The art of crafting delicious cocktails is a matter of precision and creativity. One essential tool that can elevate your mixology game is flavored simple syrup. By infusing simple syrup with unique flavors, you can add depth and complexity to your favorite drinks. In this article, we’ll explore 20 mouthwatering flavored simple syrup recipes that will take your cocktail creations to the next level.
From classic vanilla bean to exotic passionfruit lavender, these simple syrups are perfect for adding a twist to your signature cocktails or experimenting with new flavor combinations. Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or just starting out, these recipes are sure to inspire and delight.
Let’s dive in and explore the wonderful world of flavored simple syrups!
Vanilla Bean Infused Simple Syrup
Elevate your cocktails and desserts with this rich and creamy vanilla bean infused simple syrup. Perfect for adding a touch of sophistication to your favorite drinks or as a topping for pancakes, waffles, or ice cream.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup water
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, combine the water and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved.
2. Add the split vanilla bean to the simple syrup mixture. Remove from heat and let steep for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
3. Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean glass bottle. Discard the vanilla bean.
4. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (not including infusion time)
Lavender Honey Simple Syrup
A sweet and soothing simple syrup infused with the calming essence of lavender, perfect for flavoring tea, cocktails, or desserts.
Ingredients:
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1/4 cup dried lavender buds
• 2 tablespoons honey
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar and water. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
2. Remove from heat and add in dried lavender buds. Let steep for 10-15 minutes, allowing the lavender to infuse into the syrup.
3. Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean glass bottle. Discard the lavender buds.
4. Stir in honey until fully dissolved.
5. Store the syrup in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Spiced Cinnamon Cardamom Simple Syrup
Add a warm and aromatic twist to your favorite drinks with this Spiced Cinnamon Cardamom Simple Syrup. Perfect for fall and winter gatherings, this syrup is great for coffee, tea, or even as a topping for pancakes or waffles.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup water
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 cinnamon sticks (4 inches long)
– 6-8 whole cardamom pods
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the water and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
2. Add the cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, and ground cloves to the syrup. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-12 minutes.
3. Remove the syrup from heat and let it steep for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean glass bottle. Discard the solids.
5. Store the syrup in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Rosemary Grapefruit Simple Syrup
Brighten up your cocktails and desserts with this refreshing rosemary grapefruit simple syrup. Perfect for warm weather, this flavorful condiment is easy to make and can be used in a variety of recipes.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup water
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
– 2 sprigs fresh rosemary (about 2 tablespoons)
– 1/4 teaspoon pink peppercorns (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine water and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring until sugar is dissolved.
2. Add grapefruit juice, rosemary sprigs, and pink peppercorns (if using). Remove from heat and let steep for 10-15 minutes.
3. Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean glass bottle. Discard solids.
4. Store in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Chai Tea Infused Simple Syrup
Elevate your beverages with a warm and aromatic simple syrup infused with the flavors of chai tea. This recipe is perfect for adding a unique twist to iced teas, lattes, or even cocktails.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup water
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons loose-leaf black tea (such as Assam or Ceylon)
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the water and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
2. Add the loose-leaf tea, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves to the saucepan. Stir to combine.
3. Remove from heat and let steep for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean glass bottle. Discard the solids.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Minty Lime Simple Syrup
Elevate your drinks with a refreshing twist! This minty lime simple syrup is perfect for adding a burst of flavor to cocktails, tea, or even desserts.
Ingredients:
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
• Juice of 2 limes (about 2 tablespoons)
• Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the water and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
2. Remove from heat and add in the fresh mint leaves. Let steep for at least 30 minutes to allow the minty goodness to infuse into the syrup.
3. Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean glass bottle. Discard the solids.
