Simple syrups are just like they sound – simple. You need 3 ingredients: sugar, water and whatever flavor you want to add. In this instance, we used some of our extra garden herbs. A simple syrup will last 1-2 weeks in the fridge, but did you know you can also freeze them!?!
Wood Herb Simple Syrup
Ingredients
4-6 large sprigs of woody herb(s) of your choice (more herbs equal stronger flavor)
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
Instructions
Rub herb sprigs to release flavor and lightly toast on low heat in a saucepan.
Add water and sugar to the lowly heated saucepan.
Increase heat to medium and stir frequently until all the sugar is dissolved. Do not quite bring to a boil or some of your lovely herb oils will evaporate.
Turn heat off and mash with potato masher one more time to release more oils.
Allow to sit and steep for at least one hour, or up to two.
Strain through fine metal colander into a storage container.
Notes
Let’s add fruits and veggies! Peaches, blackberries, strawberries, blueberries, rhubarb, jalapeños, oranges, lemons, limes, blueberries and raspberries are all examples of great additions to simple syrup.
Tender Herb Simple Syrup
Ingredients
4 cups tender herb(s) of your choice
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
Instructions
Make basic simple syrup by adding equal amounts water and sugar to a large saucepan. Bring to a boil until sugar is completely dissolved. Set aside and let cool.
Prepare a bowl of ice water.
Bring a pot of water to a full boil. Add herbs to boiling water and blanche for 10-15 seconds. Use a slotted spoon to immediately transfer them to an ice bath. Allow to cool for 5 minutes. This will help them keep their beautiful green color when chopped!
Drain herbs and transfer to a blender or food processor. Add simple syrup. Process on high speed until smooth, about 2 minutes.
Place a piece of cheesecloth over a strainer. Pour liquid into a strainer and let stand, stirring occasionally without pressing on solids, until all liquid has passed though. Discard solids and use a funnel to transfer simple syrup to the container of your choice.
Notes
Let’s add fruits and veggies! Peaches, blackberries, strawberries, blueberries, rhubarb, jalapeños, oranges, lemons, limes, blueberries and raspberries are all examples of great additions to simple syrup.
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