A bar-friendly maple syrup (maple simple) made by diluting pure maple syrup with hot water to a pourable consistency for cocktails. Uses equal parts for a balanced syrup; optionally use 2:1 for a thicker, richer syrup.

1) Choose a good-quality pure maple syrup (Grade A light/amber or dark, depending on desired flavor). 2) Measure equal parts maple syrup and hot (not boiling) water for a 1:1 syrup (standard bar use). For a thicker syrup, use 2 parts maple syrup to 1 part hot water (2:1). Example batch: 1 cup (240 mL) maple syrup + 1 cup (240 mL) hot water = ~2 cups (480 mL) finished syrup. 3) Pour hot water into a heatproof container, add maple syrup and stir until fully combined and uniform. 4) Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature. 5) Taste and adjust: use more maple for sweetness or a pinch of salt to round flavors. 6) Transfer to a clean, airtight bottle or jar (strain if you added any spices). 7) Label with date and refrigerate promptly. Use chilled or at room temperature as needed in cocktails.