How to Make Simple Syrup

It's called "simple" for a reason. No matter how fancy they sound, they all boil down to water and sugar... boiled down. Kick up any drink with these 6 simple syrup recipes. Enjoy responsibly with friends.

Basic Simple Syrup

Need: 1 cup water, 1 cup granulated white sugar. Bring to a boil and simmer for 3 minutes until sugar dissolves. Cool immediately. Store in the fridge for a month or freeze forever. Use in any cocktail to sweeten things up!

Hibiscus Grapefruit

Need: 3/4 cup water, 1/4 cup whole dried hibiscus flowers, 1/4 cup sugar, and peels from half a grapefruit. Bring to a boil and simmer for 3 minutes, then strain and chill. Great with mezcal or tequila.

Cinnamon Syrup

Need: 1/2 cup water, 1/2 cup sugar, a couple of cinnamon sticks. You know the drill - bring to a boil, then add cinnamon sticks. Simmer 2-3 mins, then remove and chill. Great in an old fashioned or bourbon.

Rosemary Syrup

Need: 1/2 cup water, 1/2 cup sugar, 1 or 2 rosemary sprigs. Bring all ingredients to a boil and simmer for 3 mins until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and cool for 30 mins. Strain (or just remove remove rosemary) and chill. Great in greyhounds or palomas (or any cocktail with grapefruit juice).

Habanero Simple Syrup

Need: 1 cup water, 1 cup sugar, 2 habanero peppers, quartered. Bring sugar and water to a boil until sugar is dissolved. Add peppers and reduce heat to low, simmer about 15 minutes (or longer if you like it spicy!). Remove from heat and let cool for 1 hour. Strain and chill. Pairs well with vodka or in a margarita.

Turmeric Simple Syrup

Need: 1 cup water, 3/4 cup sugar, a big thumb's worth of fresh ginger root (peeled and sliced), 1 tsp turmeric powder. Bring water, sugar and ginger to a boil and simmer for 10 mins (if it's not sweet enough, add a touch more sugar or a dollop of honey). Stir in turmeric until it's dissolved. Strain through a coffee filter and chill. Tastes amazing in margaritas or screwdrivers.

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