Simple Syrup

Preparation In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is dissolved. When the syrup starts to boil, lower the heat to maintain a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool to room temperature. Stored in a covered container in the refrigerator, the syrup will keep for about 1 month. NOTE:If making a flavored syrup, for example, with herbs, add them after the sugar has dissolved. Leave the flavorings in the syrup until it cools to room temperature, then remove, straining the syrup if needed to remove any of the flavorings. Reprinted with permission from Cocktails for a Crowd: More than 40 Recipes for Making Popular Drinks in Party-Pleasing Batches by Kara Newman. Text copyright © 2013 by Kara Newman; photographs copyright © 2013 by Teri Lyn Fisher. Published by Chronicle Books, LLC.

Preparation In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is dissolved. When the syrup starts to boil, lower the heat to maintain a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool to room temperature. Stored in a covered container in the refrigerator, the syrup will keep for about 1 month. NOTE:If making a flavored syrup, for example, with herbs, add them after the sugar has dissolved. Leave the flavorings in the syrup until it cools to room temperature, then remove, straining the syrup if needed to remove any of the flavorings. Reprinted with permission from Cocktails for a Crowd: More than 40 Recipes for Making Popular Drinks in Party-Pleasing Batches by Kara Newman. Text copyright © 2013 by Kara Newman; photographs copyright © 2013 by Teri Lyn Fisher. Published by Chronicle Books, LLC.