It doesn’t take much to completely elevate a dish. A squeeze of fresh citrus, a few cracks of black pepper, or a sprinkling of fresh herbs go a long way in creating complexity, freshness and a little oomph to many meals.
The same idea goes for cocktails, mocktails, lemonades and other fun summer drinks. A quick simple syrup adds tons of intrigue and will have friends and family asking if you’re moonlighting as a mixologist. Here are a few of our favorite simple syrup recipes we keep on hand for entertaining.
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Lavender Simple Syrup
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Floral, herbal, and sweet—the taste of fresh lavender cannot be replicated. This simple syrup recipe captures the essence of the herb beautifully, and adds an aromatic aroma to any drink. Allrecipes community members have used this syrup in martinis, with prosecco, in whipped cream, iced tea, and to top sweet breakfasts like pancakes or waffles.
Try it with: Lavender-Earl Grey Tea Cookies
Rosemary Simple Syrup
It may sound strange to add rosemary to a drink, but the herb adds such great dimension to whatever it touches. Its woody, slightly bitter, lemony taste balances out sweet lemonades or strong cocktails. Allrecipes community fmember foodelicious recommends using this syrup to glaze a cake, or churn it into a sorbet. “So refreshing,” they say.
Try it with: Rosemary-Infused Watermelon Lemonade
Hibiscus Syrup
“This hibiscus syrup is sweet, tart, and floral,” says Allrecipes community member Matt Wencl. “Perfect for keeping on hand for adding extra zing and beautiful ruby red color to margaritas, rum punches, and daiquiris. Or just pour over ice and add club soda for a delicious fresh soda.”
Try it with: Ginger-Hibiscus Sparkler
Lemon Verbena Simple Syrup
“This intensely fragrant lemon verbena syrup features citrus, floral, and woody notes,” says Allrecipes community member foodelicious, who shared the recipe. “It makes for a perfect flavor booster for cocktails, mocktails, and sorbets. Your kitchen is going to smell amazing. Store the sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to one month.”
Try it with: Lemon Verbena-Blueberry Muffins
Simple Strawberry Syrup
France Cevallos
Imagine the possibilities! Sodas, lemonades, mojitos, martinis—you name it, this Strawberry Syrup will likely elevate it. “Made a double batch and used the syrup to mix with cream cheese for a filling in a croissant,” says one Allrecipes community member. “I used it for strawberry shortcakes, for flavoring in icing, topping for waffles and pancakes, and with sparkling water and squeezed lime for a delightful drink.”
Try it with: Ultimate Frozen Strawberry Margarita
Basil Simple Syrup
Add an herbal touch to your recipes with this quick and simple Basil Syrup recipe. “A great simple recipe that will take normal cocktails to a new level,” says one Allrecipes community member. “I used it to add sweetness to a watermelon, apple, lime, and mango juice cocktail. It really pulled it together.”
Try it with: Peach-Basil Sangria
Mint Simple Syrup
designergirljamestown
Mint is a very classic cocktail garnish, but do you know you can add it right to the cocktail itself? With this Mint Simple Syrup, you can make quick and easy mojitos, mint juleps, and a slew of other cocktails. Stir some into your iced tea for a refreshing summery sip. Allrecipes community members have had good luck freezing the syrup in ice cube trays for future use.
Try it with: Mint Julep Iced Tea
Rhubarb Simple Syrup
Looking for ways to use up all that summer rhubarb? Check out this Rhubarb Simple Syrup recipe. Keep this syrup on hand to glaze your strawberry-rhubarb cakes, crisps, and pies. Or, add it to a glass of cold lemonade for a delicious drink that tastes complex and bright.
Try it with: Rhubarb Iced Tea
Blueberry Simple Syrup
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
“This blueberry syrup is a flavored simple syrup that is very versatile and goes with so many things,” says Vanessa Fregoso, who shared the recipe. “I especially like to put it on top of French toast or in pancake or waffle batter. It’s also very yummy in cornbread or biscuit batter. This can be made in advance and stored in a glass jar in the refrigerator.”
Try it with: Overnight Blueberry French Toast
Lemon Syrup
Is there any better addition to a cocktail or mocktail than some fresh lemon? Get the best bang for your buck with this Lemon Syrup, that takes care of both the sweet and sour elements of a drink. Allrecipes community members have used this roasted chicken, on top of gingerbread, or mixed with whipped cream to top waffles and pancakes.
Try it with: Lemon Drop Martini
More Inspiration
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios