Making and Using Simple Syrups

Simple Syrup is used in many alcohol-based and alcohol-free drinks where sweetness is desired. It is one part water and one part sugar and is sometimes infused with fruits, herbs, or other natural flavors. You will find Simple Syrup with or without flavorings in liquor stores and in the Mixers section of most supermarkets. Making your own is very easy and inexpensive.

Making Simple Syrup

1. Combine one part water (for example 1 cup) with one part white granulated sugar in an appropriate sized pot.

2. Stir while heating on medium until all the sugar has been dissolved.

3. Turn off the burner and let the syrup cool to the point you feel comfortable pouring it.

4. Pour into a heat-safe container such as a pint or quart size mason jar and seal it.

This will keep for quite a while. It is better to use it while cold when making cold drinks, of course, so the place to store it is a refrigerator.

Making Flavored Syrup

The best time to make this is while making the Simple Syrup because it will be hot. Just add a small amount of fruit (for example a ratio of 1/2 cup crushed berries (or the juice of 2 large oranges or 3 lemons) to 1 cup each of water and sugar) to the pot while dissolving the sugar. Do not use high heat - just enough to aid in dissolving the sugar and breaking down the fruit some. Do not boil. Stir for several minutes more than you would just to dissolve the granulated sugar and after pouring into a mason jar or other sealed container, shake vigorously and let it steep. After a few hours, pour it into another container through a strainer. If desired, add food coloring at this time. Fruit Suggestions: raspberry, blackberry, strawberry, cherry, blueberry, peach, apricot, orange, lemon. Store sealed in refrigerator. It should keep for a couple of weeks.

Making Lemon Italian Ice

1. Put 16 Oz of Simple Syrup and the juice of 3 lemons in a blender and blend for 20 seconds.

2. Place blender container in the freezer for an hour.

3. Add 24 ice cubes to the frozen lemon syrup and blend until very slushy.

4. Scoop into small cups and serve with a spoon.

Making Italian Cream Soda

1. Fill a glass almost to the top with ice cubes.

2. Pour 4 tablespoons of Flavored Syrup (perhaps raspberry) over the ice.

3. Pour club soda (or sparkling water although club soda is better because of the neutral flavor) into the glass, filling it no more than halfway up.

4. Add heavy cream and give it a good stir.

5. (Optional) Top it off with a little whipped cream.

6. (Optional) Finish with a maraschino cherry.

7. Serve with a reusable/washable straw or just slurp the delicious cream soda.