This Key Lime simple syrup recipe is incredibly easy to make at home and super handy to have in the refrigerator when you want to add some lime flavored sweetness to your cocktails.
What Cocktails does it go in?
Adding Key Lime simple syrup to cocktail recipes that already contain lime, really doubles down on the lime flavor and brings the lime grove right to your glass. Alternatively you can experiment by adding this in place of basic simple syrup in any classic cocktail to give it a unique lime spin.
Suggested Cocktail Recipes Containing Lime Simple Syrup:
What Ingredients Do I Need?
Simple syrup, as the name suggests, is simple. For this Lime Simple Syrup there is just three ingredients, sugar, lime juice and water. It’s key that you use quality sugar, and as luck would have it, one of the best sugar cane producers in the world are right here in Florida!
The Sugar: Sugarcane grows best in tropical climates, requiring extended seasons of hot weather and plenty of rainfall. It’s no surprise then that Florida accounts for over half of the production of sugarcane in the United States. Florida is also home to the only organic raw cane sugar producer in the country, Florida Crystals.
Why Organic Is Best: Organic sugar cane produced by Florida Crystals is Non-GMO Project verified, vegan, kosher, minimally processed and unlike other sugarcane producers doesn’t use harmful pesticides and herbicides. Whilst this doesn’t make it a super-food “per se”, it does mean it retains more of its nutrients, and contains less of the nasty stuff, than standard white sugar.
Not only is it the smarter choice for your body, but it’s also the smarter choice for the planet. Florida Crystals boasts some of the most eco-friendly farms in the nation leveraging technology, natural pest control (barn owls) and crop rotation to ensure that the sugar they produce is sustainable and has minimal impact on the environment
Recommended Sugar: If you plan on making simple syrup regularly, or are a keen baker then the 3 pack of the 3 Pound jug is the best value:
But if your pantry is short on space then they do a more manageable 2 Pound pack:
or an even smaller 12 oz flip-top container:
The Citrus:
Fresh: Fresh key limes can be difficult to find, but keep an eye out because depending on your location you might be able to pick them up in your local store. If not then you can absolutely use the more common Persian lime. You will just loose a touch of tartness and the more floral character you get from key limes. If you use a lot of fresh citrus juice, then buy a citrus press- it’s a game changer. You get a lot more juice out of your lemons and limes, you don’t have to worry about seeds, and you cut down on the mess of squeezing with your hands. We use a Zulay citrus press. This press has the added bonus of a two-in-one design that handles both lemons and limes with equally perfect results.
Recommended Juicer: ZULAY Premium Citrus Press
Bottled: If you prefer to have bottled lime juice at the ready whenever you might need it, then Nellie & Joes: Key West Lime Juice is the undisputed king of lime juice.
Recommended Lime Juice: NELLY & JOE’S Key West Lime Juice, 16 oz
The Water: Whenever you make simple syrups, or use water in cocktails, it is always best to use filtered water. No shade to tap water, but if you want your cocktails to shine then you are going to want to get rid of the trace levels of chlorine and heavy metals that come out of your tap. If you don’t already own one, then we’d recommend grabbing yourself a Brita pitcher.
Recommended Pitcher: BRITA Everyday Water Pitcher (10 cup)
What Equipment Should I Use?
Saucepan: A saucepan with a pouring spout and straining lid can be particularly useful. Especially if you are making flavored simple syrups using citrus rinds. Heavy bottomed pans are generally better for cooking as they absorb and distribute heat more evenly to prevent sticking and burning. However, as you are just dissolving the sugar, most saucepans will do the job for this Key Lime simple syrup recipe.
Recommended Pan: FABERWARE Nonstick Saucepan with Straining Lid (1 Quart)
Storage: You can obviously store your simple syrup in any jars or tupperware that you own, but if you make cocktails regularly then it’s probably worth getting yourself some storage bottle specifically for your simple syrups. Anything made for pouring liquid will work, so things like olive oil dispensers work a treat. We’ve received plenty of compliments on our cork topped jug, and everyone is always surprised when they learn it was only $10 from Amazon!
Recommended Storage Bottle: BORMIOLI ROCCO Cork Topped Oil Bottle, (8 oz)
Funnel: If you’re going to be transferring your simple syrup to a bottle then unless you enjoy sticky syrup all over your kitchen work top we’d recommend getting a funnel. There’s plenty of cheap options on amazon and most of them are collapsible to save on space.
Recommended Funnel: RIENAR Silicone Collapsible Funnel (2 Pack)
We hope you enjoy the Key Lime Sugar Simple Syrup recipe below. Cheers!
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TipsKey Lime Simple Syrup Recipe
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
Storage: Simple syrup can be stored safely in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.