Cocktails are certainly one of the most exciting drinks out there. What’s interesting is that you can even customize your cocktail depending on your taste and preferences. And it goes without saying that there are several classic cocktail recipes that demand cocktail syrups as one of their key ingredients. Whether you use brandy, gin, rum, or vodka as your base, the credit for your cocktail’s texture and flavor go to the spirit you use as well as the cocktail syrup that is used. We’ve covered everything you need to know about how to use cocktail syrups to add that fun element to your next cocktail party with friends!
7 Types Of Cocktail Syrups And How To Use Them
- Simple Syrup
- Rich Simple Syrup
- Demerara Syrup
- Honey Syrup
- Fruit Syrup
- Ginger Syrup
- Cinnamon Syrup
1. Simple Syrup
As the name of the syrup suggests, its recipe is quite simple! All you have to do is boil equal amounts of sugar and water together, let it cool, and then store it in a mason jar. You can store this syrup in the freezer and it’ll last for almost a month. Just make sure that you keep shaking, stirring, and blending it when you use it in your cocktails. You can use this syrup in cocktails like Daiquiri, Espresso Martini, Classic Irish Coffee, Lemon Drop, Margarita, Old Fashioned, etc.
2. Rich Simple Syrup
If the standard simple syrup isn’t enough to sweeten your cocktail, you can go for the rich simple syrup. To make this syrup, you’ll need sugar and water in a 2:1 ratio, that is, two parts of sugar and one part of water, boiled together. The procedure thereafter is the same as simple syrup; you’ll have to let the syrup cool down and then pour it into a container and store it in a refrigerator to be used later.
One of the perks of making rich simple syrup for your cocktails is that it can last for a long time if stored in the refrigerator, because of its high sugar content. When you add this syrup to your cocktail, see to it that it is shaken and stirred well so that it mixes well with all other ingredients. Rich simple syrup can blend seamlessly in your cocktails like Daiquiri, Whiskey Sour, Apple Sidecar, etc.
Also Read: Beer Cocktails That You Can Enjoy At Home
3. Demerara Syrup
For all those looking for a sweet syrup to use in their cocktail, Demerara syrup can be an excellent sweetener. It has a hint of caramel-like flavor and can give a warm and toasty texture to your cocktail. Demerara sugar is nothing but a minimally processed version of raw sugarcane in the form of large brown grains. The recipe is very simple – take a pot and add equal measures of demerara sugar and warm water. You’ll have to simmer the mixture until the sugar is dissolved. You can add a little bit of vodka to the syrup and then store it in the refrigerator so that it lasts longer. Remember that adding too much vodka can turn your syrup into liqueur, so just add a little bit of it.
If you’re looking for a substitute for simple syrup, you can use demerara syrup instead. Spirits like whiskey, brandy, and aged rum go exceptionally well with the toffee and caramel notes of this syrup. You can use demerara syrup to make cocktails like Old Fashioned and Classic Mint Julep.
Also Read: 7 Easy Cocktails To Make At Home
4. Honey Syrup
You don’t need to have bartending skills to woo your guests with delicious cocktails. All it takes is some amateur knowledge and you’re good to go. One thing is certain when it comes to cocktails, cocktail syrups can completely change the taste of your drink and make it more flavorful. And in the world of cocktail syrups, honey syrup is definitely a goldmine! No wonder this syrup is a key ingredient in many classic cocktails.
The recipe for honey syrup is just like simple syrup; the only difference is that you’re using honey instead of sugar. Just take equal amounts of honey and water, warm the mixture over medium heat and simmer well to get the syrup. If you refrigerate the syrup, it can last for a month. Since honey syrup has much more flavor and sweetness to it as compared to simple syrup, it’s advisable not to use an excessive amount of it. Check how much amount of honey syrup your cocktail recipe requires and add the recommended amount. Honey syrup pairs well with cocktails like Gold Rush, Bees Knees, and Brown Derby.
Also Read: 7 3-Ingredient Vodka Cocktails That You Can Make
5. Fruit Syrup
Want to add some punch to your cocktail to make it even more delicious? Well, some fruit syrup can actually work its magic! You can either grab the bag of fruits lying in your freezer or get some fresh fruit from your garden to make some homemade fruit syrup. Fruit syrup can be made of different fruits like raspberries, lychees, pineapples, lemons, cherries, strawberries, etc. Whatever fruit you choose, make sure that you remove the seeds before using them.
To make the syrup, add a cup of fruits, ¾ cup of sugar, and ⅓ cup of water to a pot and bring it to a boil on medium heat. Continue simmering for a while over low heat. You can then smash the fruit using a wooden spoon. It’ll take around 10 minutes for the mixture to turn into a syrupy consistency. You can strain it in a container and freeze it to use later. You can use fruit syrup to make tasty cocktails like Passion Fruit Margarita, Raspberry Cosmopolitan, Pear Martini, Lemon Basil Margarita, etc.
