Simple sugar syrup is a versatile basic item to have in your kitchen and it is very easy to make.

Simply place equal parts of white sugar and water in a saucepan and heat until just boiling. The sugar will have dissolved and it will look like a light syrup. Allow to cool before bottling (I recommend you use a funnel for this) and store in the fridge.

How to use your sugar syrup:
1. Cocktails!
2. To sweeten other cold drinks such as iced tea or coffee
3. A little sugar syrup with either mint or citrus zest can make a fruit salad just a bit more special
4. For making sorbet, such as last week’s Rhett Butler Sorbet
5. For cake decorating, especially children’s novelty birthday cakes. To prevent cake crumbs from ruining the look of your buttercream simply brush some sugar syrup over the cake first, paying close attention to any cut surfaces. I have tried using a crumb icing made of icing sugar and water but I find it tends to slump and pool on the board. I much prefer to use sugar syrup.

Do you have sugar syrup in your fridge or pantry? What do you use it for?