Dante Carrillo
Simple syrup is a versatile ingredient used in cocktails, drinks, and baked goods. It is typically made with equal parts sugar and water, heated and dissolved together. However, for those on a diet or looking for alternatives, sugar-free and low-sugar options exist. Sugar-free simple syrup can be made with natural, low-carb granulated sweeteners like monk fruit, erythritol, stevia, or allulose, which has a similar taste to sugar. For a low-sugar option, a mixture of sweetener and sugar can be used, such as half allulose and half cane sugar. These diet-friendly simple syrups can be used in the same way as traditional simple syrup, adding sweetness to cocktails, coffee, tea, and more.
How to make diet simple syrup
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Water, alternative granulated sweetener, and optional sugar |
| Recipe | Add sweetener and optional sugar to water in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a light simmer, stirring regularly. Just before it boils, turn off the heat and stir until the sweetener and sugar are dissolved. |
| Storage | Transfer the syrup to a glass jar or bottle and refrigerate until needed. The syrup will last for about a month in the refrigerator and almost indefinitely in the freezer. |
| Flavour | You can add fresh herbs, sliced citrus, ginger, chiles, or spices to infuse into the syrup as it cools. |
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What You'll Learn
Simple syrup ingredients: sugar and water
Simple syrup is made from just two ingredients: sugar and water. The standard ratio is 1:1, or one cup of sugar to one cup of water. This will give you a syrup similar in consistency to the kind you can buy at the store. However, you can adjust the ratio to make a richer syrup with a thicker texture. For a richer syrup, use two parts sugar to one part water (2:1).
White granulated sugar is the standard sweetener, but you can experiment with different sugars, such as brown sugar, maple sugar, or coconut sugar. You can also use honey, but this will result in a thinner syrup. If you want to make a sugar-free or low-sugar syrup, you can use a natural, low-carb granulated sweetener such as monk fruit, erythritol, stevia, or allulose.
To make simple syrup, add the water and sugar to a small saucepan and place over medium-high heat. Swirl the pan around to help dissolve the sugar into the water. When the sugar has completely dissolved, set the pan aside to cool, then use or store.
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How to make it
Making diet simple syrup is easy and only requires a few ingredients.
Firstly, gather your ingredients. You will need a sweetener of your choice, water, a saucepan, and a glass jar or bottle for storage. Common sugar substitutes used for keto simple syrup include monk fruit, erythritol, allulose, stevia, or a blend of sweetener and sugar.
Next, add equal parts water and sweetener to the saucepan. For a low-sugar version, use a mixture of sweetener and sugar. For a richer syrup, increase the amount of sweetener or sugar. For a leaner syrup, use less.
Then, place the saucepan over medium heat and stir regularly. Bring the mixture to a light simmer, but be careful not to let it boil. Once the sweetener has completely dissolved, remove the saucepan from the heat.
Finally, allow the syrup to cool completely before transferring it to the glass jar or bottle. Seal and store in the refrigerator. Your diet simple syrup should last for about a month in the fridge and can also be frozen.
You can also experiment with different flavours by adding ingredients such as cinnamon sticks, fresh herbs, vanilla beans, ginger, or citrus slices to the hot syrup and letting it steep before straining and storing.
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Variations: rich, brown sugar, honey, etc
Simple syrup is made by combining equal parts sugar and water. However, there are many variations to this basic recipe. Here are some ways to make your simple syrup richer and more flavourful:
Rich Simple Syrup
One variation of the simple syrup is the rich simple syrup. Instead of the traditional 1:1 ratio of sugar to water, this variation calls for a 2:1 ratio, with two parts sugar to one part water. This variation has a thicker texture and can add more body to your cocktails.
Brown Sugar Syrup
Brown sugar syrup is another popular variation. This syrup uses the same 1:1 ratio as regular simple syrup but replaces white sugar with light or dark brown sugar. Brown sugar syrup has a deep, caramel-like flavour that pairs well with espresso-based cocktails, coffee, tea, pancakes, and desserts. Using dark brown sugar will give your syrup a deeper molasses taste and a more intense sweetness.
