Sugar Water Topping: The Perfect Belize Bhn Finish

Sugar water, also known as simple syrup, is a versatile ingredient used to sweeten drinks, make desserts, and even feed hummingbirds. It is easy to make at home with just two ingredients: sugar and water. The process is simple: combine equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan, heat the mixture until the sugar dissolves, and then allow it to cool before transferring it to a bottle or jar for storage. This basic recipe can be modified to create flavoured simple syrups by adding ingredients like herbs, citrus, or spices. Simple syrup is a handy ingredient to have on hand, and it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a month.

Combine sugar and water in a saucepan

To make sugar water, you'll need to combine equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan. For a basic simple syrup, you can use one cup of water and one cup of granulated sugar. If you're making a larger batch, simply maintain the 1:1 ratio. Place your saucepan on the stove over medium to medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring continuously until the sugar has dissolved.

As soon as the water begins to boil, reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer. This should take around three minutes. You'll know the sugar has dissolved when the mixture thickens slightly. Once the sugar has dissolved, remove the saucepan from the heat and allow it to cool.

If you're in a hurry and don't want to wait for the mixture to cool, you can use a heat diffuser to slow down the cooking process and give you more control over the temperature. This is especially useful if you're making sugar water for the first time.

After the mixture has cooled, transfer it to a clean bottle or jar and seal it tightly. Your sugar water can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a month.

You can also make sugar water without cooking by using castor sugar. Combine equal parts castor sugar and water in a bottle, seal it tightly, and shake vigorously until the sugar has dissolved.

Bring to a boil

To make sugar water, also known as simple syrup, you will need to bring a mixture of sugar and water to a boil. This process is simple but requires attention to prevent the sugar from burning.

First, combine equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan. The amount of each ingredient will depend on how much simple syrup you want to make. For a basic simple syrup, use one cup (240 milliliters) of water and one cup (200 grams) of white, granulated sugar. Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly to dissolve the sugar.

Once the mixture reaches a boil, stop stirring and reduce the heat to medium. Allow the mixture to simmer for 8 to 23 minutes, or until the sugar syrup has thickened slightly. The cooking time will vary depending on factors such as the proportions of water to sugar and the intensity of your heat source, so it is important to monitor the colour of the syrup as it cooks.

The syrup will gradually change from a clear liquid to a light golden colour and eventually to a dark amber colour. This can happen very quickly, so it is important not to leave the pot unattended. As soon as the syrup reaches a uniform rich, brown colour, remove it from the heat immediately. If you leave the syrup on the heat for too long, it will turn almost black and develop a burnt, bitter smell.

If you want to stop the caramelization process and prevent the sugar from burning further, place the bottom of the saucepan in ice water for about 10 seconds. This will cool down the mixture and halt the cooking process.

Reduce to a simmer

Once your mixture has reached a boil, it's time to reduce it to a simmer. This is a crucial step in the process of making sugar water, as it will prevent the sugar from scorching and becoming caramelised.

For basic sugar water, reduce the heat and bring the water to a gentle simmer. It will take around three minutes for the sugar to fully dissolve. Keep an eye on the mixture, as you don't want the sugar to burn.

If you are making a more concentrated sugar syrup, the process is similar. Once the mixture begins to boil, quickly lower the heat and bring it to a gentle simmer. This will prevent the sugar from burning and give you more control over the process.

For a dry caramelisation method, you will also need to reduce the heat once the sugar begins to liquefy. Keep a close eye on the sugar, and use a silicone spatula or wooden spoon to move the liquefied sugar from the edges of the pan to the centre. This will ensure that the sugar doesn't burn before it has melted fully.

Remember, when you are making sugar water or syrup, it's important not to stir the mixture once it has reached a simmer. This will prevent crystallisation and keep your mixture smooth.

Cool and store

Once your sugar water is ready, you'll need to let it cool down. Set the pot on a heat-resistant surface and leave it to reach room temperature. This is important because if you add the hot mixture to a glass container, it may crack.

Once the sugar water has cooled, you can transfer it to a glass bottle or jar. If using a bottle, place a funnel into the neck and carefully pour the sugar water into it. Seal the bottle or jar with a tight-fitting lid.

Store your sugar water in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to one month. If you want to extend its shelf life, you can add a small amount of vodka to the mixture to prevent the growth of mould and bacteria.

If you want to store your sugar water for longer, you can freeze it. Pour the syrup into an ice cube tray and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the frozen cubes to a freezer bag or container, where they will keep for up to six months.

Use to sweeten drinks or make desserts

Sugar water, also known as simple syrup, is a versatile ingredient that can be used to sweeten various drinks and make desserts. Here are some ways you can use sugar water:

Sweetening Drinks

Simple syrup is commonly used to sweeten cocktails, such as an Old Fashioned, Whiskey Sour, Tom Collins, Gimlet, or a Watermelon Margarita. It is also perfect for sweetening iced tea, lemonade, or coffee drinks like a pumpkin spice latte. You can even use it to sweeten your tea!

Making Desserts

Sugar water is also useful in the kitchen for making desserts. It can be drizzled over ice cream or used as a topping for desserts like flan or panna cotta. If you're feeling adventurous, you can try making caramel candies or spun sugar. For a more decorative touch, use sugar water to line the serving cups before pouring in your dessert.

Other Uses

Sugar water has additional uses beyond drinks and desserts. It can be used to keep cakes moist or even as a mid-workout sports drink. Some people also use it to feed hummingbirds!

Customising Your Sugar Water

You can experiment with different types of sugar, such as brown sugar, maple sugar, or coconut sugar, to add unique flavours to your drinks and desserts. You can also add herbs like mint or rosemary, sliced citrus, ginger, or spices to infuse your sugar water with flavour. Get creative and customise your sugar water to your taste!

Frequently asked questions