Are you tired of having jars of simple syrup taking up space in your pantry?
Don’t let that liquid gold go to waste!
There are plenty of creative ways to use up leftover simple syrup, from sweetening your morning coffee to adding a burst of flavor to your favorite desserts.
In this article, we’ll explore some unique and delicious ways to repurpose your leftover simple syrup, so you can enjoy every last drop.
So, grab your jars and let’s get started!
What To Do With Leftover Simple Syrup?
1. Sweeten Your Beverages
One of the easiest ways to use up leftover simple syrup is to sweeten your favorite beverages. Whether it’s your morning coffee, tea, or a refreshing glass of iced tea or lemonade, simple syrup blends in easily and adds a touch of sweetness without the hassle of granulated sugar.
2. Moisturize Your Cakes
If you’re a baker, you know that keeping cakes moist can be a challenge. One trick is to soak the cake layers with simple syrup before assembly or drizzle it over small holes made in the cake layers. This will not only keep your cakes moist but also add a delicious flavor.
3. Poach Fruits
Simple syrup is perfect for poaching fruits, especially pears. The syrup adds sweetness and flavor to the fruit, making it a perfect addition to any dessert.
4. Make Sorbet
Simple syrup is a key ingredient in many sorbet recipes. It helps to sweeten and balance the flavors of the fruit, resulting in a smooth and delicious frozen treat.
5. Add Flavor to Ice Cream
If you’re tired of plain old vanilla ice cream, simple syrup can help you take it up a notch. Mix and match different flavors of simple syrup with your favorite ice cream flavors for a unique and delicious dessert.
6. Use in Marinades
Simple syrup can be a powerful ally in any marinade. Use it as a base for an Asian marinade by blending it with soy sauce or mix it with citrus for a refreshing chicken marinade.
7. Make Flavored Liqueurs
Mix leftover simple syrup with clear liquor like vodka or Everclear to create your own flavored liqueurs. This is a great way to use up large amounts of simple syrup and create unique cocktails.
8. Bake with It
Simple syrup can be used as a sugar substitute in baking recipes. Use it to soak cakes or drizzle over pastries like baklava or loukamades for added sweetness and flavor.
Sweeten Your Beverages
One of the easiest ways to use up leftover simple syrup is to sweeten your favorite beverages. Whether it’s your morning coffee, tea, or a refreshing glass of iced tea or lemonade, simple syrup blends in easily and adds a touch of sweetness without the hassle of granulated sugar. You can also experiment with different flavors of simple syrup to add a unique twist to your drinks. For example, try adding brown sugar syrup for a rich molasses flavor or honey syrup for a lovely aromatic sweetness that pairs well with most spirits. Agave syrup is perfect for cocktails made with tequila, while maple syrup works wonders with whiskey and rum. With just a little bit of simple syrup, you can elevate your beverages and make them more enjoyable.
Jazz Up Your Cocktails
One of the best ways to use leftover simple syrup is to jazz up your cocktails. Simple syrup is a key ingredient in many classic cocktails like the Old Fashioned, Mojito, and Margarita. But why stick to the classics when you can experiment with different flavors and create your own signature cocktails?
To start, try infusing your simple syrup with different flavors like lavender, ginger, or cinnamon. This will add a unique twist to your cocktails and impress your guests. You can also mix and match different types of sugar to create different flavors of syrup. For example, brown sugar syrup has a delicious dark molasses flavor that pairs well with aged spirits like whiskey.
Another way to use leftover simple syrup is to make flavored liqueurs. Mix it with clear liquor like vodka or Everclear and add in some fresh fruit or herbs for a delicious homemade liqueur. This is a great way to use up large amounts of simple syrup and create unique cocktails.
Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment with different ratios of simple syrup in your cocktails. Some people prefer their drinks sweeter while others like them more tart or bitter. Play around with the amount of simple syrup you add until you find the perfect balance for your taste buds.
With these tips, you’ll never have to waste leftover simple syrup again. Use it to sweeten your beverages, moisturize your cakes, poach fruits, make sorbet, add flavor to ice cream, use in marinades, bake with it, and most importantly, jazz up your cocktails!
Add Flavor To Your Baked Goods
If you’re a baker, you know that adding flavor to your baked goods can take them from good to great. Simple syrup can be a great addition to your baking arsenal, and it’s easy to make your own flavored syrups at home. Here are some ideas for using simple syrup to add flavor to your baked goods:
1. Brush it on Cakes
One of the easiest ways to use simple syrup in baking is to brush it onto cakes. This will not only keep your cakes moist, but also add a delicious flavor. Try brushing apple or honey simple syrup onto a spice cake, or rum or coffee simple syrup onto a chocolate cake.
2. Use it in Frosting
Simple syrup can also be added to frosting recipes for an extra burst of flavor. Try adding lemon or orange simple syrup to a cream cheese frosting for a citrusy twist, or use honey simple syrup in a buttercream frosting for a rich and complex flavor.
