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      Home » Cocktails

      Easy Tom Yum Herbal Simple Syrup

      Published: Mar 14, 2023 · Modified: May 5, 2023 by Suwanee · This post may contain affiliate links.

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      This rich Tom Yum simple syrup is perfect for cocktails, mocktails, iced teas, and lemonade or to add to cold drinks for flavors and sweetness. This simple recipe is full of herbaceous Thai flavors!

      Be sure to use this herbal simple syrup with this popular Tom Yum cocktail. They are a match made in herbal heaven!

      tom yum simple syrup in a glass container on the table.

      Try this easy brown sugar simple syrup with pandan leaves for another rich, deep, caramelized simple syrup.

      Jump to:
      • What Is Tom Yum?
      • Why This Recipe Works
      • Ingredients for making Tom Yum Simple syrup
      • How To Make Tom Yum Simple Syrup
      • Helpful Kitchen notes 
      • Ideas for using Thai Tom Yum simple syrup. 
      • Helpful Kitchen Tools for making this simple syrup recipe
      • FAQ
      • Tom Yum Simple Syrup
      • Related
      • Pairing

      What Is Tom Yum?

      Tom Yum simple syrup was created for my Tom Yum cocktail, which is spired by the beloved Thai Tom Yum soup, a famous spicy soup in Thai cuisine.

      This flavorful Thai soup is typically made with galangal, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, some with cilantro roots, and is seasoned with chili paste, fish sauce, tamarind, or fresh lime juice. This sour soup is the perfect comfort food popular in and outside Thailand.

      Why This Recipe Works

      • It's a perfect sweetener for cocktails, mocktails, iced tea, or lemonade.
      • This easy recipe is full of healthy healing herbs that are great for your body.
      • It's easy to make and lasts for a while. A little bit goes a long way too!
      • Add a touch of Thai flavors to any of your drinks.

      Ingredients for making Tom Yum Simple syrup

      The three herbs used for this simple syrup are lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves. All three can be found at your local Asian markets, fresh or frozen.

      Tom Yum Simple Syrup ingredients on a table.
      • Kaffir lime leaves. They are also called makrut lime leaves. These can be found in the Asian market in the refrigerator or frozen section. Read about Kaffir lime leaf here.
      • Lemongrass stalk. Also found in the Asian market.
      • Galangal. This fragrant rhizome is a unique Asian herb found in Asian markets. Using fresh ginger is not commended as a substitute as they are not the same thing and will take away from the Tom Yum flavor. Check out your local Asian store for Galangal.
      • Sugar. White sugar is the best option for making simple syrup. Brown or palm sugar is not recommended.
      • Water. For this recipe, I'm using 1.5 cups of water to 1 cup of sugar to reduce the number of calories. In most simple syrup, the ratio is typically 1-1, equal parts of sugar to water.
      • Optional ingredients to add for extra zest and flavors. Thai chilies (fresh or dried and leave whole), jalapeno peppers, and Serrano peppers.

      See the recipe card for quantities.

      How To Make Tom Yum Simple Syrup

      Fresh herbs simple syrup in a stock pot.

      Step 1. Add all the ingredients together in a small pot, the three herbs, sugar, and 1.5 cups water. Whisk all together.

      Fresh herbs simple syrup in a stock pot on the stove.

      Step 2. Over medium heat, bring to a boil and let simmer for 10 minutes. Simmer on low heat for 10 more minutes.

      Tom Yum Herbs in a strainer in the sink.

      Step 3. Remove from heat and let the simple syrup cool. Strain it into a glass container or jar, and discard the herbs.

      Tom Yum herbal simple syrup small glass bottles.

      Step 4. Once completely cooled at room temperature, store the simple syrup in an airtight container. Keep the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

      Once you are done making this simple syrup, make this popular Thai Tom Yum cocktail. They are meant to be used together to make a delicious cocktail. But you can use the syrup with any of your favorite cocktails!

      Helpful Kitchen notes 

      • Use small glass containers to store the leftover syrup. Thawing out a small amount in a small container is easier than in a large container.
      • Sugar may crystalize after two weeks. If that happens, reheat the syrup in a small saucepan and allow it to cool before using. 

      Ideas for using Thai Tom Yum simple syrup. 

      • This simple syrup pairs perfectly well with this Tom Yum cocktail. 
      • It's a perfect way to add herbaceous flavor to Tangueray Sevilla orange cocktail.
      • Use it here with this Japanese Roku Gin Cocktail with Orange Blossom Syrup
      • Perfect with Empress Gin with Lavender Syrup Cocktail
      • Add to Butterfly Pea Flower Tea, น้ำอัญชัน
      • It's a great way to add sweetness to Butterfly Pea Flower Lemonade.
      • Pairs well with Hibiscus Tea Recipe, น้ำกระเจี๊ยบ

      Helpful Kitchen Tools for making this simple syrup recipe

      • Mesh Strainer
      • Stockpot
      • Glass containers
      Simple syrup in a clear glass bottle on the table.

      FAQ

      Can I make my Tom Yum Simple syrup spicy?

      Yes, you can! Add 2-3 chili peppers to the ingredient list above. Cut the chilies into thin slices for an even spicier flavor to have the seeds exposed. This is where the heat is at, the seeds! Be careful, as it can get quite intensely hot. (;

      What herbs can I substitute for Tom Yum Simple syrup?

