Kola Nut Syrup
A quick and easy syrup made with Kola nuts. It can be enjoyed hot or cold, with still or sparking water, or used as a mixer in cocktails and mocktails
Equipment
- Box grater
Ingredients
- 150 grams red kola nuts, washed
- 3 cups boiling water
- 200 grams granulated (white) sugar
Instructions
- Set the box grater into a medium pot. Using the side with large holes, carefully grate the kola nuts. The shreds will oxidize quickly, turning a rust-copper colour
- Carefully add the boiling water, and the sugar. Stir - the colour will become rust-red and it'll produce a vegetal aroma
- Bring to the boil on medium to high heat, uncovered, stirring now and again. The shreds will sink, then rise with time. Allow to cook until bubbling and somewhat thickened,10 to 12 minutes
- Turn off the heat and leave to rest, covered, for 4 hours or overnight
- Pass the bright-orange syrup-gel through a fine-mesh strainer, into a blender; reserve the candied kola nut shreds (for a kola nut smoothie and kola nut candy) and set aside
- Blend the syrup-gel on high speed to reset the texture. It will turn creamy and frothy. Allow it to sit and settle, 10 to 20 minutes, until it returns to the transparent, orange thin syrup without the viscosity
- To make a drink, combine a third of a cup of kola nut syrup with about two-thirds cup of hot or cold water, still or sparkling; or with palm wine for a contemporary exploration. Taste and adjust per your needs. Stir
- Enjoy it hot or cold
- Refrigerate any leftover syrup for up to 1 week