We went to a chef’s dinner at a local restaurant where they paired a craft cocktail with each course. The drinks were amazing and the chef said it was his simple syrup. He made several varieties of simple syrup and they added such a great flavor to the drinks, I was inspired to make my own! Read more to see how EASY these are to make and the fun drink recipes that go along with them!
Rosemary Sage Simple Syrup
This year I made a Rosemary Sage Simple Syrup. You simply use one cup water and one cup of sugar. Heat the water (don’t boil) and stir the sugar in. Continue stirring until the sugar is dissolved and remove from heat. Then throw in your fresh rosemary and fresh sage. Let the herbs seep into the simple syrup for a hour or so. I actually let my seep overnight for a stronger flavor. Use a strainer and put your simple syrup in a container and refrigerate.
Christmas Spice Simple Syrup
The other simple syrup I made just tastes like Christmas! Can you imagine what that tastes like? So good! Use the same method to make your simple syrup, but use a packet of mulling spices for your herbs. I also add some fresh cinnamon sticks and cloves. I didn’t do it this time, but I think it will be really good adding fresh orange and lemon peel. Let your spices sit in the simple syrup overnight and then strain.
Rosemary Sage Cocktail
There are all kinds of drinks you can add this to, but one of my go to’s is this:
2 oz. bourbon
4 oz. sparkling water flavored with cranberry
2 TBS. rosemary sage simple syrup
Pour over ice and garnish with a slice of orange and a sprig of rosemary.
This recipe is easily modified. If you aren’t a bourbon fan, you could totally use vodka. If you can’t find sparkling water flavored with cranberry (Trader Joe’s has a good one), you can use regular cranberry juice and then add club soda for some fizz.
Christmas Old Fashioned
This drink will warm you right up!
2 oz. bourbon
1 TBS. Christmas Spice simple syrup
2 dashes bitters (I use orange flavored)
Pour over ice and garnish with a cherry and an orange slice.
Winter Mule
2 oz. vodka
1 oz. pomegranate juice
1 oz. orange juice
2 oz. ginger beer
1 TBS. Rosemary Sage Simple Syrup
Pour over ice and garnish with an orange slice and rosemary sprig.
Experiment with Different Combinations
You can easily swap out different liquors and simple syrups to create more drink combinations. If you felt like using the Christmas Spice, but didn’t want an old fashioned, you could use the recipe for the Rosemary Sage Cocktail, but sub the Christmas Spice. Try the Christmas Spice in your coffee – it’s good! These simple syrups make a fun homemade gift, too!
