more caramel-like sweetness to it than a rich simple syrup made with white sugar will and it will also have a golden hue rather than the clear appearance of simple syrups made with white sugar.
WHAT IS THE RATIO OF SUGAR TO WATER FOR RICH SIMPLE SYRUP?
A standard simple syrup uses equal parts sugar and water in a 1:1 ratio.
A rich simple syrup uses a 2:1 ratio sugar to water ratio.
For example: 2 cups of sugar and 1 cup of water.
This means a rich simple syrup produces a sweeter and slightly more viscous result than a standard simple syrup. It is more concentrated and there is less water, meaning it will not dilute your beverages, cocktails or sorbets as much as a standard simple syrup would.
You can use this ratio to scale the recipe up or down depending on how much you need.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO MAKE RICH SIMPLE SYRUP?
You can make rich simple syrup in less than 5 minutes :)
DOES RICH SIMPLE SYRUP NEED TO BE USED IMMEDIATELY?
No, rich simple syrup does not need to be used right away. You can cool rich simple syrup then transfer it to a glass jar with lid or airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 1 month.
RECIPE
RICH SIMPLE SYRUP
Yield: 1 cup
Time: 5 minutes
Difficulty: Easy / Beginner
Save on socials
INGREDIENTS
1 cup granulated white sugar
1/2 cup water. filtered
METHOD
Place water and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat.
Heat, stirring the sugar, until all the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is clear.
Turn off the heat, allow the syrup to cool down and once cooled, transfer to a glass jar with lid or airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 1 month.
It's that simple! :)
STORAGE: This rich simple syrup can be stored in a sealed glass jar or in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 month.
When you try this recipe…
I’d love to know!
Please leave a comment below letting me know your thoughts on this rich simple syrup recipe :)
