Simple syrup is one of the most important ingredients behind your bar and essential for many mixed drinks. It’s just plain white sugar mixed into hot water until it melts, usually using a 1:1 ratio. But if you love concocting new drinks and want to step up your flavor game, consider making more unique simple syrup variations. Check out ten mouthwatering and easy-to-make simple syrups that will enhance every drink you mix.
1. Cinnamon Syrup
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
Cinnamon syrup is one of the easiest and most versatile syrups you can make. It’s the perfect addition to warm autumnal drinks, like a hot toddy or Thanksgiving sangria. Cinnamon brings a delectable and stimulating flavor to any beverage and can even be used to spice up an Old Fashioned or Negroni. Ideally, you should use whole cinnamon sticks and not ground cinnamon to make this.
2. Lemon Syrup
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
Lemon simple syrup may seem unnecessary, as you can always squeeze lemon juice into your drink. However, lemon syrup is less sour and aggressive than straight lemon juice, making a beverage flavorful and light without making it harsh. Lemon syrup can elevate any libation, whether a winter drink or a summer beverage.
3. Thyme Simple Syrup
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
We usually associate thyme with savory dishes, from Thanksgiving turkey to pizza sauce. But thyme is the perfect flavor to accompany something sweet and sharp, bringing a robust and tender earthiness. I recommend adding thyme syrup to bourbon beverages or drinks with lemon and honey.
4. Coca-Cola Syrup
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
This one is a little unorthodox, which only makes it more enticing. To make it, reduce Coca-Cola until it becomes dense and sticky. You can add some lime zest and light spices for a bolder flavor. Just a squirt of Coca-Cola syrup can reinvent some of your favorite alcoholic beverages, from daiquiris to espresso martinis.
5. Blackberry Syrup
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
You can make simple syrup with various fruits, especially berries. However, there is something special about the richness and juiciness of blackberries. It’s the perfect syrup to elevate your spring and summer drinks, like mojitos and daiquiris, but it can also enhance everything from margaritas to manhattans.
6. Butterfly Pea Flower Syrup
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
Butterfly pea flowers don’t have an intense flavor, but they do have a bold color. These vibrant blue flowers make your boring spritz a crazy blue color that will impress your guests and even make it taste better. However, it does have a subtle floral flavor with a hint of sweetness that can make drinks lighter and more fragrant.
7. Coconut Syrup
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
Creating classic tropical drinks at home can be a struggle. Pina colodas, coconut margaritas, coconut punches, painkillers, and coquitos are just a few drinks that focus on the luscious coconut flavor. A simple coconut syrup is often easier than keeping creme de coco on hand or coconut milk in your fridge. Make it with coconut extract instead of milk to make it last longer!
8. Brown Sugar Syrup
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
As mentioned, basic simple syrup is just standard white sugar melted into hot water. Brown sugar syrup is just as straightforward but offers a richer and warmer flavor profile. You can use brown sugar syrup instead of normal simple syrup in almost every recipe, creating a heavier and more robust flavor with hints of molasses, toffee, and caramel.
9. Chili Flake Syrup
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
On the other hand, you can spice up your favorite libations with an intense chili flake syrup. This simple syrup is a must-try if you love a little heat in your margarita. This syrup is super easy to make but packs a wild punch of flavor that will make your eyes water and set your tongue on fire (in a good way).
10. Cucumber Syrup
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
Cucumber syrup has a light and refreshing taste that works well with spring and summer drinks. With this dainty flavor, you can make sensational mojitos, margaritas, coolers, gimlets, collins, refreshers, and much more. And you can mix this delicate syrup with the intense chili flake syrup for a beautiful and compelling balance of flavors.
Source: Reddit.
Popular Cocktails
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
People prefer different drinks depending on the day (or night) and social situations. Celebratory moods call for light, delicious drinks enjoyed by many, while others are often used to wash our stresses away.
10 Popular Cocktails Some People Hate
Favorite Mixed Drinks
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
Every time we choose a drink, we embrace a unique flavor journey. While personal tastes vary, some beverages have become timeless classics. These are the drinks that stand the test of both time and taste, the ones we turn to repeatedly, day after day.
All About Cocktails: 11 Over The Top Mixed Drinks We’d Commit To For Life
