Simple syrup is an invaluable staple in the kitchen. Use it to sweeten your tea, your cocktails, to candy-coat roasted almonds or pecans or brush onto cakes. It’s a breeze to make and has many everyday applications but is especially useful when you’re entertaining. So, we think it’s time to kick it up a notch.
For a more robust and complex flavor, sub in honey for the usual granulated sugar. Honey simple syrup is light and divine, and we’ve got two delicious ways to enjoy it below – the Strawberry Green Tea Spritzer (with or without alcohol) and the Sweet and Minty Melon Balls. The honey simple syrup here makes enough for the drink and the melon balls, so if you want to keep more on hand, you should consider doubling the recipe.
Honey Simple Syrup
1/2 cup honey
½ cup filtered water
Instructions
- Place both honey and water into a medium saucepan.
- Heat over medium, stirring or swirling just until the honey dissolves.
- Remove from heat.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
Strawberry Green Tea Spritzer
1 quart freshly brewed green tea
¼ cup honey simple syrup (or more to taste)
1 cup sliced strawberries
2 cups sparking water or Prosecco
8 SunPatiens® Blooms for garnish
In a pitcher, muddle strawberries with simple syrup. Add green tea and stir to combine. Pour over ice and top with sparkling water or prosecco. Garnish with a SunPatiens®.
Yield: 8 servings
Sweet and Minty Melon Balls
3 cups melon balls – watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew
½ cup honey simple syrup
Fresh mint leaves for garnish
In a large bowl, combine watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew balls. Drizzle with honey syrup and lightly toss to coat the balls. Serve in chilled bowls or sorbet cups, garnished with fresh mint.
Yield: 8 servings