Gingerbread Syrup
INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar (you can adjust to taste or use a mix of brown and white sugar for a deeper flavor)
- 1 to 1½ tsp ground ginger (or you can use fresh ginger, finely grated, for a more potent flavor)
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional, but it adds a nice depth of flavor)
INSTRUCTIONS
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the water and sugar. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Add Spices: Add the ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to the saucepan.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a slight simmer and reduce the heat. Let it simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Be careful not to boil it vigorously, as this can cause the syrup to reduce too much.
- Cool and Strain: Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the syrup to cool. If you used fresh ginger or prefer a smoother syrup, strain it through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the spice particles.
- Add Vanilla Extract: Once the syrup is cool, stir in the vanilla extract.
- Store: Transfer the syrup to a clean bottle or jar. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a month.
VIDEO HOW-TO
NOTES
- Customizing Flavors: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste. Some people like a stronger ginger flavor, while others may prefer more cinnamon or vanilla.
- Using Fresh Spices: For an even more authentic flavor, you can use fresh ginger, cinnamon sticks, and whole cloves. Just remember to strain the syrup well after simmering.
- Usage: Gingerbread syrup is versatile and can be used in coffee, cocktails (like the Gingerbread Eggnog), on pancakes, waffles, or even in baking.
Gingerbread syrup is a delightful and flavorful addition to many holiday drinks and desserts. It's quite simple to make at home. This homemade gingerbread syrup is a wonderful way to infuse your
holiday treats and drinks with the cozy, comforting flavors of the
season. Enjoy!
