Simple syrup is a staple ingredient in many cocktails and sweet beverages.
It’s made by dissolving sugar in water, creating a sweet liquid that can be used to balance out the flavors of a drink.
But have you ever wondered if simple syrup can ferment? Can you turn it into a wine-like drink or use it to create unique flavors?
In this article, we’ll explore the science behind simple syrup and fermentation, and answer the question: does simple syrup ferment?
Does Simple Syrup Ferment?
The short answer is no, simple syrup cannot directly ferment. This is because simple syrup is made from a combination of water and sugar, which makes it unsuitable for fermentation. In order for fermentation to occur, the solution must contain certain nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus that simple syrup does not provide.
However, simple syrup can be used to make a wine-like beverage through a slow-fermentation process. This is done by adding the simple syrup and yeast to a mixture of fruit juice and water and allowing it to sit in a warm place for several days. The yeast will slowly convert the sugars in the mixture into ethanol, creating an alcoholic drink.
It’s important to note that simple syrup has a limited shelf life, especially if not stored properly. While 1:1 hot-process simple syrup should last 1 month when stored in the refrigerator in a sterile container, 2:1 simple syrup should last 6 months. However, all syrups are prone to fermentation under certain conditions, so it’s important to use them within a few days (1:1 syrups) to a week (2:1 syrups) and keep them refrigerated.
What Is Simple Syrup?
Simple syrup is a sweet liquid made from a combination of water and sugar. It is commonly used as a sweetener in cocktails, iced tea, lemonade, and other beverages. The syrup is made by dissolving sugar in boiling water, then cooling the mixture to room temperature. The ratio of sugar to water can vary depending on the desired sweetness level, with a common ratio being 1:1 or 2:1.
While simple syrup itself cannot ferment due to the lack of nutrients necessary for fermentation, it can be used as a base for creating alcoholic beverages through a slow-fermentation process. This involves adding yeast to a mixture of fruit juice and water along with the simple syrup and allowing it to sit in a warm place for several days. The yeast will convert the sugars in the mixture into ethanol, creating an alcoholic drink.
It’s important to note that simple syrup has a limited shelf life and can start to ferment if not stored properly. Adding an acidic ingredient such as lemon juice can help slow down the fermentation process and preserve the syrup. Overall, simple syrup is a versatile sweetener that can be used in a variety of drinks and recipes.
The Science Of Fermentation
Fermentation is a natural process that occurs when microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi break down sugars in the absence of oxygen. During fermentation, microorganisms produce enzymes that break down specific types of sugar metabolites. This process results in the creation of ethanol and carbon dioxide.
The types and numbers of microorganisms present during fermentation can dramatically affect the taste of fermented food. Different microorganisms have unique sets of metabolic genes that allow them to produce enzymes to break down distinct types of sugar metabolites. Therefore, when the types and numbers of microorganisms are changed, the taste of fermented food can also change dramatically.
In homemade simple syrup recipes, it’s important to let the syrup cool completely before using it since warm liquid won’t keep its sweetness for too long. If the syrup isn’t cold enough when first made, it could start to ferment. Fermenting means the sugars in the syrup start breaking down into alcohol and acetic acid. As the sugar breaks down, it releases more ethanol (which makes the syrup taste boozy) and less carbon dioxide gas, which creates a fizzy effect.
Adding an acidic ingredient such as lemon juice to the mixture can slow down the fermentation process. This is because adding citrus to any type of food helps preserve it, making citrus essential for home preservation techniques like pickling, canning, and smoking.
Factors That Affect Fermentation In Simple Syrup
There are several factors that can affect fermentation in simple syrup. One of the most important factors is the presence of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus. Simple syrup does not provide these nutrients, which means that it cannot directly support fermentation. However, when mixed with fruit juice and water, the yeast can slowly convert the sugars in the mixture into ethanol.
Another factor that can affect fermentation in simple syrup is temperature. Fermentation occurs best at warm temperatures, typically between 68-72°F (20-22°C). If the temperature is too low, fermentation may be slow or may not occur at all. If the temperature is too high, it can lead to off flavors and other issues.
The type of yeast used can also affect fermentation in simple syrup. Different strains of yeast have different optimal temperature ranges and may produce different flavors and aromas. It’s important to choose a yeast strain that is appropriate for the desired final product.
Lastly, the presence of other ingredients can also affect fermentation in simple syrup. For example, adding citrus juice to the mixture can slow down the fermentation process and help preserve the syrup. On the other hand, adding too much acid or other ingredients can inhibit fermentation or even kill the yeast.
How To Ferment Simple Syrup: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you’re interested in making a wine-like beverage using simple syrup, here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Start by preparing your ingredients. You’ll need simple syrup, fruit juice, water, and yeast. You can use any kind of fruit juice you like, but it’s best to choose one with a high sugar content.
2. Combine the fruit juice and water in a large container. The ratio of fruit juice to water should be around 1:1.
3. Add the simple syrup to the mixture and stir well to combine.
4. Sprinkle the yeast over the top of the mixture and stir gently to distribute it evenly. You can use any kind of yeast you like, but wine yeast or champagne yeast are good choices for this recipe.
5. Cover the container with a clean towel or cheesecloth and secure it with a rubber band. This will allow air to circulate while keeping out any unwanted contaminants.
6. Place the container in a warm, dark place and let it sit for several days. The length of time will depend on the temperature and the type of yeast you’re using, but it’s usually around 3-5 days.
7. Check on the mixture daily to make sure it’s fermenting properly. You should see bubbles forming on the surface and smell a slightly yeasty aroma.
8. Once the mixture has finished fermenting, strain out any solids and transfer the liquid to a clean container.
9. Let the mixture sit for a few more days to allow any remaining sediment to settle to the bottom.
10. Carefully pour off the clear liquid into another container, leaving behind any sediment that has settled at the bottom.
11. Bottle your wine-like beverage and store it in a cool, dark place until ready to drink.
With these simple steps, you can turn basic simple syrup into a delicious homemade beverage that’s perfect for sipping on its own or mixing into cocktails. Just be sure to use caution when fermenting and bottling your drink, as improper techniques can lead to spoilage or even dangerous explosions.
Creative Uses For Fermented Simple Syrup
While simple syrup itself cannot ferment, it can be used to create a variety of fermented drinks and infusions. One creative use for fermented simple syrup is in the secondary fermentation and flavoring phase of water kefir or kombucha. Flavored simple syrups offer a way to extract flavors containing little to no natural sugars, so that the sweetening/carbonation and flavoring steps can be done at the same time, without diluting the brews with water or unfermented tea.
For instance, lavender, ginger, and mint are notoriously difficult to extract for use in kombucha and water kefir, since they do not contain sugar of their own. Making a flavored simple syrup allows the flavor to be infused into the sweetener, so that the sugar and flavor are added at one time. It also provides a great way to regulate the strength and potential bitterness of flavors that can become too strong if left to infuse for too long.
Besides water kefir and kombucha, fermented simple syrup can also be used to create wine-like beverages. By adding the simple syrup and yeast to a mixture of fruit juice and water and allowing it to sit in a warm place for several days, the yeast will slowly convert the sugars in the mixture into ethanol, creating an alcoholic drink.
Fermented simple syrup can also be used as a unique ingredient in cocktails and other mixed drinks. For instance, hop-infused simple syrup can be dry hopped to highlight the variety of flavors in different hops. Lemon or lime simple syrup can be drizzled on fruit salad, yogurt, or ice cream, glazed on wings or seafood, added to dressing or marinade, or used in cocktails like Tom Collins, Lemon Drop, Moscow Mule, and more.
