How to Make a Simple Syrup for Whiskey Sours

Simple sugar is a blend of water and sugar added to liquor to sweeten the taste. Because whiskey sours are served cold, sugar can not be directly added to the drink. If it was, the sugar would fall to the bottom of the glass, giving the whiskey sour an odd taste and texture. It is not necessary to keep simple sugar on hand, it takes only minutes to prepare.

Things You'll Need

• Water
• Sugar
• Saucepan
• Wooden spoon

Instructions

1. Add 1 cup water and 1 cup of granulated sugar to a saucepan. The ratio of water to sugar is 1-to-1. Adjust accordingly for the amount of whiskey sours needed.

2. Stir the mixture together and place on a stove-burner. Set the temperature to medium high.

3. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring continuously so the sugar doesn't scorch. Once the mixture is the consistency of syrup, remove from the heat and place in a cocktail shaker along with ice, whiskey and your other whiskey sour ingredients. Shake well and serve.

Tips & Warnings

• For a thicker simple syrup, simmer the mixture for three to five minutes after it begins to boil. A whiskey sour is 1 part simple syrup to 3 parts whiskey.

• If refrigerated in an air tight container, simple syrup will stay good for up to six months.

References

• Martha Stewart: Simple Syrup