- 1 cup water
- 1 cup sugar
- In a medium saucepan, combine the water and sugar. Bring to a simmer over moderately high heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar. Add the flavorings (see below). Cover and remove from the heat. Let stand for 30 minutes.
- Strain the syrup into a clean bottle or jar and refrigerate.
- ORANGE AND CRANBERRY SYRUP In Step 1, add the zest of 1 orange removed in large strips with a vegetable peeler, and 1/4 cup fresh or frozen cranberries.
- MINTED LIME SYRUP In Step 1, add the zest of 2 limes removed in large strips with a vegetable peeler, along with 3 mint sprigs.
- GREEN TEA-HONEY SYRUP In Step 1, add 2 bags of green tea. In Step 2, stir 1 tablespoon of orange-blossom honey into the green tea–infused syrup just before straining it.