Skip to main content

Thousand Flavor Syrup

Image may contain Plant Food and Produce
Thousand Flavor SyrupPhoto by Alex Lau

A thousand might be an exaggeration, but this complex syrup can be used many ways. Add to spritzers, drizzle over fruit, mix into yogurt, or spoon onto grapefruit halves (to name just a few).

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes about 2 cups

Ingredients

1/4 cup sugar
2 cups water
Seeds from 1/2 vanilla bean, split lengthwise,
1 vanilla pod
3 wide strips lemon zest
3 lightly crushed green cardamom pods
1 star anise pod
5 juniper berries
1/4 cup dried rose petals
2 tablespoons dried hibiscus flowers or hibiscus tea
1 teaspoon pink peppercorns
1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Bring 1/4 cup sugar and 2 cups water to a boil in a medium saucepan, stirring to dissolve sugar. Remove from heat and scrape in seeds from 1/2 vanilla bean, split lengthwise, then add pod along with 3 wide strips lemon zest, 3 lightly crushed green cardamom pods, 1 star anise pod, 5 juniper berries, 1/4 cup dried rose petals, 2 tablespoons dried hibiscus flowers or hibiscus tea, 1 teaspoon pink peppercorns, and 1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns.

    Step 2

    Let syrup sit until flavors are infused, 20–25 minutes. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a medium bowl; discard solids. Chill until cold, then cover.

  2. Do Ahead

    Step 3

    Syrup can be made 4 days ahead. Keep chilled.

Read More
A few clever changes take classic Rice Krispies Treats to soaring new heights.
Fall dreams are made of this. Who are we to disagree?
A fancy-feeling dish that comes together in 20 minutes.
Crisp, buttery shell. Soft, flaky center. Cry!
Known as okayu, this Japanese comfort food will warm you from the inside out.
Brussels sprouts are better with a crunchy Parmesan skirt.
Sticky-sweet mall-style bourbon chicken gets a fall makeover.
Canned purée delivers rich body and deep flavor, without the nonna-level cook time.