Store owner and Tea Sommelier Anne’s Instagram videos are all about tea. Well, not just tea – cocktails, too! We love a tea-infused cocktail, and along the way, we’ve discovered some secrets to infusing simple syrups.
Simple Syrup Basics
Simple syrup is simple. It’s equal parts sugar & water. We typically use 1 cup water and 1 cup sugar. Cook gently until it’s clear and all the sugar is dissolved then simmer for about 4 minutes to thicken it slightly. It may turn a very pale amber. We do the same with Agave and Honey, minus the cook time. Simply dissolve equal parts agave or honey in hot water. Whisk until it’s fully incorporated.
The catch: Don’t use Water!
We follow the above ratios, but instead of water, we use tea…or botanical or spice or herb. Many recipes will state: make simple syrup drop a cinnamon stick in the hot simple syrup. However, this will not get you to a fully-infused simple syrup. Here’s our approach: Steep broken cinnamon chips in boiling water for 15 minutes. Strain and use this “tea” to make simple syrup. Simmer 1 cup cinnamon” tea” with 1 cup sugar until clear and dissolved.
Try it with just about anything!
Use Earl Grey Tea, lavender flowers, Rooibos, mint leaves, whole cloves or chile flakes. Simply steep the tea or botanical in hot water, strain off and use that “tea” to make the simple syrup. Now that’s simple!
Try these Simple Syrup-infused cocktails:
Appletini with Cardamom Simple Syrup
Pomegranate Manhattan
The French Horse
Rum Milk Punch
