A simple recipe for simple syrup in any flavor – a delicious addition to lemonade, iced tea, or any of your favorite summer beverages!
If I’m being honest, one of my FAVORITE parts of summer is the drinks! I know that might sound silly….but I’m actually serious! All winter long we exist on coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and (if we’re lucky) a little bit of water….and then summer comes around, and it’s like a whole new world opens up! Smoothies and sparkling sodas and iced teas and lemonades….all cold and sweet and deliciously refreshing. And the best part of all? You can make them whatever flavor you want – naturally – with the addition of flavored simple syrup!
I was first introduced to flavored simple syrup at a restaurant called Houlihan’s that we used to frequent with our good friends Lisa and Nathan (you might know Lisa from Wine & Glue….if you don’t, you should stop by for a visit!) At the time, we had three kids between us…and Houlihan’s had some amazing happy hour specials. It quickly became our FAVORITE place….and despite the dirty looks we often got from older patrons who were trying to enjoy a quiet early dinner and didn’t appreciate our three children crying and yelling and throwing things (sadly, only a slight exaggeration)….we quickly became regulars!
And….like all regulars do….we ordered the same things every time we went! A couple kids’ meals, a handful of appetizers to share, and a delicious drink (or three!) for each of us. They had every flavor of simple syrup you could imagine….and a delicious drink menu that was as creative as it was long….which made this mama mighty happy. Dirty looks and all.
Ingredients
- 1 c. water
- 1/2 c. sugar *for a sweeter syrup, add up to 1 c. sugar
- 1 c. chopped fresh fruit or whole fresh herb leaves
Instructions
- Bring water and sugar to a boil in a small saucepan.
- Remove from heat and immediately add fresh fruit or herbs.
- Stir, cover with lid, and cool.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. *If you plan to store for more than a few days, remove fruit/herbs from the syrup.
- Add a splash to lemonade, iced tea, or your favorite summer beverage! Pictured below: strawberry, basil, mint & mango syrups.
Be sure to check out this delicious recipe using basil simple syrup!
Jessica @ Barefoot by the Sea says
I must make this! I love the idea of a homeade simple syrup. And as for those dirty looks – I think they come wherever you are – I got a few yesterday in the grocery store when Miss Sydney was trying to ride on the end of my cart.
Betty Daniels says
The fruit syrups are my favorite. They make a glass of ice cold lemonade even more special. ☺
Phat Quarters says
good idea, and beautiful pictures!
Lisa Longley says
Love these Cath! Too bad that I think we are kind of responsible for putting poor Houlihans out of business!! Lol!
Amy at Ms. Toody Goo Shoes says
These look amazing! Going to pin now…Found you at Best of the Weekend.
Eva Worthing says
I’ve got to try this! Visiting from the Mandatory Mooch!
https://www.facebook.com/WholeFoodMom
Melissa Whitcher says
Love these Cathy! Such a great way to add variety. Thanks for sharing!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
I love simple syrups too Cathy! These look so yummy!!
Shauna Smart says
Yummy! Thanks for linking up to The Weekend re-Treat Link Party on The Best Blog Recipes!
Wanted to stop by and Pin your post to my Link Party Recipes/Crafts board while I was here tonight!
Shauna
http://thebestblogrecipes.com/
john raffaghello ii says
You should never boil water when making simple syrup, all you need to do is heat it.