French syrups are a staple in France, and they always spark enthusiasm. We use them to make "sodas," cocktails, and mocktails. That they are refreshing and hit the spot is reason enough to keep them in your kitchen. As well as being delicious, they are also cost-effective, convenient, and of better quality than some other drinks and sodas, even though they contain sugar.
I would like to share with you my perspective on sugar before I give you the delicious details about French syrups. You might be hesitant to serve sugar to your children. It's understandable. I didn't give my kids sugar until they were about 4 years old. My approach was to avoid almost all processed foods from their diet to avoid hidden sugars and to maintain an overall healthy diet of fresh food. When I allowed sweet treats, I was selective about what sugar they consumed so that I could control the quantity and quality. Everything in moderation is my motto. And finding the highest quality foods is my mission. That includes sugar.
The American food supply has shifted from fresh homemade foods to prepared and packaged foods, and sugar is hidden in these processed foods. I say hidden because sugar is used to mask the bitter taste of preservatives and additives and goes by many names—in my opinion, to disguise the fact that sugar has been added. Since most packaged and commercially made foods have additives and preservatives to preserve their shelf life, as required by the FDA, sugar in one form or another is often in the package or jar. This includes salad dressings, snacks, chips, and condiments. Even chicken nuggets, croutons, and pesto can contain sugar.
It is easy to understand why, as stated in this article by The Washington Post, "The average American adult, teen, and child consumes over 71 grams of sugar a day. Drinks, cereals, condiments, and yogurt are the main sources."
My recipe for a drink made with French syrup has 4 grams of sugar, the same as one tablespoon of sugar in ketchup. But if one consumes 2 tablespoons of ketchup three times a week, that’s 24 grams of sugar. Therefore, if we eliminate "unnecessary" sugar by cooking fresh and making condiments such as pesto, aioli, salad dressing, and croutons, we can enjoy the treat and control the type and amount of sugar we consume.
I have no doubt you will enjoy discovering the brand Mission 1883. Founded in 1883 by herbalist Philibert Routin, the company has maintained Routin’s commitment to quality for the past 139 years. Maison 1883 makes their syrups with water from the French Alps at the foot of Mount Blanc. The company says, “Alpine water is the key ingredient to their syrups to ensure consistent quality of the syrups without any need for preservatives.”
Founded in 1883, Maison 1883 is the only brand of syrup that is 100% made in France. Maison 1883 makes its syrups in the traditional French style, using at least 10% real fruit juice and pure cane sugar instead of high fructose corn syrup. Many flavors contain no artificial flavoring or color and no preservatives.
Mix 1 part syrup with 10 parts flat or sparkling water. You can add more or less mixer, but I find 10 to 1 is the right balance and not too sweet.
To make a drink, pour the syrup into a glass first, then add the water or other mixer over the syrup. When you pour the mixer over the syrup, the two ingredients mix without the need to stir. Kids think this is “magic.” Note: If you add the syrup to the mixer, the syrup will fall to the bottom, and you will need to stir to mix.
A freshly squeezed wedge of lemon, lime, or orange
Fresh herbs such as basil or mint
Muddle fruit or vegetables such as raspberries, blueberries, or cucumbers. They will add another layer of flavor and some nutrients.
These additions add an excellent layer of flavor and can help you broaden children’s palates by introducing new tastes and combinations.
Kir - cassis syrup and white wine
Kir Royal - Cassis syrup and champagne
Pamplemousse rosé - Pamplemousse Rosé syrup and rosé wine
You‘ll appreciate having a bottle of your favorite flavor on hand for the kids or to serve before dinner as a family apéritif. French syrups are exceptionally refreshing and satisfying on a hot summer's day. There are so many ways to enjoy them, but remember not to serve them with a meal.
Sweet drinks served with a meal overshadow the flavors of the food, taking away from the application of the food. For children especially, a sweet drink overshadows the food, making the drink more interesting than the food. This can undermine your efforts to get your children to eat what is on their plate and try new foods.
A Sweet Ending
Using your favorite ingredients, mixers, and 120 flavors from Maison 1883, you will discover endless possibilities. Try lavender, rosé, or cucumber for a subtle flavor. Cassis, grenadine, and Pamplemousse Rosé (pink grapefruit) are classics that you can't go wrong with. Pamplemousse Rosé is the most popular among children whom I have introduced to French syrups.
One bottle lasts for up to a year and makes 100 drinks. You can also eliminate buying boxes and cartons of beverages, which is better for the environment. For about $9 a bottle, these French syrups are economical, delicious, and practical. Pick your favorite flavors today. The prices, even with shipping, are usually less than on Amazon.
You can also use them for desserts. A very slight drizzle on panna cotta is divine.
A straw storage basket for your syrups and a copper water pitcher are elegant and useful additions to your French Syrup apéritifs.
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