There are a few key reasons why lemon juice is commonly added to simple syrup:
Acidity
Lemon juice helps balance out the sweetness of simple syrup with some acidity. On their own, sugar syrups can taste cloyingly sweet. The tartness of lemon brightens the flavor and makes it taste less one-note sweet. Just a small amount of lemon juice is enough to balance a simple syrup.
Flavor
Lemon juice adds nice citrus flavor to simple syrup. The sweetness of the sugar syrup helps mellow out the acidity of the lemon, leaving behind delicious lemon essence. This gives the simple syrup more interest and complexity compared to plain sugar syrup.
Preservation
The acidity of lemon juice helps retard crystallization of simple syrup. Crystallization occurs when water evaporates off, leaving behind pure sugar crystals. The lemon acid helps lower the pH of the syrup so the sugar stays fully dissolved.
Uses for Lemon Simple Syrup
Adding lemon juice to sugar syrup makes it more versatile for using in various recipes and beverages. Some of the popular uses for lemon simple syrup include:
Cocktails
Lemon simple syrup is commonly used to sweeten and add flavor to many cocktails, such as:
- Whiskey sours
- Tom Collins
- Mojitos
- Margaritas
- Moscow mule
The lemon pairs well with spirits and balances out their alcoholic kick. It brings in citrus flavors that complement the tastes of gin, vodka, rum and whiskey.
Tea and Coffee
Lemon simple syrup can be drizzled into iced tea, lemonade or coffee drinks. It sweetens them up nicely while also contributing extra lemon flavor.
Fruit Salads
The syrup can be used to make fruit salads or desserts. It adds sweetness while also acting as a light dressing. The lemon flavor pairs especially well with fruits like berries, peaches, pineapple and mango.
Pancakes and Waffles
Lemon syrup is delicious drizzled over pancakes, waffles or French toast. It soaks into the pastries and gives them a sweet lemony kick.
Glazes and Sauces
The syrup can be used to glaze cakes or as a sauce over ice creams and other desserts. It shines up fruit desserts nicely.
How to Make Lemon Simple Syrup
Making your own lemon simple syrup at home is easy. There are just two ingredients – sugar and lemons!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 cup water
- Juice from 1 large lemon (about 3-4 tablespoons juice)
Instructions:
- Add the sugar and water to a small saucepan. Heat over medium, stirring frequently, until the sugar has fully dissolved.
- Once the sugar has dissolved, remove the pan from the heat. Add the fresh lemon juice and stir to combine.
- Allow the mixture to cool fully. Then transfer it to a glass jar or bottle.
- Store lemon simple syrup in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
The possibilities are endless for uses of this bright and flavorful syrup! Add it to beverages, desserts, yogurt, fruit salads and anything that could use a little sweet, tart lemon kick.
Proportions for Lemon Simple Syrup
The basic simple syrup recipe is equal parts sugar and water by volume. So 1 cup of each. But you can adjust the proportions to suit your tastes:
- Less sweet: Use 3/4 cup or 1/2 cup sugar for every 1 cup of water. This makes a lighter syrup for those who don’t like very sweet drinks.
- Sweeter: Use up to 2 cups sugar per 1 cup of water. This makes a very thick, rich simple syrup.
- For lemon syrup: Use 3-4 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice per 1 cup of syrup. Adjust to your desired tartness.
No matter what sugar-to-water ratio you use, adding some lemon juice will give your simple syrup a tasty flavor boost!
Storing Lemon Simple Syrup
Lemon simple syrup will keep for 1-2 weeks stored in the refrigerator in a sealed container. The sugar helps act as a natural preservative, while the lemon juice acidity also helps extend the shelf life. Make sure your container has a tight fitting lid.
Over time, the lemon flavor will start to fade. So for the brightest flavor, try to use the syrup within 1 week. After 2 weeks, the syrup is still usable but may taste more generically sweet than distinctly lemony.
