Sweetness I: Simple Syrup

The vast majority of cocktail recipes include a sweet element. We find sweetness enjoyable, but did you know that it also enhances the flavor of certain ingredients?

To sweeten a cocktail you’ll generally use a form of sugar, juice or liqueurs. Sugar, in its crystallized form, takes a long time to dilute completely. Hence, bartenders have turned to syrups, which mix very well with liquids. Simple syrup is by far the most used syrup in cocktail recipes.

Simple syrup’s neutral flavor will allow the rest of the ingredients to be in the spotlight.

Simple syrup is made out of sugar and water in a 1:1 ratio by weight. It is traditionally combined at a higher temperature in order to make it easier for the sugar to dissolve entirely.

Rich simple syrup is made in much the same way, but it has a 2:1 ratio of sugar to water, again, by weight.

In conversations about syrups, you’ll often read the term Brix being used. Brix is a scale that defines the sugar content in a liquid solution.

When made by weight, simple syrup has 50 Brix, whereas rich simple syrup has 66.6 Brix.

How long does (Rich) Simple Syrup last?

Both types of syrup will eventually develop mold.

Simple syrup, while stored in the fridge, will last about a month.

Rich simple syrup will take about 6 months to go bad, if properly refrigerated. This is due to the high percentage of sugar in the mixture, which inhibits the development of bacteria.

Which one do I use?

The simple (heh) answer is you can use either one.

Simple syrup, being less viscous, is easier to pour and will let you be more accurate.

Rich simple syrup, on the other hand, will last a lot longer in your fridge. It will also provide less dilution and improved texture. Rich simple syrup doesn’t need to be refrigerated (it’ll last longer there, though), so consider it if space in your fridge is limited.

Bacteria may still find their way into rich simple syrup based on certain factors (temperature, if the container was properly sterilized beforehand, etc). If you're concerned about it, remember you can always keep it in the fridge to be safe.

While they can be used interchangeably, be aware that rich simple syrup is not doubly as sweet as simple syrup. When measuring by volume, which is what you will do most of the time, rich simple syrup equates to 1.5 times the same amount of simple syrup.

Our app offers an option to switch between the two in all recipes, so use the syrup that makes the most sense for you.

Simple Syrup Recipe

Weigh equal amounts of (cane) sugar and water.

If you’re unsure how much to make the first time, try 250ml of water (which equates to 250g of water) and 250g of sugar.

You can use White, Brown or Demerara sugar.

Each sugar type will give you a different flavor: White will be neutral. Demerara and Brown sugar will bring molasses into the mix, with varying degrees of caramel and / or toffee notes

Brown or Demerara Simple Syrup is featured in a lot of recipes that call for rum, as it accentuates the spirit's flavors.

Mix the two ingredients together in a blender on high until the sugar is dissolved.

At first, the syrup will be cloudy, but these are just the air bubbles brought by the blending process. They'll go away after a few minutes and you'll end up with a clear syrup.

Pour into a sterile container

A glass bottle is ideal!

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