ALAGA Syrup has been a beloved Southern staple for over a century. The thick, sugary syrup is often poured over pancakes, waffles, and biscuits for a sweet kick. With its distinct molasses-like flavor, ALAGA Syrup is a breakfast classic that conjures up memories of lazy weekend mornings and family gatherings.
But in recent years, ALAGA Syrup has become harder to find on store shelves, leading many to wonder: is ALAGA Syrup still being made? This article will explore the history of ALAGA Syrup, examine whether it is still in production today, look at where you can buy ALAGA Syrup, and provide some recipe ideas for using up any remaining bottles. Read on to satisfy your curiosity about the fate of this iconic Southern syrup.
A Brief History of ALAGA Syrup
ALAGA Syrup has its roots in the early 1900s in the town of Alaga, Alabama. Local farmer Clifton Johnson first created the syrup recipe using ribbon cane syrup as the base. The ribbon cane came from the sugar cane grown on his farm.
In 1917, Clifton Johnson partnered with E.P. Hurley to begin bottling and selling ALAGA Syrup. It was produced and sold from a small facility in Alaga, Alabama for over three decades. ALAGA Syrup grew in popularity throughout the South during this time.
In the 1950s, the syrup business was sold to the Maryland Club Bottling Company. They continued making ALAGA Syrup in Alabama using the original recipe.
In the 1960s, the Maryland Club Bottling Company was acquired by the Fox Syrup Company. ALAGA Syrup production was moved to Baltimore, Maryland at this time but still followed the traditional preparation process.
Fox Syrup Company was bought by Imperial Sugar Company in 1997. Imperial Sugar continued producing ALAGA Syrup along with their extensive line-up of cane sugar products. They touted it as the #1 selling cane syrup in the South.
So for over a hundred years, ALAGA Syrup was produced and distributed by a series of different syrup companies, but the classic recipe remained unchanged. It consistently found its way onto Southern breakfast tables decade after decade.
Is ALAGA Syrup Still Made Today?
After over a century of continuous production, ALAGA Syrup was discontinued in 2008 when Imperial Sugar Company went bankrupt. The equipment used to produce ALAGA Syrup was sold off and production ceased.
Once this iconic Southern brand disappeared from stores, many assumed it was gone for good. But a few years later in 2011, the ALAGA Syrup name and recipe were purchased by Louisiana-based Steen’s Cane Syrup.
Steen’s leader Alton Brown vowed to bring ALAGA Syrup back using the original 1917 recipe. After revamping the production process, Steen’s re-launched ALAGA Syrup in 2013 to the delight of fans across the South.
Steen’s currently produces ALAGA Syrup in its headquarters in Abbeville, Louisiana. They use ribbon cane syrup made from fresh-pressed sugar cane grown in the area. Though no longer local to Alabama, they follow the traditional preparation methods to honor the syrup’s history.
So while ALAGA Syrup did take a brief hiatus from 2008 to 2013, it is now back in full swing production thanks to Steen’s. Fans can rest assured knowing their beloved Southern syrup is here to stay.
Where Can I Buy ALAGA Syrup Today?
Wondering where you can purchase ALAGA Syrup? Here are some of the best places to get your hands on a bottle:
Online
The easiest way to purchase ALAGA Syrup these days is online. Steen’s offers online ordering through their website or it can be found on Amazon. Buying online is convenient, saves you a trip to the store, and allows you to buy in bulk.
Specialty Grocery Stores
Some gourmet and specialty grocery stores will stock ALAGA Syrup on their shelves. Particularly in the South, some high-end grocers will carry it due to customer demand. So check the syrup selection next time you’re browsing your local specialty foods store.
Farmers Markets
Another place you may be able to locate ALAGA Syrup is at farmers markets, particularly those featuring local sugar cane growers. As ALAGA Syrup is cane-based, vendors who sell fresh cane syrup may also offer the ALAGA brand.
