Infused Simple Syrup for Tea, Cocktails, Popsicles, etc.

Simple syrup is a staple in the kitchen, but especially in a Southern cook's kitchen. It is simple equal parts sugar and water, heated until the sugar dissolves. Our regional beverage of choice, Sweet Tea, is nothing but strong brewed tea, sweetened with simple syrup. But you can do a lot more with simple syrup than sweeten a deliciously refreshing glass of iced sweet tea. If you infuse the syrup with flavor, you can use that nectar to make so many more things.... and it will keep in the fridge for weeks until you need it, perfect for summer entertaining.

SIMPLE SYRUP RECIPE

1 cup sugar

1 cup water

Combine sugar and water in a saucepan. Stir occasionally to dissolve the sugar. Bring to a boil and turn off the heat. Let it cool completely.

Now, to take your simple syrup to the next level, infuse it with flavor.

VANILLA SIMPLE SYRUP

2 cups sugar

2 cups water

1 vanilla bean

Take a vanilla bean and split it down the middle; don't cut all the way through it, just cut it so you can open it. Take the tip of your knife and scrape out the seeds- get every seed, they are expensive! Put the seeds and the pod into the pan with the sugar and water. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Turn off the heat. Allow to cool completely. Store in a Mason jar in the fridge until you are ready to use it.  Strain if you like but I love the seeds floating around in the syrup. You can use it to make my Vanilla Bean Plantation Lemonade. You'll love it!

 MINT SIMPLE SYRUP

2 cups sugar

2 cups water

15-20 fresh mint leaves

Combine sugar and water in a saucepan. Stir occasionally to dissolve the sugar. Bring to a boil and turn off the heat. Drop in the mint leaves. Allow to cool completely. Strain. Refrigerate until you are ready to use.