Do not leave lemon syrup at room temperature or it will start to grow mold. The fridge keeps it chilled and fresh.
Signs Your Syrup Has Gone Bad
How can you tell if your lemon simple syrup has gone past its prime?
- Mold/yeast growth – You may see fuzzy mold growing in old syrup. This means it’s time to toss it.
- Fermented smell – Syrup can ferment with age, giving off an alcoholic sort of smell.
- Crystallization – If stored too long, the syrup can crystallize with the water evaporating off.
- Diminished lemon flavor – As time passes, the bright lemon notes will fade.
Trust your eyes and nose – if your syrup looks or smells funky, it’s better to be safe and make a fresh batch.
Other Flavor Variations
While lemon is a classic choice, simple syrup can be infused with many different flavors. Get creative with herbs, spices, citrus, vanilla, berries and more!
Some tasty options to try:
- Basil simple syrup
- Ginger syrup
- Rosemary maple syrup
- Vanilla bean syrup
- Lavender syrup
- Strawberry syrup
- Jalapeno simple syrup
- Orange syrup
- Honey simple syrup
Nearly any herb, spice, fruit, flower or flavor can be infused into a simple syrup. Experiment to find new favorites!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called “simple syrup”?
Simple syrup is called “simple” because it only involves two ingredients – sugar and water. Other syrups often have a more complex mix of ingredients and flavors added beyond just sugar and water.
Is simple syrup the same as sugar water?
Simple syrup and sugar water are nearly the same thing, but have a slight technical difference. Simple syrup is an equal mix of granulated sugar and water, fully dissolved. Sugar water generally just refers to plain water with some sugar stirred in until partly dissolved.
Is simple syrup bad for you?
Simple syrup is high in sugar and calories, so it should be enjoyed in moderation as an occasional treat. Consuming too much simple syrup could contribute to health issues like obesity, diabetes and tooth decay. But enjoyed sparingly in drinks, desserts or other dishes, simple syrup can add sweetness without being too detrimental to health.
How do you make a syrup thicker?
To make a thicker, richer simple syrup, use a higher sugar to water ratio. A 2:1 ratio of sugar to water will create a very viscous, thick syrup. Allow the syrup extra time to cool so the sugar fully dissolves.
Can I substitute simple syrup for granulated sugar in baking recipes?
In most baking recipes, you cannot substitute simple syrup 1:1 for granulated sugar. Because simple syrup contains water, it will throw off the moisture balance in doughs and batters. You would need to reduce other liquids in the recipe to account for the water in the syrup.
How long does simple syrup last after opening?
An opened bottle of simple syrup will last 2-4 weeks in the refrigerator. Keep the bottle sealed tightly and refrigerated at all times for longest shelf life. Discard if you see any mold, crystallization or fermentation.
Can you freeze simple syrup?
Yes, simple syrup can be frozen for longer term storage. Freeze it in a tightly sealed container, leaving some headspace to allow for expansion. Thaw in the refrigerator before using. Frozen simple syrup can keep for 4-6 months.
Is simple syrup gluten free?
Yes, since simple syrup only contains sugar and water, it is naturally gluten free and safe for gluten intolerant diets.
Is simple syrup vegan?
Plain simple syrup is vegan, containing no animal products. However, some flavored simple syrups may contain non-vegan ingredients like honey or dairy.
Can you use brown sugar instead of white to make simple syrup?
Yes, you can substitute brown sugar in simple syrup recipes. The syrup will have a richer caramel-like flavor and darker color. Keep in mind brown sugar dissolves slower than white, so allow extra time.
Conclusion
Adding lemon juice to simple syrup provides a tasty sweet-tart flavor as well as helpful chemical properties. The lemon balances out the sweetness, adds acidity to stabilize the syrup, and introduces bright citrus flavor. Lemon simple syrup has many uses from cocktails to desserts. Make your own using just sugar, water and fresh lemon juice. Feel free to riff on the flavors to create your own signature infused simple syrups.