Honey Simple Syrup
Honey simple syrup is a great option for those who want a mild honey flavour. It is made with a 1:1 ratio of honey and water. For a more prominent honey flavour, increase the honey-to-water ratio to 2:1.
Flavoured Simple Syrup
You can also experiment with different flavours by infusing your simple syrup with fresh herbs, spices, or other ingredients. Here are some ideas for flavoured simple syrups:
- Cinnamon: Add a few cinnamon sticks to the syrup while it's hot and let it steep.
- Herbal: Add springs of rosemary, lemon thyme, lemon verbena, sage, mint, or lemon balm leaves to the hot syrup and steep for about 30 minutes.
- Vanilla: Add a split vanilla bean to the simmering syrup and let it cool in the syrup.
- Ginger: Add slices of ginger root to the simmering syrup.
- Lavender: This aromatic and floral syrup is a great addition to coffees, teas, and desserts.
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Flavoured syrups: cinnamon, vanilla, ginger, etc
Simple syrup is easy to make and can be used as a sweetener in cooking and baking, but it's most commonly used as an ingredient in cocktails. It is made by cooking equal parts sugar and water until the mixture is slightly thickened.
Cinnamon Syrup
Cinnamon syrup is an excellent drink sweetener and can be used in coffee, tea, or cocktails. It adds a subtle, warming spice to various beverages. To make cinnamon syrup, follow the basic simple syrup recipe and add cinnamon flavour by dropping a few cinnamon sticks into the syrup and letting it steep under the heat. For maximum flavour, break the cinnamon sticks into large pieces to increase their contact with the syrup. Allow the syrup to steep longer for a more intense flavour. Once cooled, you can add a bit of vanilla extract for extra depth.
Ginger Syrup
Ginger syrup is a versatile ingredient that can be used in both the kitchen and the home bar. It can be used in cocktails, teas, and coffee. To make ginger syrup, follow the basic simple syrup recipe and add flavour by letting fresh ginger infuse its distinct taste into the syrup. For easier straining, use slices or chunks of ginger. If you use grated ginger, you will need to finely strain the syrup to remove all the pieces. Adjust the sugar and water ratio to your liking.
Vanilla Syrup
Vanilla syrup can be used to flavour coffee or other drinks, brushed on cakes, tossed with berries, and more. It is made with real vanilla bean paste for the most luxurious flavour. Alternatively, you can use vanilla extract to infuse the flavour throughout the syrup. However, note that vanilla extract is not sweet, and the vanilla flavour will likely be overpowering.
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Storage and shelf life
The shelf life of simple syrup depends on how it is stored, whether it is homemade or store-bought, and the ingredients used. The most common method of storing simple syrup is refrigeration. When stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container, plain simple syrup can last for about one to three months. If the syrup has any mix-ins like fruit, flowers, or spices, the shelf life will be shorter, about one to two weeks.
To extend the shelf life of simple syrup, you can add a neutral-flavored spirit like vodka, lemon juice, or vinegar—about a tablespoon per 2 cups of syrup. Alternatively, you can make a rich simple syrup with a higher sugar content, such as a 2:1 sugar-to-water ratio, which can last up to six months.
Freezing simple syrup is another way to extend its shelf life. You can freeze the cooled syrup in ice cube trays and then transfer it to a zip-top bag or a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn. Frozen simple syrup can be thawed in the fridge, at room temperature, or defrosted in the microwave.
To maximize the shelf life of simple syrup, it is important to use a sterile container. Additionally, writing the date on a piece of tape on the jar can help you keep track of its expiration. If the syrup develops a cloudy appearance, anything floating in it, or an off smell, it is time to discard it.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a granulated sweetener such as monk fruit or erythritol, or a natural sweetener like allulose, and water.
The process is simple. Add one part sweetener to one part water and heat until the sweetener dissolves. You can add flavours like cinnamon, ginger, or vanilla.
Diet simple syrup will last for up to two months in an airtight container at room temperature, or up to six months in the refrigerator.
You can use your syrup as a sweetener in tea, coffee, cocktails, or baking.
