As a sommelier and brewer, I have had plenty of experience working with simple syrup in various applications. When it comes to heating simple syrup, it is not always necessary. In fact, for most purposes, you can make a perfectly fine simple syrup without applying any heat.
To start, let's talk about the basic recipe for simple syrup. The most common ratio is 1:1, which means equal parts sugar and water. However, you can also make a thicker syrup by using a 2:1 ratio of sugar to water. This creates a syrup with a higher sugar concentration, which can be useful in certain cocktails and desserts.
When making a 2:1 simple syrup, you don't actually need to heat the mixture. Simply combine the sugar and water in a container and stir until the sugar dissolves. The sugar may take some time to fully dissolve, so be patient and keep stirring. Eventually, you'll end up with a thick, syrupy consistency.
On the other hand, if you're making a 1:1 simple syrup, you can still skip the heating process. Just combine equal parts sugar and water in a container and stir until the sugar dissolves. This process typically takes about 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the amount of sugar you're using. I actually find it quite therapeutic to slowly stir the mixture and watch the sugar dissolve over time.
One advantage of not heating simple syrup is that it preserves the natural flavors of the sugar. Heating can sometimes alter the taste and texture of the syrup, so by avoiding heat, you can enjoy the pure sweetness of the sugar in its natural state. This can be especially beneficial when using high-quality sugars with unique flavor profiles.
That being said, there are certain situations where heating simple syrup might be necessary or preferable. For example, if you're infusing the syrup with herbs, spices, or other flavorings, heating can help extract and meld those flavors more effectively. In these cases, you would heat the mixture gently on the stove, allowing the flavors to infuse into the syrup before straining it.
Heating simple syrup is not always required. For a basic 2:1 or 1:1 simple syrup, you can simply combine the sugar and water and stir until the sugar dissolves. This method preserves the natural flavors of the sugar and is quite easy to do. However, there are instances where heating can be beneficial, such as when infusing flavors into the syrup. Ultimately, the decision to heat or not to heat depends on the specific recipe and desired outcome.