Are you a fan of sweetening your drinks or cocktails without overpowering them with sugar? Then you might be familiar with simple syrup, a liquid sweetener that has become a staple in many households.
But where can you find it in the grocery store? And is it worth buying pre-made bottles or making it at home?
In this article, we’ll explore the different sections of the grocery store where you can find simple syrup, as well as some popular brands and where to buy them. Plus, we’ll share an easy recipe for making your own simple syrup at home.
So, let’s dive in and discover where to buy simple syrup!
Where Do You Buy Simple Syrup?
Simple syrup can be found in various sections of the grocery store, depending on the store’s layout and organization. Generally, you can find it in the Condiments section, alongside other sweeteners like honey and agave syrup. If you don’t see it there, check the baking aisle, the coffee aisle, or the alcoholic beverages aisle.
Different stores may choose to place simple syrup in different sections, so it’s always a good idea to ask a store employee if you’re having trouble finding it.
If you prefer to buy pre-made bottles of simple syrup, you can find them in the liquor department of your local grocery store or at any liquor store. Some popular brands include Cocktail Artist, Stirrings, Rose’s, Master of Mixes, Powell & Mahoney, Monin, and Gefen.
What Is Simple Syrup?
Simple syrup is a liquid sweetener that is made by dissolving granulated sugar in water over a flame. It is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of ways, such as adding sweetness to cold and hot drinks, cocktails, cakes, pancakes, plain yogurt, fruit salads, and oatmeal.
One of the benefits of using simple syrup in drinks is that it adds sweetness without overpowering the flavor of the drink. Additionally, it dissolves quickly, making it an ideal sweetener for cold drinks. Simple syrup can also be flavored with fresh fruit, herbs, and spices, or made with different sweeteners like honey or brown sugar.
If you’re interested in making your own simple syrup at home, it’s incredibly easy and cost-effective. All you need to do is boil water and dissolve granulated sugar in it. You can even experiment with different flavors and sweeteners to make a unique and delicious simple syrup that’s perfect for your taste buds.
Benefits Of Using Simple Syrup
Using simple syrup as a sweetener has several benefits that make it a popular choice for bartenders, bakers, and home cooks alike. One major benefit is that it is very versatile and can be used in a variety of recipes, from cocktails to baked goods to fruit salads.
Simple syrup is also easy to make at home, requiring only two ingredients – sugar and water – and minimal effort. It can be made in large batches and stored in the fridge for future use, making it a convenient ingredient to have on hand.
Another benefit of using simple syrup is that it blends well with other ingredients, ensuring that sweetness is evenly dispersed throughout the recipe. This is especially important for cold beverages like iced tea or cocktails, where granulated sugar may not dissolve properly.
In addition, using simple syrup allows for greater control over the sweetness level of a recipe. By adjusting the ratio of sugar to water, you can create a syrup that is more or less sweet depending on your preference.
Finally, using simple syrup instead of granulated sugar can help extend the shelf life of baked goods by adding moisture and preventing them from drying out. This makes it a useful ingredient for anyone who wants to keep their desserts fresh for longer.
Where To Find Simple Syrup In The Grocery Store
If you’re looking for simple syrup in the grocery store, there are a few sections you can check. One common section is the Condiments aisle, where you can find other liquid sweeteners like honey and agave syrup. The baking aisle is another good place to look, as simple syrup is often used in baking recipes.
If you’re a coffee lover, check the coffee aisle as well. Simple syrup is frequently used to sweeten coffee and lattes, so it may be located near the coffee beans or other coffee-related products. Additionally, the alcoholic beverages aisle is worth checking out, as simple syrup is a popular ingredient in cocktails.
If you’re still having trouble finding simple syrup in your local grocery store, don’t hesitate to ask a store employee for assistance. They may be able to direct you to the correct section or even order it for you if it’s not currently in stock.
Alternatively, if you prefer to make your own simple syrup at home, all you need is equal parts sugar and water. Simply bring the mixture to a boil in a saucepan until the sugar has dissolved, then let it cool before using it in your favorite recipes.
Popular Brands Of Simple Syrup And Where To Buy Them
If you’re looking for a specific brand of simple syrup, here are some popular ones and where you can buy them:
1. Stirrings – This brand is available at Safeway, Walmart, and Albertsons. You can find it in the aisles with honey, liquid sweeteners, and cocktail mixes.
2. Master of Mixes – You can find this brand at Kroger, as well as in the liquor department of your local grocery store or at any liquor store.
3. Rose’s – This brand is carried by Safeway and can be found in the same aisles as Stirrings and Master of Mixes.
4. Cocktail Artist – Look for this brand in the baking and condiment aisles at Walmart.
5. Powell & Mahoney – Kroger carries this brand in both the alcohol and pantry aisles, near the cocktail mixes and liquid sweeteners.
6. Monin – This brand can be found at Kroger in both the alcohol and pantry aisles.
7. Pratt Standard – If you’re looking for a more artisanal option, Pratt Standard makes a wide range of syrups and barware. You can find them online or at specialty stores. They even offer pre-packaged cocktail sets and soda syrups.
Remember, if you’re having trouble finding a specific brand of simple syrup, don’t hesitate to ask a store employee for assistance. And if you prefer to make your own simple syrup at home, it’s easy to do with just sugar and water!
Making Simple Syrup At Home: Recipe And Tips
Making simple syrup at home is incredibly easy and cost-effective. All you need are two ingredients: sugar and water. The basic ratio for simple syrup is equal parts sugar and water, but you can adjust the sweetness by using more or less sugar.
Here’s a simple recipe for making 1 1/2 cups of simple syrup:
Ingredients:
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup water
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and water.
2. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has completely dissolved.
3. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the syrup cool to room temperature.
4. Transfer the syrup to a clean, airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to a month.
Tips:
– For a richer syrup, use a 2:1 ratio of sugar to water.
– To infuse your syrup with flavor, add herbs, spices, or fruit while the mixture is boiling. Strain out any solids before storing the syrup.
– When measuring your ingredients, keep in mind that the final volume of the syrup will be about 3/4 of the combined volume of sugar and water due to the chemistry of dissolving sugar.
Once you’ve made your own simple syrup at home, you’ll never want to go back to buying pre-made bottles again. It’s cheaper, fresher, and you can customize it to suit your taste preferences. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile and can be used in cocktails, coffee, tea, lemonade, and more.
Conclusion: Where To Buy Simple Syrup And Which Option Is Best For You
When it comes to buying simple syrup, there are a few options to consider. If you’re looking for convenience, pre-made bottles of simple syrup can be found in the liquor department of your local grocery store or at any liquor store. However, it’s important to note that some pre-made syrups may contain additives like preservatives, fillers, and high fructose corn syrup that can alter the taste and quality of your drinks.
If you’re looking for a high-quality simple syrup without any additives, making your own at home is the best option. All you need is sugar and water, and you can customize the sweetness and flavor by using different types of sugar like demerara, turbinado, or muscovado. Plus, making your own simple syrup allows you to control the ingredients and ensure that your drinks are made with only the best quality ingredients.
