to make a balsamic reduction simply simmer balsamic vinegar over medium heat until it reduces by about 75% to help gauge how much it reduces you can use a skewer or popsicle stick as you can see here it is reduced by just over half and now it is reduced by about 75% and it's darker and more syrupy it will become thicker as it cools so do not reduce it any further than this one school transfer to a small squeeze bottle for easy use and store in the refrigerator before using you may need to warm it briefly in a bowl of hot water aside from adding beautiful decoration to plates balsamic reduction adds incredible flavour to salads soups or wherever a little extra depth of flavor is desired note white balsamic can also be reduced and used to add a sweet fruity note to dishes white balsamic is also used for aesthetic purposes as the lighter color will not darken a saucer dish in the same way a darker balsamic will