Mandarin Simple Syrup
It's citrus season! And while there are many ways to eat and consume citrus, I like to use it to flavor my drinks. Simple syrup can not only to flavor alcoholic beverages and cocktails, but it can also be used to flavor hot or cold tea. If you own a Soda Stream or other carbonated water machine, you can use it as a base for a non-alcoholic soda.
Personally, I love the flavor or orange, but it is very distinct. By using mandarins, you get a lightly sweet and citrus flavor that is much more mild. It allow for pairings without being in your face. Though if all you have are oranges or some other sort of citrus, this formula can be used with any citrus you happen to need to use up.
The difference between a citrus flavored simple syrup and the straight juice comes from the incorporation of the zest. Zesting the citrus and steeping is pulls out the pure flavor of the citrus.
Mandarin Simple Syrup
Yield: 2 cups
Ingredients:
4 Mandarin Oranges (or 2 large full sized oranges)
2 1/4 c Water
1-2 c Sugar*
*Typically simple syrup is equal parts water and sugar, but personally, that is just too sweet. I use only a cup of sugar so that the sweetness and and mandarin balance without being too sweet, but it is a personal taste thing.
Zest the mandarins into a small sauce pan.
Then cut the oranges in half and juice them into the pot.
Add the now squished out orange flesh and skin into the pot with the sugar and water.
Bring to a boil dropping to a simmer for 10 minutes.
Turn off the heat and allow it to steep for another 10 minutes.
Drain through a fine mesh sieve and store in a resealable bottle in the refrigerator for up to a month.
Enjoy a splash in your favor tea, soda, or cocktail.