Homemade Apricot Syrup: A Fragrant Summer Treat
How to Enjoy Apricots: Making Fragrant Homemade Apricot Syrup for Refreshing Drinks
This recipe shows you how to make a delicious and fragrant apricot syrup using fresh, seasonal apricots. A neighbor shared some lovely apricots with me, and instead of eating them fresh, I decided to turn them into a beautiful syrup. While I didn’t have a large quantity, the aroma and color of the apricots inspired me to create this #apricotsyrup. It’s perfect for making #fruitsyrup, utilizing #seasonalingredients, and learning #howtomakesyrup. Afterward, I enjoyed a refreshing #apricotade, a perfect summer drink. After my workout, I cooled down with a glass of chilled apricot ade, topped with plenty of ice. Let’s get started on making this easy and delightful apricot syrup!
For the Apricot Syrup
- 400g fresh apricots
- 240g sugar (60% of apricot weight)
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
- 1 Tbsp vinegar (for washing)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Gently wash the fresh apricots under running water about three times. Then, rinse them in a bowl of water with 1 tablespoon of vinegar added. This helps to remove any residue or pesticides. Avoid soaking the apricots for too long, as they can absorb too much water. Rinse them quickly and then pat them dry.
Step 2
Use a paper towel to thoroughly pat the apricots dry. Slice the apricots in half with a knife and remove the pits. Cutting them in the middle and then removing the pit usually makes it easier.
Step 3
After removing the pits, you might notice some residual moisture inside the apricots. Gently press with a paper towel to absorb as much of this moisture as possible. Removing excess water is crucial for preserving the syrup.
Step 4
Place all the pitted and dried apricots into a bowl. Now, we’ll begin the process of mashing them.
Step 5
You can choose to finely chop some of the apricots with a knife and then mash the rest using a fork or a muddler. If you prefer some texture, leave some pieces larger. For a smoother consistency, mash them more thoroughly.
Step 6
Typically, fruit syrups are made with a 1:1 ratio of fruit to sugar. However, since apricots are naturally sweet and this batch isn’t intended for very long-term storage, I’ve used 60% sugar (240g sugar for 400g apricots). Mix the apricots, sugar, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice thoroughly, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved. Ensuring the sugar dissolves fully prevents a raw sugar taste and results in a cleaner flavor.
Step 7
This homemade apricot syrup is delicious mixed with yogurt or milk. But for a truly refreshing summer drink, nothing beats an ade! Simply pour the apricot syrup into a glass, add plenty of sparkling water, and you’ll have a delightful apricot ade. Fill with ice cubes to your preference.
Step 8
The beautiful color of the apricot syrup and its subtle, sweet apricot fragrance are truly captivating. With apricots being in season right now, this homemade apricot syrup is a wonderful way to enjoy them. Give this easy recipe a try!