Ginger Simple Syrup

A little bit sugar and a little bit spice, this ginger simple syrup is definitely nice. This sweet and spicy sweetener is the perfect addition to a wide range of beverages from sodas to coffees. You can also spread it on foods to give a little tangy sweetness.

What is Ginger Simple Syrup?

Ginger simple syrup is a liquid sweetener that is made from equal parts chopped ginger root, water and sugar. They resulting syrup is a sweet and spicy flavor that makes for an easy flavor addition to a wide variety of different foods and drinks.

Adding flavored simple syrups, especially into beverages is a great alternative to regular sugar. This is due to the fact that since it is a liquid it dissolves better than granulated sugar.

There are so many different flavors of simple syrups you can make. Most are done in the same manner where you just add an ingredient or to to flavor it. Some other popular options include gingerbread simple syrup, pumpkin spice simple syrup and brown sugar syrup.

If you’re looking for a few reasons to try this recipe out, here are a few to consider:

• Great flavor. This is a classic combination of sweet and spicy. It is a nice ginger flavor that’s mellowed a little bit by the sugar.
• Really versatile. You can use this on so many different foods and in so many different beverages to give them a little spicy zing. Mix it in coffee or cocktails or drizzle it over pancakes or cornbread.
• Fast and simple. With only three ingredients all of which are pretty easy and simple this is super easy to make. It only takes about 10 or 15 minutes to get it all heated together.

Equipment

• Saucepan
• Knife
• Wooden Spoon (or any long handle spoon)
• Strainer
• Mason jar or Small Pyrex
• Measuring Cup

Ingredients

• 1 cup Sugar
• 1 cup Water
• 1 cup Chopped Ginger Root

Instructions

Step one

Gather up all the items necessary for this syrup including ginger root, measuring cup, sugar, water, strainer, saucepan, wooden spoon and a jar.

Step two

Get your ginger root ready by peeling it and chopping it into large pieces. Measure out one cup and add it into the pot.

Step three

Measure out one cup of sugar and add it into the pot with the ginger.

Step four

Measure out one cup of water and add it into the pot with the sugar and ginger.

Step Five

Next, you need to heat everything together. You should simmer the mixture at medium heat on the stove top for around 10 minutes.

Make sure that you stir your mixture frequently while it heats both to help everything dissolve and he evenly as well as to prevent any scalding on the bottom of the pot.

Step Six

Finally, get everything packaged up. You will want to pour your syrup through a strainer into your jar. This will allow you to separate out all of the ginger pieces.

Cover your jar up with the lid and stick it into the refrigerator. It should cool and thicken within about 2 hours.

How to Use

You can drizzle this on or mix this in to a multitude of different foods and drinks. Here are just a few options you might try out:

• Ginger soda. Add a splash or two of this to a plain club soda to have a ginger flavored soda.
• Flavored lemonade. Flavored lemonades are already super easy to make from cherry to strawberry lemonade. Add 2 oz of this to plain lemonade for a ginger lemonade.
• Add it to cocktails. You can add this in place of regular simple syrup for any cocktails that need a ginger flavor. It works well in Moscow mules.
• Add it to mocktails. Again, this is an easy addition in any mocktail that uses regular simple syrup. This Moscow mule mocktail or ginger beer mocktail is a perfect fit.
• Coffee and tea. This is a great addition to hot or cold coffee and tea. Just add an ounce or two to a full glass for a sweet ginger flavor.
• Drizzle on baked goods. You can add this to a wide variety of baked goods from waffles to pancakes to cakes. It will add a little bit of sweetness, a little bit of flavor and also help moisten them.

Variations

There are actually several ways you can substitute ingredients or create slight flavor variations for this recipe. Check a few of these ideas out:

• Change the ratio. If you want to thicken this up or make it a little sweeter you can change the ratio up to a two to one sugar to water.
• Change the type of ginger. You can use grated ginger or even ground ginger instead of chopped ginger root if you want. With ground ginger you’ll need about a tablespoon.
• Add additional flavors. You can mix the ginger flavor with a lot of other flavors and it works really well. Try out:
  • Vanilla, 1 tsp.
  • Mint, a few leaves.
  • Citrus, a teaspoon of lemon or lime juice.
  • Other spices, cinnamon or cloves, for example, 1 teaspoon.
• Use a different sweetener. While granulated white sugar is a standard in this recipe. You can certainly use a different sweetener. Honey would be a good option as its flavor pairs really well with ginger.

Top Tips & Storage

Here are some top tips and best practices for proper storage:

• Strain it thoroughly. When you strain the mixture you want to make sure that you use a fine mesh strainer especially if you have chopped your ginger into tiny bits. This will prevent any from getting into the final syrup.
• Let it steep. If you want an extra ginger infusion of flavor, you can let this steep after you heat it. Simply take it off the heat and let the ginger sit in the mixture for up to 15 minutes before removing it.
• Storing and freezing. You can keep this up to 4 weeks in the refrigerator as long as it is an airtight container. If you need to store it for longer you should freeze it. Do so by pouring it into an ice cube tray and then popping the cubes out and putting them in a freezer bag.

Other Flavored Syrups

• Jalapeno Simple Syrup
• Vanilla Simple Syrup
• Honey Simple Syrup

Recipe