Are you a home bartender looking to up your game and impress your guests with professional-level cocktails?
One of the key differences between a pro and an amateur is the use of simple syrup. But what exactly is simple syrup, and why is it so important?
In this article, we’ll dive into the world of simple syrup and explore its sweetness levels measured on the Brix scale. We’ll also discuss why using a scale instead of a saucepan is crucial for achieving the perfect balance in your cocktails.
So grab your shaker and let’s get started!
What Is The Brix Of Simple Syrup?
Simple syrup is a combination of two ingredients: sugar and water. But what sets it apart from regular sugar water is the ratio of these two ingredients and the level of sweetness it provides.
The sweetness of simple syrup is measured on the Brix scale, which is a measurement of the sugar content in a liquid. At 20°C, 1.0°Brix is equal to 1 gram of sugar in 100 grams of water and sugar solution. In other words, a 50 Brix simple syrup means that 50% of the total weight is sugar.
This ratio creates a solution that is perfect for balancing cocktails with citrus like lime and lemon, which both have a titratable acidity of 6%. A 50 Brix syrup will balance these ingredients perfectly, leaving the finished drink neither too sweet nor too sour for the majority of drinkers.
It’s important to note that there are different levels of sweetness between the most commonly used sugar syrups. Homemade sugar syrup made with a ratio of 2 parts sugar to 1 part water by weight has a Brix level of 66.7, while a homemade syrup made with a ratio of 1 part sugar to 1 part water by weight has a Brix level of 50.0.
Commercially made cane sugar syrups like Monin Pure Cane Sugar Syrup and Monin Gomme Sugar Syrup have Brix levels of 65.0 and 64.7 respectively, making them almost identical to homemade syrups made with a ratio of 2 parts sugar to 1 part water by volume.
What Is Simple Syrup And Why Is It Important In Cocktails?
Simple syrup is a liquid sweetener made by dissolving sugar in water. It is a key ingredient in many cocktails because it adds sweetness and helps to balance the flavors in a drink. Simple syrup is also important because it dissolves quickly and evenly in liquids, which allows the drink to maintain a consistent taste throughout. Additionally, simple syrup acts as a binding agent, helping to keep the ingredients of a cocktail together. Without simple syrup, many cocktails would be too tart, too sweet, or simply too strong.
The Brix level of simple syrup is also important in cocktails because it determines the level of sweetness in the drink. A 50 Brix simple syrup is perfect for balancing cocktails with citrus like lime and lemon, leaving the finished drink neither too sweet nor too sour for the majority of drinkers. Different levels of sweetness can be achieved with different ratios of sugar to water, and commercially made cane sugar syrups have similar Brix levels to homemade syrups made with a ratio of 2 parts sugar to 1 part water by volume.
The Brix Scale: Understanding Sweetness Levels In Simple Syrup
The Brix scale is an important tool for understanding the sweetness levels in simple syrup. It measures the amount of sugar in a liquid and can help determine the appropriate ratio of sugar to water for a desired level of sweetness.
When making simple syrup, it’s important to keep in mind the Brix level and the flavor profile of the sweetener being used. Each sweet syrup brings a different flavor profile to a cocktail, with some syrups like maple syrup having a richer and deeper flavor than standard simple syrup.
In a professional bar setting, a refractometer is used to ensure that each syrup is at the desired Brix level. However, for home bartenders, measuring by weight or volume can be sufficient. A 50 Brix simple syrup is a good starting point for balancing cocktails with citrus like lime and lemon, but adjustments can be made based on personal taste preferences.
It’s also worth noting that cooking simple syrup can introduce an unnecessary variable and potentially ruin the balance of a cocktail by leaving it too sweet without adjusting by taste on the fly. Instead, sugar and water can easily dissolve at room temperature with some stirring or shaking, making it unnecessary to heat the mixture.
Why Using A Brix Scale Is Crucial For Cocktail Balance
Using a Brix scale is crucial for achieving the perfect balance in cocktails. When making a cocktail with citrus, the acidity of the juice needs to be balanced with sweetness. A 50 Brix simple syrup is the perfect solution for this, as it balances the acidity of citrus without making the drink too sweet.
