Rich demerara syrup, also known as rich demerara simple syrup consists of a 2:1 ratio by weight of demerara sugar to water. The molasses flavor in the syrup provides a smooth yet hearty base with a nice golden hue. Rich demerara syrup is perfect to add caramel-like flavors in barbeque recipes, cocktails, and soda. Used in place of simple syrup, it provides additional depth to a variety of drinks.
BG Reynolds manufactures a rich demerara syrup, but most craft cocktail bars make their own by following a simple process. Simply combine the sugar and water in a pot, stirring them together over moderate heat while taking care not to bring the mixture to a full boil. As the sugar dissolves, a tinted brown liquid remains that is then left to cool before pouring into a clean bottle.
Rich demerara syrup features a fairly long lifetime between four to six months when stored in a refrigerator. Adding a touch of vodka to the syrup doubles the storage time and prevents fermentation.
The syrup livens up a daiquiri, is perfect in an old fashioned, and is found in other cocktail recipes like the Miller Shake and the November Witch.
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