Thousand Flavor Syrup

A complex and aromatic syrup infused with vanilla, citrus, spices, and floral notes. This versatile syrup combines cardamom, star anise, peppercorns, and dried flowers for a sophisticated flavor profile.

2 servings
35 min

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup sugar
  • 2 cups water
  • ½ bean vanilla bean seeds
  • 1 pod vanilla pod
  • 3 strips lemon zest
  • 3 pods green cardamom
  • 1 pod star anise
  • 5 berries juniper berries
  • ¼ cup dried rose petals
  • 2 tablespoons dried hibiscus flowers
  • 1 teaspoon pink peppercorns
  • 1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns

Cooking Instructions

  1. 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.

    10 min

  2. 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.

    25 min

  3. 3.

    Syrup can be made 4 days ahead. Keep chilled.