Maple syrup is a rich, amber-hued reduction made by boiling down the sap of maple trees until its water content evaporates, leaving behind a concentrated, silky sweetener. Thanks to the natural minerals and complex caramelization that occurs during the boiling process, it delivers deep, woody, and toasted-sugar notes—often carrying hints of vanilla or smoke—making lattes, breakfast dishes, and barrel-aged cocktails taste heartier, more nuanced, and more "forest-fresh" than regular simple syrup.