Simple syrup, often used in bespoke cocktails is so easy to make yourself there’s really no reason you don’t…
Here’s how to make 2 kinds – the base recipe, and one that combines a few fanciful ingredients to make the cocktail below.
Simple Simple Syrup Recipe
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup sugar
Combine, and simmer until sugar has dissolved. Bottle and store.
Want a thicker syrup? Go with a 1:1 ratio instead. Want a “darker” syrup? Use light brown sugar, or dark brown sugar. Dangerous!
Grapefruit & Basil Simple Syrup
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- juice & pulp from 2 grapefruits (~1 cup)
- peels from both grapefruit – the outer most layer, like you’re peeling an apple.
- handful fresh basil leaves
Combine and simmer over low heat for about 15 minutes. Strain, bottle, and chill. For an even sweeter syrup, use regular sugar.
The GG&B – The Gin, Grapefruit, and Basil
- 2 oz excellent gin – Hendrick’s, Botanist, Citadelle
- 1 oz G&B syrup (from above)
- 2 oz tonic (Fever Tree)
Combine gin and syrup in a shaker over ice (4 cubes). Shake to combine and cool. Serve in lowball (just dump with ice – no need to strain), and finish with tonic and a slapped basil leaf for your nostril pleasure! Enjoy!
Bonus Margarita for 2!
This recipe makes an inspired margarita for two. Enjoy!
- 2-3 oz grapefruit juice (freshly squeezed!)
- 2 oz G&B syrup (from above)
- 2 oz Grand Marnier (only this, please…)
- 3 oz Espolon Tequila (or Teremana Blanco or Patron)
- 2 oz tonic (Fever Tree)
Combine and shake with ice. Strain into 2 glasses equally, then top with tonic (or skip it), and a slapped basil leaf. ¡Salud!