Sugar water, also known as "simple syrup", is used to sweeten drinks such as lemonade, iced tea, mint juleps and cocktails. Sugar water can also be used to make desserts and for hummingbird food. This article will show you several ways to make sugar water. This article will also give you some ideas for increasing the concentration in your sugar water.
Ingredients
Ingredients for Sugar Water
- 240 milliliters of water
- 200 grams of sugar
Ingredients for Concentrated Sugar Water
- 240 milliliters of water
- 400 grams of sugar
Ingredients for Sugar Water for Hummingbirds
- 960 milliliters of water
- 200 grams of cane sugar
Step
Method 1 of 4: Making Sugar Water
Step 1. Pour 240 milliliters of water and 200 grams of sugar into a saucepan
This mixture will yield about 350 milliliters of sugar water. If you need to make more or less sugar water, make a solution using a ratio of 1 water to 1 sugar.
Step 2. Boil the solution
The high temperature will help the sugar water to dissolve faster. To help dissolve the sugar, be sure to stir it frequently.
Step 3. Boil the solution over low heat and wait for the sugar to dissolve
When the water starts to boil, reduce the heat and boil the solution over low heat. The sugar will dissolve in about 3 minutes.
Step 4. Remove the pan from the stove and allow the solution to cool
Store the pan on a heat-resistant surface and allow the solution to cool to room temperature.
Step 5. Transfer the sugar solution to the bottle
Place the funnel in the mouth of the glass bottle and carefully pour the sugar water into the bottle. If you don't have a bottle, you can also use a glass jar. Close the bottle tightly.
Step 6. Store the sugar water in the refrigerator
Use the sugar water within a month of making it. You can use the sugar water to make lemonade or cocktails.
Method 2 of 4: Making Concentrated Sugar Water
Step 1. Pour 240 milliliters of water and 400 grams of sugar into a saucepan
If you have to make more or less sugar water, then make a solution in a ratio of 1 water to 2 sugar.
Step 2. Boil the solution
Make sure to stir frequently so the sugar dissolves faster.
Step 3. Boil the solution over low heat and wait for the sugar to dissolve
When the water starts to boil, immediately lower the heat and boil the solution over low heat; this will prevent the sugar from burning and caramelizing.
Step 4. Remove the pan from the stove and allow the solution to cool
Store the pan on a heat-resistant surface and allow the solution to cool to room temperature.
Step 5. Transfer the solution into a bottle or jar
Place the funnel in the mouth of the bottle or jar and slowly pour the solution into it. Close the bottle or jar tightly.
Step 6. Store the sugar water in the refrigerator
The sugar water will stay fresh for a few weeks to about a month.
Method 3 of 4: Making Sugar Water for Hummingbirds
Step 1. Pour 960 milliliters of water and 200 grams of cane sugar into a saucepan
Do not use red food coloring, honey, or other types of sugar, as these dyes and sweeteners can harm hummingbirds. Honey will go bad too quickly. While artificial sweeteners and low calories will not provide enough calories for hummingbirds.
Hummingbirds are attracted to red, so try using a red bird feeder. This will be more effective than dyeing the sugar solution red
Step 2. Boil the water on high heat
Even if you're using more water than sugar, you'll still need to heat it up to allow the sugar to completely dissolve.
Step 3. Boil the solution until the sugar is completely dissolved
This process will take one to two minutes.
Boiling water is very important, because the high heat will kill any bacteria that may be in the water
Step 4. Remove the pan from the stove and allow the solution to cool
Store the pan on a heat-resistant surface and allow the solution to cool. During this process, you can clean or make your hummingbird food holder.
Step 5. Pour the sugar water into the hummingbird food container and store the rest in the refrigerator
Sugar water stored in the refrigerator will be able to remain consumed for two weeks.
Step 6. Take care of your hummingbird feeder
If you want to lure hummingbirds with delicious sugar water, you should replace it every two to three days, or every other day if the weather is hot. Hummingbirds don't drink stale sugar water. Also make sure to store your hummingbird food holder in a dark area or out of the sun, to prevent the sugar from going stale faster.
Step 7. Try keeping other insects away from the sugar water
Hummingbirds aren't just nectar-loving animals; bees and ants will also swarm your sugar water. Try buying a hummingbird feeder with a water-filled moat, or a bee guard.
Method 4 of 4: Adding Variety to the Sugar Water
Step 1. Try using brown sugar instead of granulated sugar
Brown sugar will give the solution a richer taste. Brown sugar will also give the drink a golden color and is therefore better for rum-based drinks than water-based ones.
Instead of sugar, you can also use honey to make a sweet, golden syrup
Step 2. Try adding rose water
Replace the water in your recipe with rose water. Make sure to use pure rose water that can be consumed because there are some types of rose water that can only be used for cosmetic purposes and not for consumption.
Step 3. Make sugar water without cooking process using caster sugar
Do not use powdered or powdered sugar. Pour the caster sugar and water in a 1:1 ratio into the bottle, close the bottle and shake for a few minutes until the sugar dissolves. The finer grains of caster sugar make it easier for the sugar to dissolve in the water and keep you from having to cook it.
Step 4. Add herbs to the sugar water to make a flavorful syrup
When the sugar has dissolved, add the herbs of your choice and remove the pan from the heat. Let the herbs settle for an hour and then pour the sugar water into the container using a strainer. Discard the herbs and store the flavored syrup in the refrigerator. Some good herbs that can be used are:
- Fresh basil, mint, rosemary and thyme leaves
- Dried or fresh lavender leaves
- Fresh fruits or berries
- Grated rind of lemon, orange, lime, or grapefruit
- Vanilla bean pod (vanilla fruit in the form of a stick) or cinnamon
- Ginger that has been peeled and grated
Tips
- Prevent your syrup from crystallizing by adding 60 ml of corn syrup.
- Kill mold and bacteria growth by adding 30 to 60 ml of vodka
- Don't overcook your sugar water to avoid caramelization.
