Simple Syrup Recipe

Homemade Simple Syrup for Sweetening Beverages
(Source: ©magone/Depositphotos.com)

This old fashioned syrup recipe makes the basic ingredient that's used in many flavored soda fountain syrups and for sweetening beverages such as iced teas, lemonades, punches, and fruit drinks.

Simple syrup is significantly sweeter than regular sugar and perfect for use in the old fashioned soda fountain recipes and for sweetening all manner of beverages, as it dissolves so easily.

Basic Ingredient Used in Fountain Syrups

Simple Syrup Recipe

Lee's Priceless Recipes (1895)

Old Time Soda Jerk Dispensing Simple Syrup

Fountain Operator Dispensing Sodas
(Source: Library of Congress Repro. No. LC-USZ62-129884))

Hint

Simple syrup is useful for sweetening purposes when home baking too.

Use granulated sugar and water in proportions of 1 pound of white sugar to 1 pint of water. Stir while bringing water and sugar to a boil until all sugar crystals are dissolved, then permit to cool.

The candying or crystallization of syrup, unless it is over-saturated with sugar, may be prevented by the addition of a little citric acid, 2 or 3 drams (1-1/2 or 2-1/4 teaspoons) per gallon of simple syrup. Confectioners add a very little cream of tartar to the sugar to prevent granulation.

Another method for making simple syrup is to use 2 parts granulated sugar to 1 part water. Bring water to a boil, add sugar and stir so that the sugar is completely dissolved with no sugar crystals visible, then remove from heat and let cool.

Some old time pharmacists recommended adding 1 to 2 teaspoons of corn syrup to help keep the consistency of the simple syrup smooth for storage.

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