In cocktails, we often use Demerara Gum Syrup to round off the edges of intense spirits, as in Old-Fashioneds, or to add richness. However, because of demerara’s molasses-y flavor, there are also limits to its use. If we’re seeking a clean or sharp flavor in a cocktail, we typically don’t use this syrup, as it could muddy the drink. In stirred cocktails like the Old-Fashioned, a gum syrup allows us to add more body to a cocktail without making it too sweet.
Yield: 8 oz
Fill a large basin with water and place an immersion circulator inside. Set the circulator to 145°F.
Combine the sugar and gum arabic in the jar of an immersion blender and process for 30 seconds. With the blender running, slowly add the water and continue to process until all the dry ingredients have dissolved, about 2 minutes.
Pour the mixture into a sealable, heatproof plastic bag. Seal the bag almost completely, then remove as much air as possible by dipping the bag (other than the unsealed portion) in the water. Finish sealing the bag, then remove it from the water.
When the water has reached 145°F, place the sealed bag in the basin and cook for 2 hours.
Place the bag in an ice bath and let cool to room temperature. Transfer to a storage container and refrigerate until ready to use, up to 2 weeks.
Day, A., Fauchald, N., & Kaplan, D. (2018). Cocktail Codex: Fundamentals, Formulas, Evolutions. Ten Speed Press.