Super duper syrups

Making a million syrups today! This is the basic process I use for making syrups. It's pretty much a sugary decoction. You can infuse all kinds of shit to spice up your alcoholic beverages, or even coffee and teas. Another tasty thing to do is add a tablespoon or so to a cup of tonic or club soda to make your own delicious soda. 

Let your imagination (and tastebuds) run wild: apple, blueberries, strawberry, lemongrass, cinnamon, etc.

In the summer, when honey is plentiful at the farmer’s markets, I often omit the sugar, and strain the liquids before adding honey at the very end. About 1 part honey to 2 parts ginger liquid.

Protip: don't just leave that on the stove unattended for an hour, you should really give it a peek every 15 minutes, because certain things (looking at you, elderberries) can make you lose a shitload of liquid reeeeaaal fast. If you don't have a large quantity brewing, or if you have the heat on too high, you will evaporate all of your liquids before you know it and be furiously pissed (unless you are less angered by kitchen mistakes than I).

Basic recipe:

I usually do a half batch, and let it go 30-45 min, checking periodically, alternately don’t add sugar, then after straining, add to honey 1 part honey to 2 parts liquids.

1-2 inch chunk of fresh ginger*

4 cups water

2 cups sugar

pinch salt

Chop up the ginger into smallish pieces, place into a saucepan and add the water, sugar and salt. Bring to a boil, then put the heat on low, and let it simmer for about an hour. Give it a peek every 15 minutes, it might need as little as 30-45 minutes. Use your best judgement.

Let it cool before straining through a mesh sieve, or perhaps some cheesecloth. Store in the refrigerator. It should last about a month.

Add a few dried chilies (I did this and it was great) to give it a spicy kick. 1 TB of mint or basil would also be lovely. Just try it! It’s pretty darn easy and great, and sugar is quite cheap.

*depending on what tasty treats you are using, you might need anywhere from 1 TB -1 cup of plant matter