I’ve been sipping on some flavored coffees this holiday season but not from those expensive coffee shops {which I LOVE, btw. It’s just that my wallet isn’t as agreeable}. I’ve been making my own. It couldn’t be any simpler than boiling water. Everyone can do that, right?
Gingerbread and Peppermint syrups have been my go-to flavors of choice. And, they’d make great, straight-from-your-kitchen last minute gifts.
Gingerbread Syrup
Ingredients:
1 cup water
1 cup sugar
1 tbsp honey
1 cinnamon stick, broken in two
1/4 tsp white pepper
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp allspice
1/4 tsp cloves
1-inch piece fresh ginger {see note}
Method:
Combine all ingredients in a medium, heavy bottomed sauce pan. Swirl to wet sugar. Try to avoid stirring right away to prevent sugary crystals from forming on the sides of the pan. Bring to a boil over medium high heat. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 5 minutes or until sugar is completely dissolved {you may stir gently at this point}.
Remove from heat and strain syrup through a sieve that has been lined with cheesecloth{I use a really thin cloth napkin-see note 2}. Discard solids.
Cool syrup completely and store in an airtight bottle in the refrigerator.
Peppermint Syrup
Ingredients:
1 cup water
1 cup sugar
1/4 tsp peppermint extract {or more to your liking}
Method:
Combine sugar and water in a heavy bottomed sauce pan. Swirl to wet sugar and try to not stir to prevent sugar crystals from forming on the sides of the pan. Bring to a boil over medium high heat and then reduce heat to low. Simmer until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and add peppermint extract. Cool complete and refrigerate in an airtight container.
{Note 1} I didn’t have any fresh ginger so I used an inch-long piece of sugar coated ginger candy that Thom had in the freezer.
{Note 2} I use thin cloth napkins that have NOT been dried with fabric softener when I run out of cheesecloth.
{Note 3} I like to use about 2 tablespoons of flavored syrup instead of sugar in my coffee or latte.
Edited to Add: {Note 4} I have used sugar substitutes for these syrups with good results!}
