Ingredients:

  • 1 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 1 cup Filtered Water
  • Pinch Fine Sea Salt
  • 2 medium Very Ripe Bananas, peeled and sliced into ½-inch rounds
  • 1 teaspoon Fresh Lemon Juice
  • ½ teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Syrup Base: In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, water, and salt. Place over medium-high heat and stir constantly until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture comes to a rolling boil. Immediately reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.
  2. Infusion: Introduce the sliced bananas and lemon juice to the simmering syrup. Stir gently and allow the mixture to simmer gently for 10–12 minutes. The bananas should become very soft and begin to break down.
  3. Macerate and Thicken: Remove the pan from the heat. Using a potato masher or sturdy fork, gently mash the banana slices right in the syrup. Return the pan to the low heat for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the mashed banana to fully infuse the liquid and thicken slightly.
  4. Finish and Strain: Remove the pan from the heat completely and stir in the vanilla extract. Carefully pour the entire mixture through a fine-mesh sieve set over a clean bowl. Allow the Banana Syrup to drip naturally for 15–20 minutes. Do not press the solids to ensure a clear syrup.
  5. Cool and Store: Discard the banana solids. Allow the finished syrup to cool completely at room temperature, which is vital for proper thickening. Transfer the cooled Golden Hour Banana Syrup to a clean, airtight glass jar. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.