3. Drizzle it on Pastries
Simple syrup can also be used to add sweetness and flavor to pastries like baklava or loukamades. Try drizzling honey or cinnamon simple syrup over baklava for a delicious twist, or use apple or pear simple syrup on top of apple turnovers.
4. Add it to Bread Recipes
Simple syrup can be added to bread recipes for an extra touch of sweetness and flavor. Try adding honey or maple simple syrup to a whole wheat bread recipe for a delicious twist, or use rum or coffee simple syrup in a banana bread recipe.
5. Make Glazes
Simple syrup can also be used as a base for glazes on baked goods like cookies or scones. Try mixing lemon or lavender simple syrup with powdered sugar for a tangy glaze, or use apple or cinnamon simple syrup on top of oatmeal cookies.
Create Homemade Syrups And Sauces
One of the best things about simple syrup is that it can be easily flavored to create homemade syrups and sauces. Here are some ideas to get you started:
1. Coffee Syrup
If you’re a coffee lover, you’ll love making your own coffee syrup. Simply mix equal parts of simple syrup and strong brewed coffee, and add any flavorings you like, such as vanilla extract or cinnamon. This syrup can be used to sweeten your coffee or added to milk for a homemade latte.
2. Caramel Syrup
Homemade caramel syrup is a game-changer for any coffee or dessert lover. Combine equal parts of simple syrup and caramel sauce, and mix well. Use this syrup to sweeten your coffee or drizzle over ice cream or pancakes.
3. Plum Syrup
Plum syrup is a great way to use up leftover plums from your garden or farmers market. Combine equal parts of sliced plums, simple syrup, and water in a saucepan, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for a few minutes until the plums are soft. Puree the mixture with an immersion blender, strain, and cool before using.
4. Honey Syrup
Honey syrup is a great alternative to simple syrup for those who prefer natural sweeteners. Mix equal parts of honey and water in a saucepan, and heat until the honey dissolves. Add any flavorings you like, such as ginger or lavender, and let the mixture cool before using.
5. Fruit Syrup
You can use any type of fruit to make homemade fruit syrup. Combine equal parts of fruit, simple syrup, and water in a saucepan, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until the fruit is soft. Puree the mixture with an immersion blender, strain, and cool before using.
6. BBQ Sauce
Simple syrup can be used as a base for homemade BBQ sauce. Mix equal parts of ketchup, vinegar, and simple syrup in a saucepan, and add any seasonings you like, such as garlic powder or smoked paprika. Simmer the mixture for 10-15 minutes until it thickens.
7. Salad Dressing
Simple syrup can also be used as a base for homemade salad dressing. Mix equal parts of olive oil and vinegar with simple syrup, and add any seasonings you like, such as Dijon mustard or fresh herbs. Shake well before serving over your favorite salad.
With these ideas for homemade syrups and sauces, you’ll never waste leftover simple syrup again! Get creative in the kitchen and experiment with different flavors to find your new favorite recipe.
Make Refreshing Summer Drinks
Looking for a refreshing summer drink to cool you down on a hot day? Look no further than your leftover simple syrup! Here are a few ideas to get you started:
1. Lemonade: Mix fresh lemon juice, water, and simple syrup to taste for a classic summer drink. Add a splash of sparkling water for some fizz.
2. Iced Tea: Brew your favorite tea and sweeten with simple syrup instead of granulated sugar. Add fresh mint or fruit for extra flavor.
3. Fruit Punch: Mix together your favorite fruit juices, such as pineapple, orange, and cranberry, with simple syrup and sparkling water for a fruity and refreshing drink.
4. Mojito: Muddle fresh mint leaves with lime juice and simple syrup in a glass. Add ice and rum, then top with club soda for a classic summer cocktail.
5. Margarita: Mix tequila, lime juice, and simple syrup in a shaker with ice. Strain into a salt-rimmed glass and enjoy!
No matter what your favorite summer drink is, simple syrup can be a great addition to add sweetness and flavor without the hassle of granulated sugar. Experiment with different flavors and mix-ins to create your own unique summer drinks.
Use Simple Syrup In Salad Dressings
Another great way to use leftover simple syrup is to incorporate it into salad dressings. As mentioned earlier, simple syrup is an excellent sweetener for beverages, and the same principle applies to salad dressings. Adding simple syrup to your salad dressing not only adds sweetness but also helps to balance out any bitterness or acidity from the other ingredients.
To make a simple syrup salad dressing, start by mixing equal parts of oil and vinegar in a bowl or jar. Then, add a teaspoon of simple syrup and any other desired seasonings or herbs. Shake or whisk the mixture until it is well combined and emulsified. Taste and adjust the sweetness or acidity as needed.
Simple syrup salad dressings are incredibly versatile and can be customized to suit any taste preferences. For example, you could add Dijon mustard for a tangy kick or garlic for extra flavor. Plus, making your own salad dressing at home is an easy way to avoid the added preservatives and artificial ingredients found in store-bought dressings.
