How to Make Simple Syrup with Stevia
Want to cut sugar out of your diet? There is no need to pull your sweet tooth! If you’re looking to enjoy a sweet cocktail (or mocktail) without feeling groggy the next morning, look no further than a stevia sweetened simple syrup. Making simple syrup with stevia instead of sugar is a great way to add delicious sweetness to your recipes without processed sugar. This can positively impact your overall health. Not only do added dietary sugars increase your risk for cardiovascular disease, but they can also lead to other issues like weight gain and diabetes.Are you ready to start living the simple life? Keep reading to check out our recipe for how to make simple syrup with stevia powder, tips for substituting stevia simple syrup and ways to incorporate it in your favorite drink (and even dinner) recipes.
Recipe for Making Simple Syrup with Stevia
With classic simple syrup being as easy as combining sugar and water, creating a stevia sweetened simple syrup is just as… simple! As long as you have water and SweetLeaf® Stevia, you will be adding sugar-free sweetness to your recipes in no time.
Step 1: Measure ½ cup of water and boil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat.
Step 2: Add 2 SweetLeaf® Stevia Packets and stir to combine.
Step 3: Bring the mixture to a simmer and swirl until the stevia has fully dissolved.
Step 4: Let cool, then add to your favorite food and beverage recipes!
How to Substitute Sugar for Simple Syrup when Cooking
Once you’ve made your simple syrup, your opportunities to sweeten are endless! From drinks to sauces, we’ve put together a short list of ideas so you can simply sweeten whatever your heart desires.
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Dress Up A Fruit Salad - Add a glaze of simple syrup to a plain bowl of fruit for a sweet topping that is not only delicious, but also looks beautiful.
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Create Your Own Infusions - From rosemary-infused simple syrup for meat marinades to lemongrass-infused additions to cocktails, combining aromatic herbs with simple syrup is a great way to add sugar-free sweetness to a variety of flavor profiles.
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Become A Mixologist - Simple syrup is a fantastic addition to cocktails and mocktails since it can reduce the need to muddle. Once you’ve learned how to make simple syrup with stevia, you’ll be whipping up fancy drinks in no time!
When substituting sugar for simple syrup when cooking, it is important to keep in mind that the quantity of sweetener in your recipe depends on the type of sugar alternative being used. When using another sweetener, like monk fruit, instead of stevia, the difference in conversion should be top of mind. If you are opting for another alternative, this green smoothie uses a simple syrup made with monk fruit sweetener!
The Importance of Simple Syrup in Cocktails & Mocktails
We’ve all sprinkled a sweetener in our piping hot cup of coffee or tea and watched it dissolve right before our eyes, but cold drinks don’t always have the same effect. Using a liquid sweetener in iced drinks is the preferred solution for cold beverages since with a sweetener like simple syrup, the granules are able to dissolve in water prior to being added to the drink. This makes it easier to blend into the drinks without the gritty consistency of granulated sweetener.Another excellent way to add sugar-free sweetness to beverages of any temperature is with our Sweet Drops®. This liquid stevia sweetener comes in 2 oz. glass dropper bottles and 50 mL squeezable plastic bottles with over 15 flavors for a versatile sugar-free solution. Like simple syrup, they are already in liquid form so are easy to dissolve into any recipe. Fruity flavors like Lemon Drop and Berry are perfect for cold summer drinks, while rich flavors with nutty profiles like Hazelnut and English Toffee are great for baked goods and coffee.
When deciding whether to use stevia simple syrup or Sweet Drops in your recipe, the most important factor to consider is the desired consistency. While components like flavor and color can vary, the viscosity of simple syrup is what primarily changes depending on what sweetener is used to make it. Simple syrup has a thicker texture than Sweet Drops, so simple syrup may be a better option for cocktails and marinades or sauces, while Sweet Drops are a great option for coffee, yogurt and oatmeal.
Stevia Simple Syrup vs. Sugar
In addition to health concerns from added sugars like diabetes and cardiovascular disease, there are several benefits of using natural sweeteners in your recipes instead of sugar. Using natural sugar-replacements like stevia and monk fruit is a great way to monitor calorie consumption and blood sugar when regulating your diet. Stevia is also extremely easy to measure and convert from sugar in your favorite recipes. Our Better Than Sugar® sweetener measures 1:1 with sugar for a super simple swap. If you’re interested in other products, our conversion chart makes it very easy to find the perfect amount for anything you’d like to sweeten!No matter what you’re using simple syrup for, opting for a stevia version is a more health-conscious choice than using sugar. It is a great way to add liquid sweetness to your favorite drinks and recipes without the negative effects of sugar. To learn more about SweetLeaf’s sugar alternatives or for delicious sugar-free recipes and tips, follow us on social media @sweetleafstevia!