Simple syrup can be used in a variety of drinks, dishes and desserts.If you make more than you use, you can keep it in a sterile container in the refrigerator for up to six months.It can be frozen for a year.
Step 1: Simple syrup can be put in a container.
If you want to reduce the syrup's exposure to oxygen, choose a container with a tight-fitting lid like Tupperware or a glass bottle.If you plan to freeze the simple syrup, don't choose glass.Simple syrup can be added to cocktails in a bottle with a pour spout.When storing syrup in the fridge, swap the spout for an airtight lid.
Step 2: Put your container in a container container.
If you want your simple syrup to last as long as possible, you need to sterilize it first.If you want to sterilize a glass container, simply pour boiling water over it.Just before you put the syrup in the container, dump out the water.If you want to sterilize a plastic container, put it in a larger container with a cup full of water and microwave it.Carefully remove it after it has been heated for 3 minutes.When working with boiling water and heated containers, be careful not to burn yourself or damage your kitchen surfaces.
Step 3: Simple syrup should be kept in the refrigerator.
If you want to keep simple syrup out of the sun and warm temperatures, put it in the refrigerator.Simple syrup will last longer if the fridge is dark and cool.
Step 4: Within a month you can use hot-process syrup.
A simple syrup made with equal parts of sugar and water will last about 4 weeks.
Step 5: 2:1 hot-process syrup should be used within six months.
The shelf life of the syrup is greatly extended by the higher sugar content.
Step 6: Within 2 weeks, use cold-process and flavored syrups.
Simple syrups don't last as long if they have a sugar to water ratio greater than 2:1.They must be used up within 2 weeks or they will get cloudy and/or grow mold.
Step 7: To extend the life of hot-process syrup, add 1 Tbsp of vodka to it.
If you want to keep your syrup in the fridge, you need to mix 1 tablespoon of vodka into it.It makes 2:1 refrigerated hot-process syrup for 6 months.
Step 8: You can freeze simple syrup for a year.
When freezing simple syrup, be sure to use a sterile container.Due to its high sugar content, it may not freeze completely.You can thaw the simple syrup by soaking it in warm water.Simple syrup can crack if it is frozen in a glass jar.
Step 9: Simple syrup can be hot-processed for a longer shelf-life.
Add water and sugar to a saucepan.All the sugar is dissolved when it is heated over medium heat.Allow the mixture to cool after you turn off the burner.Make sure you don't let the mixture boil, as this will affect the ratio of sugar to water.
Step 10: Simple syrup can be cold-processed to avoid heating.
In a jar or bowl, put equal parts sugar and water.When the sugar has dissolved, mix or shake vigorously.It will take some time as sugar is more slowly dissolved in cold water than in hot.You can use any temperature of tap water.The method is called cold-process because you don't heat the mixture on the stove.
Step 11: You can change the flavor and consistency by playing with ratios.
If you plan to use simple syrup, you may want it to be less sweet.The ratio of sugar to water needs to be adjusted until you like it.The longer the simple syrup lasts, the more sugar you use.
Step 12: If you would like, you can flavor your syrup.
Remove the sugar and water mixture from the heat and add your favorite flavor, such as an orange rind, cinnamon stick, or aVanilla bean.Allow it to steep until the mixture cools, then remove it, and stir or shake the simple syrup to distribute the flavor.Simply soak the item in the sugar water for a few hours, then remove it.The flavor won't be as strong as hot-process syrup.