Simple syrup can be used in a number of things. It's best for sweetening cold liquids like iced tea, iced coffee, lemonade, and mixed drinks. It works better than adding granulated sugar because it mixes well without being grainy.

I learned about sweet tea when I went to school at Florida State. They take their sweet tea seriously in the south, and rightfully so! I remember the first time I had sweet tea at an old plantation house in Tallahassee when we were there checking out the campus. It was a bed and breakfast and, of course, that's what they served us first thing in the morning... a big pitcher of sweet tea. It was sooooo good I had no idea what I had been missing out all those years growing up in the Midwest! So what makes sweet tea so good? Simple syrup!

Simple syrup can be made with regular white sugar, but I like using natural/evaporated cane juice. It has more of a rich flavor and I like that it isn't processed like regular sugar, but it will be darker in color than white sugar.

There are two ways to make simple syrup: basic and rich. The "basic" is a 1:1 ratio of sugar to water and the "rich" is a 2:1 ratio... two parts sugar to 1 part water. The "rich" syrup is perfect for mixed drinks and if you have more of a sweet tooth. It is also going to be a bit thicker in consistency and possibly darker. The "basic" is great for tea, lemonade, coffee...any iced drink. Whichever ratio you choose it is made the same way!

Rich Simple Syrup

2 cups sugar; I like using natural/evaporated cane juice

1 cup water

Basic Simple Syrup

1 cup sugar; I like using natural/evaporated cane juice

1 cup water

*Combine the water and sugar in a pan

*Bring the water and sugar to a boil stirring consistently

*Continue to stir until sugar as dissolved

*Remove from heat and cool completely

You can also flavor your simple syrup. Some ideas include: lavender, lemon rind, vanilla beans, cinnamon sticks, basil leaves, rosemary sprigs, mint, etc. After you boil the sugar and water together and it is off of the heat immediately place in the flavor of your choice and allow to sit for about 30 minutes. Strain the syrup with a colander.

Store in a sealed container and refrigerate for up to 2 months.