Using a Brix scale also ensures consistency in flavor in all Sanz Syrups. By establishing the sweetening power that they want their syrups to have, they manage to maintain the same degree Brix in all their syrups, making it easy for the person mixing to always work with the same level of sweetness, regardless of the flavor they choose.
It’s important to note that using a Brix scale is more accurate than using volume measurements. Homemade sugar syrup made with a ratio of 2 parts sugar to 1 part water by weight has a Brix level of 66.7, while a homemade syrup made with a ratio of 2 parts sugar to 1 part water by volume has a Brix level of 65.1. This small difference in Brix level could make a big difference in the final taste of the cocktail.
How To Make Simple Syrup Using The Brix Scale
Making simple syrup using the Brix scale is a precise and accurate method that ensures the perfect sweetness level for your cocktails. Here’s how to make simple syrup using the Brix scale:
1. Gather your ingredients: granulated sugar and water.
2. Using a kitchen scale, measure out an equal amount of sugar and water by weight.
3. Combine the sugar and water in a sealable container like a Mason jar.
4. Shake the container until the sugar is completely dissolved.
5. Using a refractometer, measure the Brix level of the syrup to ensure it’s at the desired level. For a 50 Brix syrup, the reading should be 50.
6. If you need to adjust the sweetness level, add more sugar or water in equal parts by weight until you reach the desired Brix level.
It’s important to note that cooking simple syrup adds an extra variable to the mix—evaporation. As the syrup reaches a simmer or boil, water molecules are evaporating on the surface, leaving the syrup with a higher concentration of sugar. This can ruin your cocktails by leaving them too sweet without adjusting by taste on the fly. Therefore, it’s recommended to make simple syrup using the Brix scale without cooking it.
Tips And Tricks For Using Simple Syrup In Cocktails
When it comes to using simple syrup in cocktails, there are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind:
1. Measure by weight, not volume: To ensure consistency and accuracy, it’s best to measure your simple syrup by weight rather than volume. This will ensure that you are using the correct ratio of sugar to water and that your cocktails are properly balanced.
2. Use the right ratio: Different cocktails require different levels of sweetness, so it’s important to use the right ratio of sugar to water for each recipe. A 50 Brix simple syrup is a good starting point for most cocktails, but you may need to adjust the ratio depending on the ingredients and your personal taste preferences.
3. Don’t cook your simple syrup: While some recipes may call for cooking your simple syrup on the stove, it’s best to avoid this step whenever possible. Cooking your syrup can cause evaporation and lead to an imbalanced sweetness level in your cocktails. Instead, mix your sugar and water together at room temperature until fully dissolved.
4. Adjust as needed: If you find that your cocktail is too sweet or too sour, you can always adjust the amount of simple syrup you use. For example, if your drink is too sour, add a little more simple syrup. If it’s too sweet, use less or add more citrus juice.
5. Experiment with different syrups: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of simple syrups to add new flavors and dimensions to your cocktails. For example, you could try using a honey or agave syrup instead of traditional simple syrup for a unique twist on a classic cocktail.
By keeping these tips and tricks in mind, you can make delicious and perfectly balanced cocktails every time using simple syrup.
Conclusion: Elevate Your Cocktails With Perfectly Balanced Simple Syrup
If you’re looking to elevate your cocktail game, using a perfectly balanced simple syrup is the way to go. The Brix level of your syrup will determine the level of sweetness in your cocktail, and using a 50 Brix syrup will ensure that your drink is balanced and not too sweet or too sour.
While homemade syrups with a 2:1 ratio of sugar to water may seem like a good idea, they actually have a higher Brix level than necessary and can throw off the balance of your cocktail. Commercially made cane sugar syrups like Monin Pure Cane Sugar Syrup and Monin Gomme Sugar Syrup have Brix levels that are almost identical to homemade syrups made with a 1:1 ratio of sugar to water by weight.
It’s important to remember that precision is key when it comes to making cocktails, and using a scale to measure out your ingredients is the best way to ensure accuracy. So next time you’re making a cocktail, reach for a scale and create a perfectly balanced simple syrup for the ultimate cocktail experience.
