You can absolutely sous vide syrup! Sous vide, which means “under vacuum” in French, is a cooking technique that involves sealing food in a vacuum-sealed bag and cooking it in a water bath at a precise temperature. While sous vide is commonly used for cooking proteins like steak and chicken, it can also be used to infuse flavors into liquids like syrup.
One of the main benefits of using sous vide for making syrup is that it allows for precise temperature control. When making syrup on the stovetop, it can be easy to overcook or burn the sugar, resulting in a bitter or caramelized flavor. With sous vide, you can set the water bath to the exact temperature you want, ensuring that the syrup heats gently and evenly without the risk of burning.
To sous vide syrup, you'll need a vacuum sealer, food-grade bags, and a sous vide machine or immersion circulator. Simply combine your desired ingredients for the syrup (such as sugar, water, and any flavorings) in a bag, seal it using the vacuum sealer, and place it in the water bath. The sous vide machine will maintain a consistent temperature, allowing the flavors to infuse into the syrup over time.
One of the advantages of sous vide syrup is the ability to create complex flavor profiles. For example, you can experiment with different spices, fruits, or herbs to infuse into the syrup. The low and slow cooking process of sous vide allows for the flavors to develop and meld together, resulting in a more nuanced and flavorful syrup.
I personally love using sous vide to make flavored syrups for cocktails. One of my favorite recipes is a spiced roasted banana syrup inspired by The Aviary in Chicago. To make this syrup, I start by roasting ripe bananas in the oven until they are soft and caramelized. I then combine the roasted bananas with sugar, water, and spices like cinnamon and cloves in a vacuum-sealed bag. After sealing the bag, I sous vide the mixture at a low temperature for several hours, allowing the flavors to infuse and the sugars to dissolve.
The result is a rich and aromatic banana syrup that adds depth and complexity to cocktails. It's perfect for adding a tropical twist to classics like a rum sour or a banana daiquiri. The sous vide method really enhances the flavors of the roasted bananas and spices, creating a syrup that is far more interesting than a simple sugar and water mixture.
Sous vide is a fantastic technique for making flavored syrups. It allows for precise temperature control and the infusion of complex flavors. Whether you're experimenting with fruits, spices, or herbs, sous vide can elevate your syrup game and take your cocktails to the next level. So go ahead, give sous vide syrup a try and get creative in the kitchen!