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!
Try this easy brown sugar simple syrup with pandan leaves for another rich, deep, caramelized simple syrup.
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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.
- 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
Step 1. Add all the ingredients together in a small pot, the three herbs, sugar, and 1.5 cups water. Whisk all together.
Step 2. Over medium heat, bring to a boil and let simmer for 10 minutes. Simmer on low heat for 10 more minutes.
Step 3. Remove from heat and let the simple syrup cool. Strain it into a glass container or jar, and discard the herbs.
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
FAQ
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. (;
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.
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.
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Tom Yum Simple Syrup
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 1.5 cups 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
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
- 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
- Add all the ingredients together in a small pot, the three herbs, sugar, and 1.5 cups water. Whisk all together.
- 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.
- Remove from heat and let cool. Strain the syrup into a glass container or jar, and discard the herbs.
- 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.
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- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with [this recipe]:
Suwanee
Thank you, Linn!
Linn
An easy but fragrant simple syrup. The flavors really came throw. Thank you.