Are you looking for something quick and easy to jazz up your gin cocktails? You may be a gin lover, but if you like to try new gins and cocktails, we have the perfect addition to take your gin cocktails to the next level! In this blog, we will cover 3 syrups to add some oomph to your drinks; Simple Syrup, Rosemary Syrup and Basil Syrup. With these syrups under your wing, the sky's the limit when it comes to experimenting.
What are cocktail syrups and what are they made from?
If you are a regular gin drinker and know a thing or two about making gin-based cocktails, then these will be familiar to you. What is it? To put it simply, a syrup is a viscous liquid – similar in consistency to molasses – that combines water, sugar and additional flavours. They are used by top bar mixologists (bartenders, to you and me) to enhance the tastes and textures of drinks.
What is Simple Syrup?
While there is a wonderful variety of syrups out there, the most famous and versatile one is simple syrup. Also known as sugar syrup, it’s a secret weapon that bartenders return to time and time again when building brand-new drinks, or making classic gin cocktails.
Simple syrup was first invented as a matter of practicality. Since the 1800s, sugar has been a key ingredient in many cocktails, adding a layer of sweetness that complements spirits and undercuts the acidity of citrus juice. Once mixologists realised how convenient simple syrup was, they began experimenting. Nowadays, the variations of syrups are endless, providing an easy way to incorporate the flavours of fruits, spices, herbs and even flowers into drinks.
How to make Simple Syrup
To add just a hint of extra sweetness to your cocktail or to cut through acidity, Simple Syrup is one of the easiest syrups to make and will make all the difference in your cocktail.
Ingredients:
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup water
Steps:
Add the sugar and water to a small saucepan over medium heat.
Stir until the sugar has dissolved.
Leave the syrup to cool, once cooled pour into a glass jar and seal tight with a lid.
Simple Syrup will keep refrigerated, for around one month.
How to make Honey Syrup
To add just a hint of extra sweetness to your cocktail or to cut through acidity, Honey Syrup is easy to make and will make all the difference in your cocktail.
Ingredients:
2 table spoons of Honey
½ cup water
Steps:
Add the Honey and water to a small saucepan over medium heat.
Stir until the Honey has dissolved.
Leave the syrup to cool, once cooled pour into a glass jar and seal tight with a lid.
Honey Syrup will keep refrigerated, for around one month.
How to make Rosemary Syrup
To add and enhance the flavours of your favourite gin, making you feel like you’re in the midst of a Mediterranean summer.
Ingredients:
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup water
3 or 4 rosemary sprigs
Steps:
Drop the rosemary into a small saucepan and muddle to release the oils.
Add the sugar and water and heat over a medium flame.
Stir until the sugar has dissolved.
Let the syrup cool and remove the rosemary sprigs, once cooled pour into a glass jar and seal tight with a lid.
Rosemary Syrup will keep refrigerated, for around one month.
How to make Basil Syrup
For a more refreshing drink, add a dash of Basil Syrup to your cocktail, adding freshness to your drink of choice.
Ingredients:
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup water
A handful of basil leaves
Steps:
Drop the basil leaves into a small saucepan and muddle to release the oils.
Add the sugar and water and heat over medium flame.
Stir until the sugar has dissolved.
Let the syrup cool and remove the basil leaves, once cooled pour into a glass jar and seal tight with a lid.
Basil Syrup will keep refrigerated, for around one month.
A note from the team
We are constantly adapting and growing, expanding our flavours and bringing exciting new products to the market.
To purchase any of our products or gins, please visit our website to exceed your gin expectations, Harley House Gin Distillery
We know the world is still a little topsy-turvy right now, but fingers crossed the end is in sight and we can soon sip on something in the sunshine with our friends. In the meantime, you can peruse through our Facebook or Instagram pages and keep up to date with the latest. Alternatively, if you have any questions and want to speak to someone, give us a call on
01323 491998.
Until then old sport,
The Harley team.
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