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    DIY Cocktail Syrups


    Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of these links, I make a small commission.


    Cocktail syrups are delicious and can be used to add sweetness and flavor to any cocktail or mocktail.

    And there’s no need to buy them in the store! I’ll walk you through what you need to know to whip up your own cocktail syrups at home. 

    DIY Cocktail Syrups

    Quick and Easy: Sugar Syrups

    You can make these syrups by simply heating water in a microwave and stirring in sweetener.

    Here are the syrups I use most often in my cocktails and mocktails: 

    Simple Syrup

    Simple syrup adds sweetness but not flavor, and pairs with any spirit. 

    Stir 1 cup white sugar into 1 cup hot water until sugar is dissolved.

    Cool completely before using. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.

    Use it:

    (Not Quite a) Paloma
    (Not Quite a) Paloma
    Pouring a Strawberry Pineapple Vanilla Vodka Martini
    Strawberry Pineapple Martini

    Honey Syrup

    Honey syrup pairs nicely with the botanical notes in gins, as well as citrus and herbs.

    Stir 1 cup honey into 1 cup hot water until honey is dissolved.

    Cool completely before using. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

    Use it:

    Bee's Knees
    Bee's Knees
    Honey Orange Gin Cocktails
    Honey Orange Gin Cocktail

    Brown Sugar Syrup

    Brown sugar syrup goes well with the smokiness in bourbon. It also works well with apple flavors spirits. 

    Stir 1 cup brown sugar into 1 cup hot water until brown sugar is dissolved.

    Cool completely before using. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.

    Use it:

    Brown Sugar Grapefruit Cocktail
    Brown Sugar Grapefruit Cocktail
    Coffee Old Fashioned
    Coffee Old Fashioned

    Important Note: Always, always cool any syrup to at least room temp before using it in your cocktail.

    If you’re really impatient, pour your hot syrup into a mason jar and put it the freezer for 5 mins. Remove from freezer, stir and test the temperature. If it’s not cold enough, return to the freezer for 5 more minutes. Repeat until syrup is cool/cold. (Freezer cooling method is NOT recommended for herb and spice syrups as they need time for the flavor to infuse.)

    Herb and Spice Syrups

    Simple syrup infused with herbs or spices is a quick and easy way to add a twist to your favorite cocktails

    Stir 1 cup white sugar into 1 cups hot water until sugar is dissolved. Add 2 - 2 inch pieces of a leafy herb (rosemary, thyme, basil, etc.) OR 1-2 Tbsps of spices (sliced ginger root, cinnamon sticks, etc.) or dried herbs.

    Add the herbs/spices to hot simple syrup, ensuring they're completely submerged. Let the herbs/spices infuse at least until the syrup comes to room temperature, but preferably 24-48 hours. Remove the herbs/spices before using.

    Cool the syrup completely before using. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

    Use it:

    Holiday Spice Martini
    Holiday Spice Martini
    Cranberry Gin Cocktail
    Cranberry Gin Cocktail

    Lavender Syrup

    Dried lavender steeped in simple syrup creates this easy Lavender Simple Syrup. It's delicious in cocktails, mocktails, lemonade, and lattes.

    Lavender Simple Syrup in a glass bottle.
    Lavender Simple Syrup

    Hibiscus Syrup

    With a slightly citrus flavor and stunning pink color, dried hibiscus flowers make a stunning and delicious Hibiscus Simple Syrup.

    Hibiscus Simple Syrup
    Hibiscus Simple Syrup

    Fruit Simple Syrups

    Fruit syrups require a small saucepan, the stovetop, and a fine mesh strainer, along with a little bit of your time to cook, stir, and strain. These syrups can be mixed with club soda for delicious mocktails or added to spirits for cocktails. 

    Blueberry Syrup

    Just three ingredients using fresh or frozen blueberries, Blueberry Simple Syrup is easy to make and delicious in a variety of drinks.

    A pitcher of finished blueberry syrup.
    Homemade Blueberry Simple Syrup

    Strawberry Syrup

    Use fresh or frozen strawberries to make this quick Strawberry Simple Syrup. It's delicious in cocktails, mocktails, and is perfect for flavoring milk!

    Strawberry Syrup in a glass bottle.
    Three Ingredient Strawberry Simple Syrup

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    Katy McAvoy

    Hi! I’m Katy (she/her). I’m an author, photographer, home cook, mixologist, Michigander, and lover of all things food and drink. I never turn down a good happy hour and believe that a couple hours of meal prep pays off for daaaaays. Follow me on Instagram to check out what I’m working on next!

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