Direct from Steen’s
If you have no luck finding ALAGA Syrup locally, you can order it online directly from the Steen’s website. They offer bulk ordering options that can save you money on this pantry staple. Steen’s also frequently runs specials and discounts for first-time buyers.
So while it may require some searching, authentic ALAGA Syrup can still be purchased either online or locally for all your breakfast needs. Don’t be tempted by imposter brands – look for the classic label and molasses-style syrup to get the real deal.
Get Creative: ALAGA Syrup Recipes
Once you’ve secured that bottle of ALAGA’s Southern sweetness, it’s time to put it to good use! Here are some tasty ways to enjoy ALAGA Syrup:
Pancakes and Waffles
The classic! Drizzle or pour ALAGA Syrup over a stack of fluffy pancakes or crisp waffles. The rich, molasses-like flavor is the perfect partner to hot-off-the-griddle breakfast cakes.
For extra decadence, slather your pancakes with butter then douse in syrup. Or fill the divots of waffles with a pool of syrup that then soak into the waffle pockets. Classic and delicious!
Sweet Biscuits
Biscuits are a staple of the Southern breakfast table. For a sweet twist, split freshly baked biscuits in half and drizzle the insides with ALAGA Syrup. The contrast of fluffy biscuit and sweet syrup is simply divine.
You can take it over the top by adding fresh peaches or berries between the syrup-laden halves to make it a jam-filled biscuit.
Syrup-Laced Oatmeal
A bowl of hearty oatmeal gets a lift from the addition of ALAGA Syrup. Each creamy, satisfying bite will be subtly sweetened by the syrup swirled throughout.
Drizzle a bit more syrup on top of your finished oatmeal for even more flavor and a beautiful ribbons of glossy sweetness.
Sweet Potato Biscuit Bake
Take your biscuits to the next level with this easy breakfast bake:
| Sweet Potato Biscuit Bake |
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Ingredients: – 1 (16 ounce) can sweet potatoes, drained and mashed – 1⁄4 cup ALAGA syrup, divided – 2 cups biscuit baking mix – 1⁄2 cup milk – 1⁄4 cup butter, melted Instructions: |
The sweet potatoes give the biscuits moisture while the syrup on top lends a lovely glossy sheen and hit of flavor. It’s the ultimate savory-meets-sweet breakfast dish.
Better Banana Bread
Banana bread is a classic way to use up overripe bananas. The natural sweetness of the fruit means you often don’t need much added sugar.
But for an extra flavor dimension, consider swapping out traditional granulated sugar in recipes for ALAGA Syrup instead. Use a 2:1 ratio – for every 1 cup of sugar, use 2/3 cup syrup.
The syrup’s molasses notes take banana bread to the next level. Every slice will be moist and decadent.
Sweeten Up Baked Oats
Baked oatmeal is a great make-ahead breakfast for busy mornings. And it bakes up even more luscious with the addition of ALAGA Syrup.
Simply swap out about 1/4 of the sugar called for in your favorite baked oatmeal recipe for ALAGA Syrup. The syrup will keep the oats tender while lending its unique flavors.
You can also drizzle some syrup over your oat bake once finished for an extra final touch of sweetness.
Conclusion
ALAGA Syrup holds a special place in the hearts and on the breakfast tables of many folks across the South. With its century-long history and distinctive flavor, this cane syrup is intrinsically tied to Southern food culture.
After a brief absence from store shelves, authentic ALAGA Syrup is back and being produced by Steen’s Cane Syrup in Louisiana using the original 1917 recipe. Fans can purchase the syrup online or seek it out locally in specialty stores.
Creative cooks will enjoy incorporating ALAGA Syrup into all sorts of dishes beyond the classic pancake dousing. Its molasses-like flavor enhances everything from biscuits to baked goods.
So if you’ve been wondering “do they still make ALAGA Syrup?”, the answer is happily yes. A sweet tradition lives on thanks to Steen’s revival of this iconic Southern staple.
