Big Batch Simple Syrup Recipes

LEMON SIMPLE SYRUP RECIPE

Steps:

• Gather the ingredients.
• Using a sharp paring knife , cut off and reserve the zest, or bright yellow part of the peel, of 1 of the lemons. You can also use a Microplane zester, but then you'll have to strain the syrup at the end instead of simply lifting out the strips of zest-the choice is yours. Whichever way you zest the lemon, be sure to focus on the bright yellow part only and carefully avoid the bitter white pith below.
• Working with 1 lemon at a time, cut the lemons in half and juice them until you have 1/2 cup of fresh lemon juice (you may not need all the lemons-they vary greatly in how much juice they produce).
• Combine the juice with the sugar in a small saucepan and bring the mixture just to a boil over medium-high heat.
• Reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer and cook until the syrup is slightly thickened, about 10 minutes.
• Add the reserved lemon zest. Transfer the syrup to a small metal bowl and let it sit until cool, about 20 minutes. 
• Lift out the zest, letting any excess syrup drip off and back into the bowl, and discard the zest.
• If you ended up with lots of small pieces of zest, strain the syrup through a sieve. The zest can turn bitter if left to sit in the syrup while it's stored, so remove and discard it.
• If you want to use the syrup while it's still warm, now is the time. (Don't worry, you can always warm it back up if you need to.)
• Alternatively, cover the bowl and chill the syrup to add to cold beverages. Or transfer to a clean jar, screw on the lid, and store in the fridge for several months if you need to.

BIG-BATCH SIMPLE SYRUP

Steps:

• In a large saucepan, bring the sugar and the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until sugar has completely dissolved, about 10 minutes. Let cool. Use immediately, or transfer to an airtight container, and refrigerate up to 2 months.

BASIL SIMPLE SYRUP

Steps:

• Combine water, sugar, and basil leaves in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring until sugar dissolves. Simmer for 1 minute. Remove from heat and let syrup steep, about 30 minutes.
• Pour syrup into a sterilized glass jar through a mesh strainer to remove basil leaves; let cool.