Clove Syrup
Bar Prep • syrup
Description
A simple clove-infused simple syrup: equal parts sugar and water gently simmered with whole cloves to yield a warm, aromatic syrup for cocktails, coffee drinks, and baking.
History
Cloves have been used as a spice and preservative for centuries. Clove syrup is a straightforward adaptation of classic flavored simple syrups used in bars and home kitchens to add spice and aroma to seasonal cocktails and warm drinks.
Instructions
Step 1.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240 ml) water
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon whole cloves (about 8–12 cloves)
- 1 cup (240 ml) water
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon whole cloves (about 8–12 cloves)
Step 2.
Equipment:
- Small saucepan
- Fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth/coffee filter
- Clean jar or bottle for storage
- Small saucepan
- Fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth/coffee filter
- Clean jar or bottle for storage
Step 3.
Steps:
1. Combine the water and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture comes to a gentle simmer. Do not boil vigorously.
2. Add the whole cloves to the pan. Reduce heat to low so the syrup holds at a gentle simmer for 2–3 minutes to begin releasing aroma.
3. Remove the pan from heat. Let the cloves steep in the hot syrup for 20–30 minutes, tasting after 15 minutes and longer if you want a stronger clove flavor. (For a very pronounced clove note, steep up to 45 minutes but watch for bitterness.)
4. Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth or a coffee filter into a clean container to remove all solids and any fine particulate.
5. Let the syrup cool to room temperature, then transfer to a sterilized jar or bottle and refrigerate.
6. Optional: to extend shelf life and add stability, add 1 teaspoon neutral spirit (vodka) per cup (240 ml) of syrup and mix before bottling.
1. Combine the water and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture comes to a gentle simmer. Do not boil vigorously.
2. Add the whole cloves to the pan. Reduce heat to low so the syrup holds at a gentle simmer for 2–3 minutes to begin releasing aroma.
3. Remove the pan from heat. Let the cloves steep in the hot syrup for 20–30 minutes, tasting after 15 minutes and longer if you want a stronger clove flavor. (For a very pronounced clove note, steep up to 45 minutes but watch for bitterness.)
4. Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth or a coffee filter into a clean container to remove all solids and any fine particulate.
5. Let the syrup cool to room temperature, then transfer to a sterilized jar or bottle and refrigerate.
6. Optional: to extend shelf life and add stability, add 1 teaspoon neutral spirit (vodka) per cup (240 ml) of syrup and mix before bottling.
Step 4.
Usage notes: Start with small amounts (1/4–1/2 tsp) in cocktails and adjust to taste; clove is potent and can overwhelm other flavors.
Storage
Store refrigerated in an airtight, sterilized bottle or jar. Use within 14 days for best flavor. To extend shelf life up to ~1 month, sterilize container well and optionally add 1 teaspoon vodka per cup of syrup as a preservative. Discard if cloudy, moldy, or off-smelling.