Sugar Free Simple Syrup Southside Gin Food

LOW SUGAR / SUGAR FREE SIMPLE SYRUP

Steps:

• Add sweetener and water to a pot over medium heat.
• Stir regularly and bring to a simmer-don't let it start to foam or boil completely! Just before it boils, turn off the heat.
• Continue to stir until the sugar has dissolved completely, then remove from heat.
• Transfer to a jar or glass container and cool to room temperature.
• Store in a sealed jar or container in the fridge for 1-3 months.
• Yields ~1½ cups simple syrup.

SOUTHSIDE COCKTAIL

Steps:

• Combine the gin, lime juice, simple syrup and mint sprig in a shaker. Add some ice cubes and shake vigorously. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
• Garnish with one mint leaf, smacked to release the oils, floating on top of the cocktail.

SUGAR-FREE SIMPLE SYRUP

Steps:

• Dissolve Splenda in water and allow to cool. Strain through a coffee filter to remove sediment. Use wherever a recipe calls for simple syrup.
• VARIATIONS: You can flavor this syrup for other uses.
• Ginger syrup: Simmer finely minced fresh ginger in syrup for about 40 minutes. Strain and cool.
• Orange (or Lemon) syrup: Add the zest of one orange (or large lemon) and about a tablespoon of juice to 1/2 cup of syrup and simmer for about 40 minutes. Strain and cool.
• Spice syrup: Stick cinnamon (crushed) simmered with a drop of red food coloring gives you a delightful cinnamon syrup. Other sweet spices such as nutmeg, clove, or allspice will also yield interesting flavors.
• Table syrup: Maple flavoring with a bit of real maple syrup isn't bad on waffles. Adding 2 tablespoons to dark (blackstrap) molasses to about 1/2 cup of simple syrup isn't bad either if you like cane syrup on your hotcakes.
• Chocolate syrup: Add cocoa and vanilla to taste. Try this version with some added cinnamon for a Mexican chocolate version.

SUGAR SYRUP

Steps:

• Dissolve 300g caster sugar in 150ml water over a low heat.
• Leave to cool and bottle for future use in cocktails. Store in the fridge.