How to Make Delicious DIY Syrup

Syrup is a sweet way to maximize the flavor of a desert or breakfast. There are more types of syrup than simply maple though. Fruit syrups are also available to brighten the taste of pancakes or ice cream. This guide will provide step by step instructions on how to make delicious syrup.

Materials

Water
Sugar
Flavoring of Choice

Picking a Flavor

Perhaps the most difficult part of making syrup is choosing the flavor to make. Think about asking all members of the family about favorite fruits, breakfasts and deserts. Compile the choices and take the most highly chosen flavor, to help make everyone happy. Another option is to make several different flavors in smaller batches. This will require more money and work, but can satisfy even the pickiest families.

Back to Basics

The first thing that needs to be done to make delicious syrup is to create the basic, unflavored syrup. The rule of thumb is two parts sugar to one part water. Stir these slowly together in a saucepan under medium heat. After simmering for two or three minutes, remove the liquid from the stove and add the chosen flavor, whether it be maple flavoring or another kind of extract or oil.

For Fruit Syrups

Fruit syrup takes a little more time to produce. First, the fruit in question needs to be reduced to a liquid. This is done by boiling the fruit, followed by straining the mixture. The resulting fruit liquid is the goal. Instead of two parts sugar and one part water as in the basic syrup, use two parts sugar and one part liquefied fruit.

Liquor is Quicker

For more adult tastes, making a 21 and up syrup is as simple as mixing your favorite drink. To do this, simply create the basic unflavored syrup, and instead of adding vanilla or maple, add chocolate or coffee liquor and then add to coffee, heated or chilled.