The sugar substitute used in this recipe is called, "truvia CANE SUGAR BLEND"
Simple syrup is an iconic ingredient in a large number of cocktails, however for diabetics, the original recipe isn't very convenient. In this recipe we use a sugar substitute, that is a mixture of Cane Sugar and truvia, which is an artificial sweetener. Another health benefit, is that when using this in a recipe, it requires about half the typical portion of normal sugar. We have tested and tested this recipe, to assure it has the same taste of the original Simple Syrup, that is necessary in countless mixed drinks.
Simple Syrup is never typically used by itself. It is a sweetener used in cocktails like the Mojito (or, with this recipe, the Magic Mojito), Long Island Iced Tea, Whiskey Sour, and many more classic cocktails.
Total Time ≈ 5 Minutes
Storage Time ≈ 1 Month in the Refrigerator or when the syrup turns from clear to cloudy grey
Ingredients
Sugar Substitute
Water
Tools
Jar (Microwavable Safe) - I use a Mason Jar so I can shake it, with confidence, without the lid falling off
Quick FYI, do not drop Mason Jars, they are breakable!
Microwave (Don't mean to waste your time, but I needed, at least, one more thing here 🤷♂️ )
Step 1: Gather your materials.
This is a very simple recipe, hence the name "Simple Syrup", however with diabetes nothing is easy, so we have Semi Simple Syrup. Doing a little math might be required but it won't be too hard. First, you need to get your sugar substitute, and read the quantity that is needed to equal the same taste as your normal everyday sugar. Luckily, if you are using the same truvia blend that I am, I have already done the math for you. About half the quantity of the truvia blend will taste the same as the distinguished taste that normal sugar provides.
Regular water from the tap is what I use, but my source of water is a well, that is completely safe. If you don't have access to this type of source, use whatever water you use for drinking.
You will also need a jar, that is capable of going in the microwave, which also has a sealable lid. I use a regular mason jar and remove the lid, before putting it in the microwave, to keep it from exploding.
Step 2: Combine ingredients in your jar
I use a 16 ounce mason jar, this is important to know, because this recipe is based off of ratios. Regular Simple Syrup typically has a ratio of 1:1, one part sugar and one part water. The sugar substitute that I use has a sweetness strength of twice the normal amount of sugar.
In the mason jar, I make my ratio of ingredients 1:2. Use this ratio to calculate how much you estimate that you will use in a month. I make drinks regularly, for me and my friends, I tend to make about 12 ounces. Making the final amount of each ingredient, I add to my jar equal, 4 ounces of my sugar substitute and 8 ounces of water.
After you calculate the quantity of each ingredient that you need, add it to your jar, then secure the lid and shake well for 30 seconds.
Step 3: First round in the microwave
Before, you put it in the microwave, get off as much of the excess residue you can. Do this, by shaking the liquid around, just like the gif above. This is an important thing to do, in order, to get the final product to taste just the way you want it to.
Microwave on the normal power setting for about 45 seconds. Remove from the microwave, be careful of the jar's temperature, then put the lid back on. Once again, shake the jar excessively, turning it upside down as well in order to get as much of the sugar on the sides and top.
Step 4: Second round in the microwave
If you are using a jar with a metal lid, do not forget to to remove this before you start the microwave. After throwing it back in, start the microwave for an additional 15 seconds.
Remove once you hear the beep, from the microwave, and shake one last time. This time it is most important, to remove the excess ingredients from the side, in to your Semi Simple Syrup.
Step 5:
Technically, as of right now, you have successfully made Semi Simple Syrup. However, since it just came out of the microwave, I tend to throw it in the freezer if I plan to use it in the next hour or the refrigerator just for regular storage.
Quick Tip ;) If you need it to cool, really quickly, try throwing it in some ice!
Don't get me wrong, I have a terrible habit of whipping this stuff up real quick, and just throwing it in my drink. There is no shame in this, but whenever you are making a mixed drink, it almost always has ice. If the syrup is too hot, it will cause your ice to melt, therefor causing your drink to taste watered down. This possibly isn't a bad thing, if you are still trying to acquire your taste for alcohol but to most, this is annoying.
Thank you for sharing your time with us!
I hope that y'all enjoyed this rendition of Simple Syrup, possibly the next best sweetener, Semi Simple Syrup. Let me know if this helped inspire you, to use this as an ingredient, to invent any sort of new cocktail recipe. This for sure has led to several, new drinks, in my cocktail recipe assortment. I want diabetics to be able to drink delicious sugary drinks, like ones from the Caribbean, just as immaturely as a non-diabetic.