      Tom Yum flavors are unique and difficult to create if the lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves are unused. Any ingredient swaps will no longer make it Tom Yum flavored syrup. These three herbs can be easily found at your local Asian grocery store.

      Can I freeze my simple syrup?

      Yes, you can. Freeze your Tom Yum Simple syrup in an ice cube tray. Once frozen, remove the cubes to a freezer food-safe plastic bag or containers. Using 1-2 small cubes simultaneously is easier than thawing an entire container of frozen syrup.

      ** Love a recipe you've tried? Please leave a 5-star ?rating in the recipe card below and a review in the comments section further down the page. Or follow me on Facebook, Pinterest, or Instagram! **

      Print
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      Tom yum simple syrup in a glass container.

      Tom Yum Simple Syrup


      ★★★★★

      5 from 1 review

      • Author: Suwanee
      • Total Time: 25 minutes
      • Yield: 1.5 cups 1x
      • Diet: Gluten Free
      Print Recipe
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      Description

      This rich Tom Yum simple syrup is perfect for cocktails, mocktails, iced teas, and lemonade or to add to cold drinks for flavors and sweetness. This simple recipe is full of herbaceous Thai flavors!


      Ingredients

      Scale
      • 1.5 - 2 ounce lemongrass, about 2 stalks. Use a heavy kitchen tool to smash it lightly to release oil.
      • 5 kaffir lime leaves. 
      • 1-ounce galangal, cut into quarter-size pieces, and use a heavy kitchen tool to smash it lightly to release oil.
      • 1 cup sugar. White sugar is the best option for making simple syrup. Brown or palm sugar is not recommended.
      • 1.5 cups water
      • Optional ingredients to add for extra zest and flavors. Thai chilies (fresh or dried and leave whole), jalapeno peppers, and Serrano peppers.

      Instructions

      1. Add all the ingredients together in a small pot, the three herbs, sugar, and 1.5 cups water. Whisk all together.
      2. Over medium heat, bring to a boil and let simmer for 10 minutes. Change the temperature to low heat and let it simmer for 10 more minutes, whisking often.
      3. Remove from heat and let cool. Strain the syrup into a glass container or jar, and discard the herbs.
      4. Once completely cooled at room temperature, store the simple syrup in an airtight container. Keep the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

      Notes

      • Use small glass containers to store the leftover syrup. Thawing out a small amount in a small container is easier than in a large container. 
      • Sugar may crystalize after two weeks. If that happens, reheat the syrup in a small saucepan and allow it to cool before using. 

      ** Thank you so much for visiting my blog! This is truly a passion for me. If you have enjoyed these recipes and appreciate the hard work I put into them, I would love it if you would share them with your friends! Your recommendation is the highest review I could hope for, and I’d appreciate it! **

      • Prep Time: 5
      • Cook Time: 20
      • Category: Drinks
      • Method: Stovetop
      • Cuisine: Thai

      Keywords: Tom Yum simple syrup, Tom yum cocktails, simple syrup, lemongrass simple syrup, galangal simple syrup, kaffir lime leaf simple syrup

      Did you make this recipe?

      Please rate and review this recipe in the comment section below so I can improve and make it a better experience for you!

      Related

      Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

      • thai corn salad in a bowl with flowers on table
        Thai spicy grilled corn salad (Som Tum Khao Pod)
      • handholding eggplant salad
        Spicy Thai Grilled Eggplant Salad with Pork
      • Hand holding Egg salad in a platter
        Thai Crispy Fried Egg Salad (Yam Khai Dao)
      • cucumber salad in a glass bowl
        Thai Cucumber Salad for Satay (อาจาด)

      Pairing

      These are my favorite dishes to serve with [this recipe]:

      • Thai iced coffee in a glass on the table.
        Thai Coffee (Oliang)
      • Thai tea boba in a glass on a tray.
        Thai Tea Boba (2 Ways-French Press and Stovetop)​
      • Mango boba tea in glassses on a board.
        Mango Boba Tea Recipe
      • Extra cute girl holding pink drink. (;
         Pink Milk Thai Nom Yen (นมเย็น)

      More Cocktails

      • Spicy tamarind cocktail with Smirnoff Vodka on table.
        Spicy Tamarind Cocktail (with Smirnoff Vodka)
      • Mekhong whiskey sour with pineapple juice on a tray.
        Mekhong whiskey sour with pineapple juice
      • Thai Tom Yum cocktail with fresh Thai chilis garnish.
        Tom Yum Cocktail
      • Tanqueray Sevilla orange blossom drink on a tray on the table.
        Tanqueray Seville Orange Gin Cocktail with Blood Orange

      Reader Interactions

      Comments

      1. Suwanee

        July 14, 2023 at 5:57 pm

        Thank you, Linn!

      2. Linn

        July 14, 2023 at 12:24 am

        An easy but fragrant simple syrup. The flavors really came throw. Thank you.

        ★★★★★

      Leave a Reply

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      Hi there, I’m Suwanee! I'm the person behind this Thai food blog. I spent thirteen years of childhood in Thailand, where I was first introduced to the flavors of Thai cooking. You are in the right place if you: Love to cook Thai food. Come by often, and let's get cooking! Read More…

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