A spoonful of sugar drizzled over a plate forms a fine, thin thread.

A spoonful of sugar dropped into ice water forms a ball that flattens immediately when you press it between your fingers.

A spoonful dropped into ice water forms a ball that stays firm and pliable but is still sticky between your fingers.

A spoonful dropped into ice water forms a ball that is sticky but not pliable.

Dropped into ice water, the syrup can then be stretched between your fingers and separated into elastic strands.

Dropped into water, the syrup will solidify.

Poured onto a white plate the syrup will be honey-golden in color.

Poured onto a white plate the syrup will be deep reddish amber in color