Spice-Infused Simple Syrup

(8)
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Yield:
Makes about 3/4 cup

Celebrate seasonal spices with a simple syrup infused with cinnamon, cloves, star anise, orange peel, and black peppercorns.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup sugar

  • 4 whole black peppercorns

  • 2 whole cloves

  • 1 cinnamon stick

  • 1 star anise

  • 1 strip (2 ½ inches) orange zest

Directions

  1. Bring sugar, 1 cup water, the peppercorns, cloves, cinnamon stick, star anise, and zest to a boil in a small saucepan. Reduce heat, and simmer 5 minutes. For milder flavor, remove star anise, and discard; simmer 10 minutes more. Remove from heat. Let cool completely. Pour through a sieve into a bowl; discard solids. Syrup can be refrigerated in an airtight container up to 1 month. Syrup can be refrigerated in an airtight container up to 1 month.

Cook's Notes

The syrup, which has a taste and fragrance reminiscent of a holiday dessert, can be stirred into tea, coffee, or sparkling cider. Or make a cocktail redolent of apple, citrus, and spice: Mix 1 tablespoon of the syrup with 1 tablespoon Calvados and 1/2 cup sparkling cider; garnish with a curl of fresh orange peel.

Originally appeared: Martha Stewart Living, November 2006

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