The summer is here in all its glory and splendor and it is time for a cool drink; don’t you agree? Whether the weather calls for a refreshing cup of iced mint tea, your favorite chilled coffee beverage or an evening summer cocktail, they could all use a little sweetness. But dissolving sugar in an iced drink is simply impossible. But stop right there! Don’t you dare go out and purchase expensive and artificially flavored syrups, simply make your own! It’s easy and tastes so much better than store bought! It’s a wonderful staple to keep on hand and a necessity for any home bar.
It’s also simple and easy to make your favorite flavor variations too! Want hazelnut syrup like at your favorite coffee shop? Just add a tablespoon of hazelnut flavoring! My favorite is vanilla and you can see my homemade variation below, utilizing a fresh vanilla bean.
I also included a fun version below for fresh lavender syrup that will make any summer cocktail sparkle. With the lavender coming to bloom right now there couldn’t be a more perfect time to make this exciting variation. The fun doesn’t end with summer though; play around with pumpkin pie spice or nutmeg to make this syrup a perfect partner for holiday coffees and drinks. The possibilities are only limited to your creativity! So let’s get simple and cook up a batch of homemade syrup!
Ingredients
- A saucepan
- A heatproof jar or bottle
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 cups water
- 1 Vanilla bean
Instructions
- Place sugar and water in a saucepan and bring to a gentle boil.
- Stir and brush down sides of pan until the sugar has dissolved.
- Poor into a heat poof jar or bottle and allow to cool.
- Simple syrup will last for a month if stored in the fridge.
- Split a vanilla bean in half length-wise and place in with the water and sugar.
- Follow the instructions above and allow the pod to remain in the jar over night.
- Remove the pod and strain out the beans with a fine mesh sieve.
- Add 2 tablespoons of lavender the sugar and water following the directions above.
- Strain out the lavender and place in a heatproof bottle and refrigerate.
Sipping sweetly,
Marcella
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