Simple syrup is equal parts sugar and water, brought to rolling boil. The basic recipe is a staple of mixed beverages, and affords endless variations. Some of my favorites are listed below.

Basic Recipe

  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 cup white sugar

Combine ingredients and bring to a boil on the stove. Let boil for about 30 seconds. Cool and refrigerate. The mixture is generally said to stay fresh for 4-6 weeks.

Vanilla Cinnamon Simple Syrup

  • 2 cups water
  • 2 cups white sugar
  • 1 dried vanilla bean
  • 8 cinnamon sticks

Combine water and sugar in a saucepan. Split the vanilla bean lengthwise, then scrap the seeds into the sugar water. Cut the vanilla bean in quarters and add to the mixture. Add cinnamon sticks. Bring to a boil as above.

Strain the bean and cinnamon sticks from the mixture; the vanilla seeds may be left in for flavor. Cool and refrigerate as above.

Honey Vanilla Cinnamon Simple Syrup

Substitute honey for sugar in the recipe above. All proportions remain the same.