Gingerbread syrup magic: Bringing festive aromas home
Christmas has its own unique scent. It's an aroma associated with the warmth of a family home, love, and relaxation. Without it, you can't create a festive atmosphere. A beautifully decorated home, a set table, the glow of candles, and subtle music. Everything seems to be in place, but one ingredient is still missing.
Just as in October and November we are surrounded by the scent of Pumpkin Spice Latte, in December, the aroma of gingerbread takes the lead. We're here to show you how to capture this carefully selected blend in a bottle to add to your favourite coffee or hot chocolate. It's an indispensable addition for December gatherings with loved ones.
Why make your own gingerbread syrup?
Most store-bought products don't contain natural spices, only flavourings. These ensure consistency, which is required for mass production of syrups. The labels of popular brands also list colourings and preservatives. With homemade syrup, you have complete control over the quality of ingredients and the amount of sugar.
You can replace sugar with honey
You can prepare gingerbread syrup using white sugar as a base or adding brown sugar or honey. The best choice is multi-floral or linden honey, as they have a neutral taste. If you enjoy experimenting, you can try making syrup with buckwheat honey.
Choosing spices for gingerbread syrup
Essential ingredients are cloves and a cinnamon stick; the rest are optional, but it's worth adding a few star anise, a teaspoon of grated ginger, and a pinch of nutmeg. If you want the syrup to have a milder taste, use a vanilla bean instead of ginger and nutmeg. To amplify the oriental notes, add a few cardamom seeds.
How to make gingerbread syrup at home?
Grind the selected spices in a mortar. Pour 100 mL of water and 100 mL of honey into a saucepan and bring to a boil. When the syrup starts to bubble, add the prepared mixture. Simmer on low heat for 15 minutes. Stir to prevent burning. Strain the ready syrup through cheesecloth and funnel it into a bottle.
Gingerbread syrup not just for your favourite coffee
The syrup prepared this way is a delicious addition to coffee, but that's not its only use. It pairs perfectly with black tea and hot chocolate topped with whipped cream. It can be drizzled over pancakes or classic crepes. It's also suitable as a sauce for cakes or ice cream desserts.
