Basic Flavored Simple Syrup

2 cups sugar1 cup waterIn a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar and water. Bring to a boil, then remove from the heat. Add flavoring ingredients (see options below), then set aside until cooled. Transfer to an airtight jar, cover and let sit overnight.Use a mesh strainer to strain the syrup, discarding any solids. Return the syrup to the jar and refrigerate for up to 2 months.Chili-saffron: 1 large pinch saffron threads and 1 jalapeno chili, choppedOrange-star anise: 2 whole star anise and zest from 1 orangeCranberry-ginger: 11/3 cups dried cranberries and 2-inch chunk fresh ginger, slicedLemon-thyme: Zest of 2 lemons and 3/4 ounce) fresh thyme sprigsRaspberry-lemon: Zest of 2 lemons and 10 ounces frozen raspberries, thawedCardamom-vanilla-berry: 1 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped into the syrup, 6 ounces dried mixed berries and 6 cardamom pods, crushed.Makes 2 to 21/2 cups (depending on added ingredients).Associated Press