Summer's Simple Syrups

Today I bring to you a delicious treat for the weekend. Consider this, your early happy happy happy hour. Why three?

Because I am sharing today, three DELICIOUS simple syrups that will turn your summer around.

Any party you have? It will now be better.

Any camping trip you go on? Is now taken to the next level.

Any babies you have? They are now cuter.

Any free time you have? You now have more of it.

What?

Sorry.

Ok...

So, I was really inspired by Emma's Homemade Whiskey Ginger over at A Beautiful Mess. Yes. I am shouting out to them two days in a row. My week has pretty much been inspired by Emma and Elsie. Confession. There I said it.

Back to the good stuff.

I have really wanted to make some simple syrups for our wet bar, for a while now. So I finally did! On top of the Ginger, I also researched some recipes for Basil and Mint simple syrups. What I found was, they are all pretty much the same.

So the basic simple syrup is a 1:1 ratio of sugar to water. Some prefer a lighter version of 1/2:1 sugar to water. And some prefer a richer syrup, with a 2:1 sugar to water. I went with the classic ol' 1:1.

On top of that, you pretty much just throw in a cup or two (1 extra large handful) of the herb of choice. For the ginger root, I used about one cup and a half (make sure you peel it and slice it thinly).

Put all of your ingredients in a pot and simmer on low for about 30-40 minutes.

And then you are done! You can keep simple syrup for up to a month in a sealed jar in the fridge. OH YEA!!! And when you are finished simmering your syrups, keep those ginger slice in a baggie in the freezer. Emma recommended them as a great sugary garnish, and I couldn't agree more.

Lastly, I wanted to share an idea for what to use the simple syrup FOR! I haven't tried them all out yet (I am not a lush people... but maybe just a little), but the one I was most excited about was the ginger.

Last weekend, my good ol' buddy Tim introduced me to the New York Apple flavored Whiskey by Leopolds. And good night. This stuff is like REALLY good adult apple juice. It is already pretty sweet, so I was a little hesitant about mixing it with the ginger simple syrup, but even with just a hit of that potent ginger elixer, this cocktail was JAZZED UP and I can't wait to share it with a pal.

Ingredients:

- Leopold's New York Apple Whiskey

- Ice

- Club Soda

- Ginger Simple Syrup

- Ginger candies and mint to garnish

You can pretty much mix it all together to taste, and VOILA! A refreshing and unique new cocktail to share with your buddies.

I can't WAIT to kick my mojitos up a notch with the mint simple syrup.. And to be honest... I have NO idea what I am going to use the basil for yet. But, I have had some delicious cocktails around town that use it and am inspired. Do you have any ideas?

I hope you guys all have a GREAT weekend! I have 0 plans accept for a BBQ on Saturday... Which makes me really REALLY happy.

Let's catch up on Monday!

TTFN,