Flavored simple syrup recipes

Get creative with your cocktails

Many cocktail recipes call for simple syrup, an easy to prepare combination of sugar and water. Add your own personal flair to beverages – alcoholic and virgin alike – with flavored simple syrups.

Simple syrup, which is a basic combination of sugar and water, couldn't be easier to make at home: Combine equal parts sugar and water and heat until the sugar is fully dissolved. Bartenders and baristas use this sugar water to sweeten cold beverages because sugar alone doesn't disperse easily in the frigid temperature of an iced coffee or classic daiquiri.

Mint simple syrup punches up mojitos and brings any fruity cocktail to life, but it's also wonderful added to tart lemonade, iced tea or even drizzled over sorbet. And ginger simple syrup makes a wonderful ginger mule cocktail, but can also be the base for homemade ginger ale! Use the flavors here as a starting off point. Consider infusing your simple syrup recipe with lavender, coffee beans, lemon and even sage for interesting additions to your beverages.

Ginger simple syrup recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup water

• 1 cup sugar

• 4 ounces fresh ginger, roughly chopped

Directions:

1. Combine water and sugar in a small saucepan or pot and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
2. Stir occasionally, until the sugar is fully dissolved. (Be careful not to leave the syrup unattended or the sugar may burn or it may become too thick.)
3. Add the ginger to the pot, stir and remove from the heat. Allow to steep for about 15 minutes.
4. Strain the ginger out and allow the syrup to cool to room temperature.
5. Transfer to a glass jar or bottle and store in the refrigerator for up to two months.

Mint simple syrup recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup water

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1-1/2 cups roughly torn mint

Directions:

1. Combine water and sugar in a small saucepan or pot and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Stir occasionally, until the sugar is fully dissolved. (Be careful not to leave the syrup unattended or the sugar may burn or it may become too thick.) 
2. Add the mint to the pot, stir and remove from the heat.
3. Allow to steep for about 15 minutes.
4. Strain the mint out and allow the syrup to cool to room temperature.
5. Transfer to a glass jar or bottle and store in the refrigerator for up to two months.

More simple syrup recipes

Cinnamon simple syrup recipe
Lavender simple syrup recipe
Chile simple syrup recipe