4. Add the lime juice to the syrup and stir to combine.
5. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (plus infusion time)
Earl Grey Citrus Simple Syrup
Brighten up your cocktails and desserts with this fragrant and flavorful Earl Grey Citrus Simple Syrup. This versatile syrup combines the citrusy notes of orange and lemon zest with the bergamot essence of Earl Grey tea, creating a unique and refreshing flavor profile.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup water
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 Earl Grey tea bags (or 2 teaspoons loose-leaf Earl Grey tea)
– Zest of 1 orange and 1 lemon
– Juice of 1/2 orange and 1/2 lemon
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine water and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
2. Add the Earl Grey tea bags (or loose-leaf tea) to the syrup and steep for 5 minutes.
3. Remove the tea bags (or strain out the loose leaves).
4. Add the orange and lemon zest to the syrup and stir to combine.
5. Simmer the mixture over low heat for 10 minutes, or until the flavors have melded together and the syrup has thickened slightly.
6. Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean glass bottle. Discard the solids.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Ginger Peach Simple Syrup
Elevate your cocktails and desserts with this sweet and spicy syrup featuring the flavors of ginger and peach.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup water
– 1/2 cup fresh peaches, diced
– 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar and water over medium heat.
2. Add the diced peaches and sliced ginger to the saucepan.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the syrup has thickened slightly.
4. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice.
5. Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean glass bottle.
6. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Hibiscus Rose Simple Syrup
Brighten up your drinks with this delightful Hibiscus Rose Simple Syrup! This flavorful syrup combines the floral notes of hibiscus and rose petals, perfect for adding a touch of elegance to your favorite beverages.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup water
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup dried hibiscus flowers
– 2 tablespoons dried rose petals
– 1 lemon slice (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the water and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
2. Add the dried hibiscus flowers and rose petals to the saucepan. Remove from heat and let steep for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
3. Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean glass bottle. Discard the solids.
4. If desired, add a lemon slice to the syrup for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
5. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Cooking Time: None
Smoky Maple Bourbon Simple Syrup
Elevate your cocktails and baked goods with this rich and complex simple syrup, featuring the deep flavors of smoky bourbon and sweet maple syrup.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup water
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
– 2 tablespoons bourbon whiskey (such as Maker’s Mark or Woodford Reserve)
– 1 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional, but recommended for a deep smoky flavor)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the water and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the maple syrup and bourbon whiskey.
4. If using liquid smoke, add it now and whisk to combine.
5. Let the syrup cool to room temperature before straining through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean glass bottle.
6. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Coconut Lemongrass Simple Syrup
This sweet and tangy syrup is a perfect addition to your favorite cocktails or desserts, adding a tropical twist with the combination of coconut and lemongrass.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup water
– 1/4 cup shredded coconut
– 2 stalks fresh lemongrass, bruised
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger (optional)
Instructions:
1. Combine sugar, water, and shredded coconut in a medium saucepan.
2. Add the bruised lemongrass stalks and grated ginger (if using).
3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
4. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the syrup has thickened slightly and reduced by about half.
5. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
6. Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into an airtight container.
7. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Strawberry Basil Simple Syrup
Elevate your cocktails and desserts with this refreshing simple syrup that combines the sweetness of strawberries with the brightness of basil. Perfect for warm weather gatherings or as a unique gift.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups granulated sugar
– 2 cups water
– 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
– 1 lemon slice (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar and water. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
2. Add sliced strawberries to the syrup and simmer for 5-7 minutes or until they have broken down and the mixture has thickened slightly.
3. Remove from heat and stir in fresh basil leaves. Let it steep for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean glass bottle. Discard the solids.
5. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Pineapple Jalapeño Simple Syrup
Add a tropical twist to your favorite cocktails or desserts with this sweet and spicy simple syrup. Perfect for warm weather gatherings, this recipe combines the freshness of pineapple with the bold heat of jalapeño.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup water
– 1/2 cup fresh pineapple chunks
– 2-3 slices fresh jalapeño peppers (depending on desired level of heat)
– Optional: a few sprigs of fresh mint for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar and water. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
2. Add pineapple chunks and jalapeño slices to the syrup. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-12 minutes or until the mixture has thickened slightly.
3. Remove from heat and let steep for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean glass bottle. Discard solids.
5. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Blackberry Thyme Simple Syrup
Elevate your cocktails and desserts with this sweet and savory simple syrup featuring the unique flavors of blackberries and thyme.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup water
– 1/2 cup fresh or frozen blackberries
– 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
– Optional: citrus peels (orange, lemon, or lime)
Instructions:
1. Combine sugar and water in a medium saucepan, heating over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
2. Add blackberries and thyme to the saucepan, stirring gently.
3. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and let cook for 10-15 minutes or until the syrup has thickened slightly.
4. Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean glass bottle, pressing on solids to extract as much liquid as possible.
5. Discard solids and let the syrup cool to room temperature before refrigerating.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Orange Blossom Simple Syrup
This fragrant and flavorful simple syrup is infused with the sweet aroma of orange blossoms, perfect for adding a touch of elegance to cocktails, desserts, or even savory dishes.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups water
– 2 cups granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup orange blossom water
– Freshly squeezed juice of 1 orange (about 1/4 cup)
– Optional: edible flowers or citrus slices for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine water and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and stir in orange blossom water and freshly squeezed orange juice.
4. Let the syrup cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container.
5. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (including cooling time)
Apple Cinnamon Spiced Simple Syrup
Warm up with this autumnal twist on classic simple syrup, infused with the comforting flavors of apple and cinnamon.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup water
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 apples, peeled and chopped (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
– 2 cinnamon sticks
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the water and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
2. Add the chopped apples, cinnamon sticks, and nutmeg to the syrup. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the flavors have melded together.
3. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
4. Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean glass bottle. Discard the solids.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Raspberry Mint Simple Syrup
Add a refreshing twist to your summer drinks with this sweet and tangy syrup featuring raspberries and mint. Perfect for cocktails, iced tea, or sparkling water.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh raspberries
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup water
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
– Lemon slice (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine raspberries and sugar. Heat over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is syrupy.
2. Add the water and bring to a simmer.
3. Remove from heat and let steep for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean glass bottle. Discard the solids.
5. Add fresh mint leaves and lemon slice (if using) to the syrup. Let it infuse in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Yield: Approximately 1 cup simple syrup
Lemongrass Ginger Simple Syrup
Add a burst of citrusy freshness to your favorite cocktails and desserts with this easy-to-make Lemongrass Ginger Simple Syrup. This fragrant syrup is perfect for warm weather gatherings or as a sweet treat any time of the year.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups water
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup fresh lemongrass leaves (about 6-8 stalks)
– 2-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and sliced thinly
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the water and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
2. Add the lemongrass leaves and ginger slices to the syrup. Remove from heat and let steep for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
3. Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean glass bottle. Discard the solids.
4. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Passionfruit Lavender Simple Syrup
Elevate your cocktails and desserts with this exotic and aromatic simple syrup, featuring the sweet flavors of passionfruit and lavender. This unique combination will transport you to a tropical paradise.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup water
– 1/2 cup passionfruit puree (or 2-3 passionfruits, seeds removed)
– 1 tablespoon dried lavender buds
– 1 lemon, sliced (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar and water over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
2. Remove from heat and stir in passionfruit puree and dried lavender buds. Let steep for 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
3. Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean glass bottle. Discard solids.
4. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Toasted Almond Simple Syrup
Elevate your cocktails and desserts with this rich and nutty simple syrup infused with the warmth of toasted almonds.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup water
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup sliced almonds
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a small skillet, toast the sliced almonds over medium heat, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly browned (about 5 minutes).
3. In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
4. Add the toasted almonds and butter to the saucepan. Remove from heat and let steep for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean glass bottle. Discard the solids.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes (including steeping time)
Use this toasted almond simple syrup as a mixer in cocktails, or as a topping for pancakes, waffles, and ice cream. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Summary
Indulge in the world of craft cocktails with these 20 flavored simple syrup recipes! From classic combinations to bold and unique flavor profiles, there’s something for every palate. Infuse your drinks with the warmth of vanilla bean, the subtlety of lavender honey, or the spice of cinnamon cardamom. Other flavors include rosemary grapefruit, chai tea, minty lime, earl grey citrus, ginger peach, hibiscus rose, and many more. Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or just starting out, these simple syrups will elevate your cocktail game and add a touch of sophistication to any gathering.
