5 simple summer cocktail syrups

By MiNDFOOD

5 simple summer cocktail syrups

My favourite syrups that can be used to create spectacular summer sodas and cocktails.

By Paul Lowe

 

Rose Garden

Rose water is totally underused in cooking. It makes the most delicious syrup mixed with vanilla. Try it in your ice tea as well.

Makes 1 cup syrup, serves 6-8

Syrup:

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup water

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 teaspoon rose water

For serving:

Ice

Soda water

A few drops celery bitters

fresh thyme and roses (if you have)

Alcohol suggestion: Gin

 

1. In a small saucepan combine sugar and water.

2. Bring to a boil and stir well until the sugar is dissolved.

3. Remove from heat and add vanilla and rose water, cool.

4. To make the cocktail mix 2-3 tablespoons of syrup with soda over ice.

Garnish with fresh thyme and rose leafs. To make a cocktail simply add 2 cl gin to each glass and serve.

 

Strawberry

I love this syrup served over shaved ice (and maybe a dash of vodka). Also delicious over vanilla ice-cream.

Makes about 1 1/2 cup syrup, serves 8

Syrup:

1/3 cup sugar

1/3 cup water

2 cups strawberries, fresh or frozen

pinch of black pepper

For serving:

Ice

Sliced fresh strawberries

Alcohol suggestion: Dark spicy rum

 

1. In a small saucepan combine sugar, water and strawberries.

2. Bring to a boil and stir well until the sugar is dissolved.

3. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.

4. Cool and use an emulation blander to make it into a smooth syrup.

5. To make the shaved ice run the ice though the shaved ice maker into a cup, top with syrup.

Serve with sliced rest strawberries on top. To make a cocktail simply add 2 cl rum to each glass and serve.

 

Pink Summer

This is such a fresh summer syrup, has a wonderful colour, and great mixed with sparkling wine for a punch.

The pink peppercorns gives it that little extra.

Makes 1 cup syrup, serves 6-8

Syrup:

1/4 cup sugar

1/2 cup water

2 pink grapefruits, peeled and chopped

10 pink peppercorns

sprig of fresh thyme

For serving:

Ice

7-Up

fresh thyme

grapefruit rind

Alcohol suggestion: Tequila

 

1. In a small saucepan combine sugar, water, grapefruit, thyme and pink pepper.

2. Bring to a boil and stir well until the sugar is dissolved.

3. Let simmer for 5 min, cool.

4. Drain the syrup though a sifter, so you just have the liquid.

5. Serve 2-3 tablespoons over ice with 7 Up. Garnish with fresh thyme and grapefruit rind

To make a cocktail simply add 2 cl tequila to each glass and serve.

 

Angry Viking

A syrup with a kick of spices. Also great to use a liquid for a fruit salad or over ice-cream.

Makes 1 cup syrup, serves 6-8

Syrup:

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup water

1″ slice of fresh ginger, peeled

6 black peppercorns

1 lemongrass, sliced

For serving:

Ice

Soda water

Bitters

Alcohol suggestion: Vodka

 

1. In a small saucepan combine sugar, water and spices.

2. Bring to a boil and stir well until the sugar is dissolved.

3. Cool and drain.

4. To serve mix 2-3 tablespoons with ice, soda water and bitters.

To make a cocktail simply add 2 cl vodka to each glass and serve.

 

Norwegian Wood

This syrup is inspired by my childhood spent blueberry picking with my ‘mormor’. The rosemary adds a ‘woodsy” flavour. You can make this syrup using whatever berries you have, fresh or frozen.

Makes 1 1/2 cup syrup, serves 10

Syrup:

1 cup blueberries

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup water

1 rosemary stalk

For serving:

Ginger ale

Ice

Rosemary

Alcohol suggestion: Vodka

 

1. In a small saucepan combine blueberries, sugar and water.

2. Bring to a boil and stir well until the sugar is dissolved.

3. Cool and drain.

4. For serving add 2-3 tablespoons into a glass, top off with ginger ale, ice and garnish with fresh rosemary.

To make a cocktail simply add 2 cl vodka to each glass and serve.

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