Go Back
+ servings
An overhead view of dried osmanthus flower tea with sugar in a glass bowl
Print Recipe
5 from 4 votes

Easiest Osmanthus Sugar and Syrup Recipe

3 easy ways to make osmanthus sugar syrup!
Prep Time3 minutes
Cook Time7 days
Course: Dessert, Drinks
Cuisine: Chinese
Servings: 1 Cup
Calories: 781kcal
Author: Zen

Equipment

  • sieve
  • Food processor, or spice grinder (only if using Method 3)

Ingredients

  • 5 T Dried Osmanthus flower The exact amount of osmanthus flowers and sugar required would depend on the size of your glass jar, so I'm providing the quantities here in ratio form, which is really just a guide. If you have more or a little less osmanthus, don't let that hold you back from making this!
  • 1 C Granulated sugar Don't substitute with icing or brown sugar
  • Honey, to cover (optional, only if using Method 3) Please make sure to choose a lightly flavoured honey that won't overpower the osmanthus

Additional Ingredient for Osmanthus Simple Syrup

  • 1 C Water Use only ½ Cup if making Osmanthus Rich Syrup

Instructions

  • As we're not washing the osmanthus flowers, make sure you get yours from a reputable source, so that they'll be cleaner. Check the flowers and remove and dirt or dust.
  • Method 1 (Infusion Method): To a cleaned, airtight, glass jar, add 3 tablespoons of white granulated sugar followed by 1 tablespoon of dried osmanthus flowers. Alternate till you've reached the top of the jar. Seal, shake well and leave for at least a week in a dark cupboard. This is the most basic osmanthus infused sugar (Method 1)
  • If you don't like the gritty texture of the osmanthus flowers in your sugar, sieve out the flowers before using the sugar! (Too much of a hassle, and not necessary, in my opinion.)
  • Method 2: The previousinfusion method- needs a while for the flavour to enter the sugar (at least 7 days). If you need to use your sugar right now, blend the sugar and osmanthus in a food processor, using the pulse function. (Or spice grinder), before storing the blended sugar in an airtight glass jar. This is Method 2, the blended method.
  • Method 3: The last method is to make a osmanthus sugar syrup, instead of a dry osmanthus sugar. Simply add enough honey to cover to osmanthus and sugar mix (whether you've made it using Method 1 or 2), whilst ensuring that no moisture gets into the jar, then seal and store.

For Osmanthus Syrup

  • Make osmanthus tea: bring a pot of water and osmanthus flowers to the boil then allow to simmer for 2-3 minutes, till the tea is golden and strong. 
  • When the tea is concentrated enough, stir in the sugar. Once the sugar has dissolved, switch off the fire, allow to cool and store in the fridge.

Notes

Tip
  • If you're using the 2nd blended method, note that it can be difficult to identify the osmanthus flowers after blending, so label your glass jar before putting it away!
  • Add this sugar and syrup to your osmanthus tea, osmanthus jelly, osmanthus bakes, cocktails and more.
Storage
I would recommend using the osmamthus sugar within 2 months for maximium fragrance. Simple syrups can last for up to 1 week in the fridge and rich syrups for up to 2 weeks. Discard if cloudy
Note: the nutritional information is an estimate automatically calculated using the WPRM recipe maker and I am not responsible for its accuracy.

Nutrition

Calories: 781kcal | Carbohydrates: 202g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.03g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 18mg | Potassium: 132mg | Sugar: 200g | Vitamin A: 1439IU | Vitamin C: 21mg | Calcium: 38mg | Iron: 1mg