Gum syrup, or jarabe de goma, is made by dissolving 1 cup of sugar in 1/2 cup of water over medium heat, whisking in 1 tablespoon of powdered gum arabic, and simmering gently for about 10 minutes until slightly thickened, then cooling and storing it in a sterilized jar in the refrigerator. It takes 5 minutes of preparation plus 15 minutes of cooking and makes 12 servings.
Unlike simple syrup, it gives cocktails a silky texture and more body, which is why it is a favorite for pisco sours and daiquiris.
How to Make Gum Syrup?
With just three ingredients, sugar, water, and powdered gum arabic, you get a syrup that balances sour flavors with a silkier sweetness.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of gum syrup contains approximately 45 kcal, 0 g of protein, 0 g of fat, 0 mg of cholesterol, 12 g of carbohydrates, 12 g of sugars, and 1 mg of sodium. These values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients and portion sizes.
Homemade Gum Syrup Recipe
Preparation: 5 minutes
Cooking: 15 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup (200 g) of white sugar
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) of water
- 1 tablespoon of powdered gum arabic
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Add the powdered gum arabic and keep stirring to prevent lumps. Lower the heat and simmer gently for about 10 minutes.
- Cook until the syrup thickens slightly. Remove from the heat and let cool, then store it in a sterilized, airtight jar in the refrigerator.
Additional Tips
Use superfine sugar
Caster sugar dissolves faster, giving a clearer, smoother syrup and less risk of crystallization.
Sprinkle the gum slowly
Adding the gum arabic gradually while stirring prevents lumps.
Keep it cold
Refrigerated in a sealed jar, the syrup keeps for several weeks.
| Original ingredient | Substitute | Ratio | Flavor note |
|---|---|---|---|
| White sugar | Brown sugar | 1:1 | Caramel notes, for aged rum or whisky |
| Gum syrup | Simple syrup | 1:1 | Sweetness without the silkiness |
| 2:1 ratio | 1:1 ratio | Thinner, less sweet | |
| Gum arabic | None | Becomes rich simple syrup |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the ideal sugar-to-water ratio?
The classic ratio is 2 to 1, which gives more sweetness, viscosity, and shelf life than a 1 to 1 simple syrup.
2. Can I use simple syrup instead?
Yes, to sweeten, but you lose the texture and body that gum arabic adds.
3. Where can I buy gum arabic?
In baking supply shops, cocktail supply stores, or herbal shops; always choose a fine powder.
4. How do I use it in a pisco sour?
Use it in place of sugar or simple syrup in the same amount; it also helps build the foam.
What Is Gum Syrup?
Gum syrup, also called gomme syrup, is a rich sugar syrup thickened with gum arabic, used in classic cocktails for texture.
What Is Gum Arabic?
Gum arabic is a natural resin from acacia trees, mainly from sub-Saharan Africa, used as a stabilizer and thickener in foods and drinks.
Did You Know?
Gomme syrup appears in many 19th century cocktail recipes, and bartenders have revived it for its silky mouthfeel.
