WHY MAKE THIS RECIPE
Honey simple syrup is a wonderful way to add natural sweetness to your beverages and desserts. Unlike granulated sugar, honey brings a unique flavor and additional health benefits. It is easy to make, versatile, and adds a floral note to drinks and dishes. You can use it in cocktails, iced teas, lemonades, or drizzled over pancakes and waffles. Making honey simple syrup at home is a great way to avoid processed sugars and enjoy the wholesome taste of honey in a convenient liquid form.
HOW TO MAKE Honey Simple Syrup
Ingredients:
- ⅔ cup honey
- ½ cup water
DIRECTIONS:
- Combine Ingredients: Add the honey and water to a small saucepan.
- Heat Mixture: Put the saucepan over medium heat. Stir the mixture occasionally until the honey is fully dissolved.
- Cool Down: Once the honey is dissolved, remove the saucepan from heat. Allow the mixture to cool slightly.
- Store: Pour the syrup into a mason jar or a syrup bottle. Seal tightly and refrigerate for up to two weeks.
Honey simple syrup is that easy! Just a few steps, and you’ll have a delicious sweetener ready for your favorite drinks and dishes.
HOW TO SERVE Honey Simple Syrup
There are numerous ways to serve honey simple syrup. Here are a few ideas:
- In Beverages: Use it to sweeten your iced tea, lemonade, or cocktails. It dissolves easily, even in cold liquids.
- On Breakfast Foods: Drizzle it over pancakes, waffles, or oatmeal for a touch of sweetness.
- In Desserts: Use the syrup to sweeten yogurt or as a glaze for fruit salads.
You can also experiment with different combinations, such as mixing it with fresh lemon juice for a refreshing lemonade or adding it to hot tea for a soothing drink.
HOW TO STORE Honey Simple Syrup
Storing honey simple syrup is straightforward. After you have made the syrup, pour it into a sterilized mason jar or a clean syrup bottle. Make sure to seal it tightly. Store it in the refrigerator, where it will last for up to two weeks. Always check for any signs of spoilage, like an off smell or appearance, before using it.
TIPS TO MAKE Honey Simple Syrup
- Use High-Quality Honey: The flavor of your syrup depends a lot on the quality of honey you choose. Opt for raw or organic honey for the best taste.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you want a sweeter syrup, you can add more honey. Start with the basic ratio and tweak it according to your taste.
- Flavor Infusions: To add unique flavors to your syrup, consider infusing it with fresh herbs like mint or rosemary while heating it.
- Make a Larger Batch: If you love honey simple syrup, consider doubling the ingredients for a bigger batch. Just be mindful of the two-week shelf life.
VARIATIONS
There are many ways to change up your honey simple syrup:
- Herbal Infusions: Adding herbs like mint, basil, or lavender during the heating process can create delicious herbal syrups.
- Spiced Syrup: For a spiced version, add cinnamon sticks or ginger while heating to infuse their flavors into the syrup.
- Citrus Twist: Adding lemon or orange zest can bring a refreshing kick to your syrup. Strain the zest before storing for the best flavor.
- Spicy Honey Syrup: For a kick, add a sliced chili pepper during the cooking process. It will add a spicy flavor that pairs wonderfully with cocktails.
Feel free to get creative and experiment with different flavors according to your preferences!
FAQs
1. Can I use any type of honey?
Yes, you can use any type of honey you like, but keep in mind that different honey varieties have different flavors. Experiment with light floral honeys or darker, richer honeys to find your favorite.
2. Can I use honey simple syrup in hot drinks?
Absolutely! Honey simple syrup dissolves easily in both hot and cold drinks, making it perfect for sweetening herbal teas, coffees, and hot lemonades.
3. Is honey simple syrup vegan?
No, traditional honey is not considered vegan since it is produced by bees. If you are looking for a vegan alternative, consider using agave syrup or maple syrup instead.
By making honey simple syrup, you can enjoy a natural, easy-to-use sweetener that enhances your food and drink creations in a delightful way. Simple to make and packed with flavor, this syrup is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.