Strawberry Simple Syrup ~*Recipe ReDux*~

I am a member of a community of health and dietitian bloggers called The Recipe Redux. The Latin “redux” means to revisit or reinvent, and the aim of The Recipe Redux is to reinvent the idea of healthy eating with a taste-first approach.

On the 21st and 22nd of each month, members of this community receive a unique recipe challenge. This month’s challenge is all about making healthy, colorful cocktails and mocktails for spring and summer celebrations.

I came home from the store this week with a carton of strawberries– my first strawberries of the season! After eating a few right out of the sink, I set to work preparing a strawberry simple syrup.

With strawberry simple syrup on hand, I can make my own strawberry soda by topping a shot or two of syrup with seltzer water. What a pretty way to stay hydrated on a sunny spring day. 

To make the syrup, simmer hulled and sliced strawberries with water for about 20 minutes. Strain and simmer the remaining liquid with sugar until the sugar is dissolved. That’s it!

(As you can see in the photo above, I am storing my strawberry simple syrup in an old tahini jar. No shame.)

To make your ‘soda’ boozy, swap in Prosecco or sparkling white or rosé for the seltzer, or use a mix of half seltzer and half Campari.

Strawberry Simple Syrup

makes about 1 1/2 cups syrup

3/4 lb strawberries (save the rest for garnishing/snacking)

1 3/4 cup water

3/4 cup granulated sugar

Hull the strawberries and slice them into thin slices. Place in a medium pot, cover with the water, bring to a boil, and simmer for 20 minutes.

Strain the strawberries with a fine mesh strainer into another clean pot (or into a bowl and then pour back into the pot you were previously using). Do not press down on the strawberries, just let them drain naturally otherwise you will get a cloudy syrup.

Set the strawberry pieces aside and save for another use (i.e. stir into yogurt).

Add the sugar to the strained strawberry liquid, bring to a boil, and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring often, until the sugar is dissolved.

*To make a strawberry soda, pour 1-2 ounces of strawberry simple syrup into a glass. Top with about a cup of seltzer water. Ice optional. Add a fresh strawberry to the rim of the glass. Feel free to play around with ratios to make your drink more or less sweet.