Perfecting the art of simple syrups can help turn you into the perfect hostess. Use the recipes below as an inspiration to create what you like.

My trihubby and I are at a new stage in our lives.  With the twins away for the summer and then off to college when they get back, we have a lot more time to play.  

So, what are we doing you ask…


We decided to learn how to make Sunday afternoon drinks.  Great fun AND great practice for our next post-triathlon party!

We began with two simple syrups and lots of fruit juices, vodka, and gin. Your friends and family will be amazed at your newly learned skill.

Disclaimer: We do use affliliate links in this post. 

BASIC SIMPLE SYRUP

Of note:  We use only honey and Raw Sugar in our house, so the cooking process takes a bit longer and the simple syrup is a light brown color.

basic simple syrups recipe

Home made simple syrup, Zucker style.

In a small pot add:

  • 1 cup raw sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • Simmer over low heat until all the sugar is dissolved.
  • You can add any flavoring you would like to this, like lavender. It depends on what you are making.

GINGER PEPPER SIMPLE SYRUP

  • Use the basic recipe above and add
  • 2 tablespoons fresh grated ginger
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
  • Allow to simmer an additional 3-5 minutes after the sugar dissolves

Now for what we mixed…

Disclaimer and warning:  We are not professionals, just a triwife and trihubby making what we want, so how we pour is how we like it and what suits our tastes best.   We also taste as we go, making changes along the way…

Both drinks were made in large glasses with crushed ice.  We then used another large glass and poured back and forth as our shaker.  If you have a real shaker, feel free to use that. 

We liked them so much that we made more in small pitchers.  We are also regular juicers, so we used the fresh juices we had on hand.

TRIWIFE WATERMELON SUNTINI

INGREDIENTS

  • 1/4 seedless watermelon smashed in a large bowl
  • Handful of fresh mint
  • 2 shots vodka, I like Titos
  • 1 shot fresh lime juice
  • 2 shots simple syrup (this will depend on how sweet you like your drinks – I like mine sweet)

DIRECTIONS

  • Smooch (fancy people say muddle) mint in the bottom of the glass with a wooden spoon.
  • Add vodka, lime juice, and simple syrup.
  • Fill the rest of the glass with the watermelon juice.
  • Add crushed ice, shake, and drink away.

TRIHUBBY TRIGINGER

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 shots gin
  • 2 shots lemon juice
  • 1 shot ginger pepper simple syrup
  • Ginger ale

DIRECTIONS

  • In a glass, add gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
  • Add crushed ice and shake.
  • Fill the glass with ginger ale, stir, and enjoy.
simple syrups cocktails

Setting the mood to enjoy! Cheers…..

This past weekend I used mango instead of watermelon, yum!

Do you use simple syrups in your summer drinks? Favorites?

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July 22, 2014
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