Base Formulas & Technique

Sugar Syrup & Proof Ratios

The arithmetic behind every sweetened cordial - syrup ratio and what it does to proof.

Sugar Syrup & Proof Ratios — illustration
Illustration — a stand-in until there's a photo of the real thing.

Source Basic Cordials, Master Terafan Greydragon — original

Ingredients

  • 2 parts sugar
  • 1 part water

Method

  1. Boil the sugar and water together for about 5 minutes, making sure the sugar fully dissolves.
  2. Let the syrup cool completely before adding it to any alcohol - heat evaporates alcohol.

Notes

  • 1/2 cup water plus 1 cup white sugar yields 1 cup of syrup.
  • 1 cup syrup plus 3 cups 80-proof vodka gives a 60 proof liqueur.
  • 2 cups syrup plus 3 cups 80-proof vodka gives a 48 proof liqueur.
  • If using 190-proof grain alcohol, use twice as much syrup, with an extra 1/4 cup of water per cup of syrup.