Description
This refreshing Lime Simple Syrup recipe combines granulated sugar, water, and fresh lime juice to create a vibrant, sweet-tart syrup perfect for limeades, mocktails, and cocktails. The syrup is gently heated to dissolve the sugar and steeped with juiced lime halves for added bitterness and depth of flavor, resulting in a balanced and versatile syrup that can be stored refrigerated for weeks.
Ingredients
Simple Syrup
- 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup (125 grams) fresh lime juice (about 4-5 limes depending on size)
Instructions
- Prepare the Limes: Wash the outside of the limes thoroughly under cool running water. Juice the limes until you have 1/2 cup of fresh lime juice, and keep the juiced lime halves.
- Dissolve Sugar and Heat: Place the granulated sugar and water into a 2 or 3-quart saucepan. Strain the fresh lime juice into the saucepan. Heat the mixture over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is completely dissolved and the syrup just begins to simmer, meaning it is just below boiling point.
- Steep the Lime Halves: Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the juiced lime halves into the hot syrup. Allow the lime halves to steep in the syrup for 10 minutes or longer if you prefer a slightly bitter note. Taste the syrup to check the bitterness level and adjust steeping time as desired.
- Strain and Cool: Strain the lime syrup through a fine mesh strainer into a clean bowl, squeezing the lime halves gently to extract any residual juice. Discard the solids. Let the syrup cool to room temperature.
- Store and Use: Pour the cooled lime syrup into a clean jar and refrigerate. Use within 3-4 weeks for best flavor. This syrup is ideal for making limeade or adding a zesty twist to your favorite mocktails and cocktails.
Notes
- For a less bitter syrup, reduce the steeping time of the lime halves or omit them entirely after juicing.
- The syrup can be adjusted for sweetness by adding more or less sugar based on taste preferences.
- Store the syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness for up to 3-4 weeks.
- This lime simple syrup can also be used as a flavorful sweetener in teas, desserts, or salad dressings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Beverage Syrup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