6. Ginger Syrup
Just like how simple syrup acts as a sweetener in many cocktails, ginger syrup adds a spicy essence and a mellow aroma to cocktails. Ginger syrup is made with three primary ingredients – ginger, sugar, and water, so it also acts as a liquid sweetener. This combination of sweet and spicy flavors can be used in cocktails like Moscow Mule, Penicillin, Old Fashioned, etc.
For making ginger syrup, take a saucepan and add 1 cup granulated sugar and ¾ cup of water. Keep it on medium flame and stir until the sugar gets dissolved. Add 1 cup sliced ginger root (peeled) and keep it for a light boil. You can close the lid of the saucepan and let the ingredients simmer for around 15 minutes. Later, turn off the heat and let the syrup cool down. You can strain the syrup in a container and then store it in a refrigerator. Ginger syrup can be used in cocktails like Daiquiri, Hot Toddy, Ginger Ale Highball, Whiskey Sour, etc.
Also Read: 7 Bourbon Cocktails To Try Right Now
7. Cinnamon Syrup
How would you like a sweet and spicy flavored cocktail to rejuvenate yourself? A little bit of cinnamon syrup in your cocktail can surely cheer you up. To make the cinnamon syrup, add 1 cup of water and 1 cup of sugar to a pot and let it boil until the sugar gets dissolved. After that, you can add around 5-6 cinnamon sticks, simmer it and keep the mixture on low heat for 5 minutes. Once you’ve turned off the heat, let the mixture infuse by keeping the pot covered for around 6 hours. The liquid syrup can be strained in a jar and stored in the freezer for later use. You can make amazing cocktails like Hot Toddy, Cinnamon Old Fashioned, Monkey Man, etc for your next drinking session with friends.
Also Read: 7 Easy Gin Cocktail Recipes That You Should Try
Summing Up
Cocktail syrups can not only transform your drink but also let you cut down on a few ingredients for your cocktails. We’ve taken you through how to use cocktail syrups so that you can add a bit more flavor to your cocktails. Now you know how to surprise your guests for the next party you host, with some amazing cocktails of course! Don’t forget to use some flavorful cocktail syrups and see the difference they can make to your cocktails.
FAQs
How Do You Use Fruit Cocktail Syrup?
Fruit cocktail syrups can be used to add that extra punch to your cocktail and make them sweet and tasty. You can use fruit syrups in different cocktails like Passion Fruit Margarita, Pear Martini, Classic Hurricane Cocktail, Peach Cocktail, etc.
How Do You Use Flavored Syrups?
You can use flavored syrups like caramel syrup, blueberry syrup, toffee syrup, etc in your cocktails to blend with the other ingredients and sweeten the cocktail.
What Syrup Is Used In Cocktails?
The following is a list of different syrups used in cocktails:
- Simple syrup
- Rich simple syrup
- Demerara syrup
- Honey syrup
- Fruit syrup
- Ginger syrup
- Cinnamon syrup
Should Cocktail Syrups Be Refrigerated?
There’s a tendency for bacteria to grow inside your cocktail syrups like simple syrup, ginger syrup, fruit syrup, etc. That’s why it’s best if you store cocktail syrups in a refrigerator.
How Do You Use Syrup?
You can use different types of cocktail syrups in your cocktails for different purposes. For example, simple syrup and fruit syrup can be used to sweeten cocktails. On the other hand, ginger and cinnamon syrups can be used to add a little bit of spiciness to your cocktail.
What Can I Use Simple Syrup For?
Simple syrup can be used as a sweetener in cocktails like Passion Fruit Daiquiri, Frozen Negroni, Gin Gin Mule, Frozen Strawberry Margarita, etc.
Why Do You Put Simple Syrups In Drinks?
Simple syrup is made by dissolving equal amounts of water and sugar. It serves as a sweetener and so can be used as a key ingredient in drinks and cocktails like lemonade, whiskey sour, etc.
How Do You Make Cocktail Syrup Last Longer?
Keep in mind that cocktail syrups at room temperatures can only last for a week or more. And if you’ve added other flavorings like herbs and spices, it further decreases the shelf life of your cocktail syrup. If you want to make your cocktail syrup last longer, the best thing to do is add two parts of sugar to one part of water when making the syrup. Another way to store cocktail syrups is by storing them in the refrigerator.
What Do You Store Cocktail Syrups In?
Airtight containers can be used to store cocktail syrups. If you want to preserve your cocktail syrups for a long time, you can use a sealed container like a mason jar and store it in the refrigerator for future use.
