Simple Syrup is the secret ingredient for many cocktail recipes! Since simple is in the name, I, of course, love it! You can also use Simple Syrup when baking cakes to give them extra moisture – just brush the layers of cake with a little simple syrup (imagine adding the flavored syrup for another hint of flavor!). Here is the basic recipe:

Simple Syrup Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 Cup water
  • 1 Cup sugar

Preparation

Combine water and sugar in a saucepan and cook over med-high heat. Stir frequently, ensuring the sugar dissolves – bring to a boil, then quickly remove from heat. Allow to sit until the mixture is cool.

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one month.

Flavored Variations:

Basil Simple Syrup

Add one cup of washed/dried basil leaves to the sugar water mixture. Bring to boil, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Pour mixture through a sieve to remove basil leaves. Store in airtight container in refrigerator for up to one month.

Lemon Basil Simple Syrup

Follow the Basil Simple Syrup recipe, adding the zest of one small lemon.

Mint Simple Syrup

Follow Basil Simple Syrup recipe, replacing basil with mint.

Apple Cinnamon Simple Syrup

Add the peels of three apples, plus three cinnamon sticks to the basic simple syrup recipe above. Bring to boil, remove from heat and allow to cool at least 30 minutes. Strain through sieve and store in airtight container in refrigerator for up to one month. (This one is perfect for Autumn Cocktails like this one – The Clean Slate Cocktail from AboutFood.com!)

Here is one of my favorite martini recipes, Ruby Red Grapefruit Martini (Adapted from TommyBahama.com). The flavor is fresh and light:

Ruby Red Grapefruit Martini

Ruby Red Grapefruit Martini Photo From TommyBahama.com.
Ruby Red Grapefruit Martini
Photo From TommyBahama.com.

Ingredients

  • 2 ½ parts Grey Goose Vodka
  • ¼ part freshly squeezed Ruby Red Grapefruit juice
  • ¾ part Basil Simple Syrup
  • 2 Fresh Basil Leaves, washed and dried

Preparation 

Muddle one basil leaf with simple syrup in a mixing glass. Add remaining ingredients. Add ice and shake well. Strain into martini glass and garnish with remaining basil leaf.

 Enjoy!

 

 

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