Watch: How to make two-ingredient simple syrup at home

Certain beverages, like lemonade or iced tea, are classics for a reason. They’re delicious just the way they are. Of course, sometimes you're in the mood for something extra to make your beverage taste the same but a little different. That’s where simple syrup comes into the mix.

Simple syrup can be used as is just to add extra sweetness or you can infuse it with a variety of flavors, as intense or subtle as you like, to change the taste of your drink. Simple syrup can also be enjoyed in juices, mocktails, cocktails, coffees and more.

This cost-effective recipe uses two ingredients, water and sugar or your chosen sweetener, enabling you to make simple syrup at home. Once your mixture is perfected, store it in an airtight container in the fridge.

Watch this video to see how to make elevated simple syrups.

Infused simple syrup

Simple syrup can be an anytime addition to your favorite drink, and it can be especially fun to add a hint of holiday flavor to your beverages when appropriate!

Consider infusing your syrup with complex flavors like:

• Citrus peels.
• Chiles.
• Vanilla.
• Peppermint extract.
• Fresh fruits.
• Herbs, including mint, rosemary, thyme and sage.
• Hard spices, like cinnamon sticks, star anise and/or cardamom.

If you’re using cardamom, crush or squeeze the pods before adding them to the syrup.

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How to make simple syrup

First, start by making a basic simple syrup. Be mindful and be extra careful when working with hot sugar.

To make simple syrup:

1. Mix equal parts sweetener and water.
2. Heat over medium to low on your stove until the sugar is dissolved. Be careful not to bring it to a boil.
3. Once the sugar is dissolved, remove it from the stove and pour it into bowls or containers.

If you want to infuse the syrup with extra flavors, do so while it’s still hot.

1. Place the flavors you want to infuse in the bowl(s) with the hot syrup.
2. Give it a gentle stir.
3. Let it sit until the syrup is cool.
4. Once it’s cool, use a strainer to pour the syrup into a resealable container.

Don’t forget to label the containers, especially if you’ve made multiple flavors!

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Watch: How to make two-ingredient simple syrup at home