This Citrus-Infused Simple Syrup is a game-changer for your kitchen arsenal. With just a few ingredients, you can elevate your drinks and desserts with a bright, fresh citrus flavor that's perfect year-round.
Granulated sugar is the base of our syrup, providing sweetness and texture. Water is used to dissolve the sugar and create the syrup consistency. The zest of an orange and zest of a lemon bring in natural oils and flavors, giving that vibrant citrus punch without the acidity of the juice.
Try this syrup in a classic lemonade for a citrus twist or mix it into your favorite cocktail for added depth. It's also fantastic drizzled over pancakes or waffles, adding a sweet, tangy touch. For a refreshing treat, stir it into iced tea or club soda. The options are endless!
Start by grabbing a medium saucepan. Combine your granulated sugar and water right in the pan. It might look simple now, but you're about to transform these basics into something special. Set your stove to medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally, watching as the sugar dissolves completely. This usually takes just a few minutes.
Once the sugar is fully dissolved, it's time to bring in the zest. Add the orange zest and lemon zest to the pot. Turn the heat down to low; you want a gentle simmer to coax out all those wonderful citrus oils. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes. This is where the magic happens — these five minutes infuse the syrup with bright, fresh flavors.
After simmering, remove the saucepan from the heat. Let the syrup cool to room temperature. This part requires a little patience, but it's worth it. When it's cool, take a fine mesh strainer and strain the syrup into a bowl or directly into your storage container to remove the zest. This step ensures you have a smooth syrup without any zest bits. Finally, transfer your Citrus-Infused Simple Syrup to a clean, airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It should keep well for about a month, so you have plenty of time to enjoy it!
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