It’s the base for many cocktails – simple syrup. It has to be one of the easiest recipes ever. 1 part sugar to 1 part water, mix in a small saucepan and heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved, about 1 minute. Viola!
Why use sugar in a cocktail? The mere definition of a “cocktail” according to Mr. Boston Official Bartender’s Guide is “spirits of any kind, sugar, water, and bitters.”
Why not use regular sugar in a cocktail? You can, but it’s hard to dissolve the sugar crystals completely. It is versatile – you can make any flavor you like which will elevate your drink and allows even more creativity at the bar.
Last weekend I had leftover strawberry puree after making my Strawberry pie. While I could have frozen it for later, I decided to make a strawberry simple syrup instead.
This takes that super simple recipe above and makes it just slightly more complicated, but not by much. I still use the 1:1 ratio of sugar to water but add 1/4 cup of the strawberry puree. Let it cook until the sugar completely dissolves. Pour it through a fine mesh strainer over a small bowl to strain out the strawberry pieces and seeds. You end up with is this beautiful pink syrup that I placed in a fun little jar.
It will keep for about 2 weeks refrigerated. It is perfect for summer cocktails like the Strawberry Fizz and Strawberry Prosecco or over ice cream or berries.
Strawberry Fizz
Equipment
- Medium sauce pan
- Wooden Spoon
- Fine mesh strainer
- Clean jar
- cocktail glass
Ingredients
Strawberry Simple Syrup
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup pureed strawberries
Strawberry Fizz Cocktail
- 3 oz gin
- 2 oz strawberry simple syrup
- 2 – 4 oz. club soda
- 2 dashes orange bitters
- 2 -3 fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions
Strawberry Simple Syrup
- Place sugar, water and strawberry puree in a medium saucepan.
- Heat over medium heat, stirring with a wooden spoon until sugar is dissolved
- Allow to cool.
- Place fine mesh strainer over a medium bowl and pour the simple syrup through the strainer.
- Place remaining syrup in a jar, seal and place in the refrigerator until ready to use
Strawberry Fizz Cocktail
- Place gin and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake until well blended.
- Divide evenly between 2 glasses. Top each with seltzer water and add a dash of bitters.
- Garnish with strawberries and mint.
