Cocktails anyone? The weather is nice, it’s time to enjoy a refreshing beverage outside. Especially when I’ve been inside all day at work!
I like reading, learning about and trying different cocktails. In a previous life, I worked as a bartender. So I have base knowledge when it comes to cocktails, mixing drinks and the ingredients that go into them.
In addition to liquor, quite a few cocktails call for Simple Syrup. I don’t understand why you would pay anywhere from $3 to$5 a bottle. It is so cheap and easy to make!
If you are able to boil water, you can make simple syrup.
Basic Simple Syrup
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Water
- 1 Cup Sugar
Instructions
- Bring the water to boil in a small sauce pan, under low heat. Once it starts to boil, add the sugar and stir. Continue stirring until the sugar has dissolved completely. The liquid should be completely clear.Remove from heat. Let cool. Pour into a glass bottle and store in the refrigerator. It will keep 2-3 weeks. If it gets cloudy or gets fuzzies, throw it out!
One of my favorite syrups, Mint Simple Syrup is great to have on hand for Mojitos. You double the sugar to make it richer.
Mint Simple Syrup
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Water
- 2 Cups Sugar
- Handful Mint Spearmint
Instructions
- Bring the water to boil in a small sauce pan, under low heat. Once it starts to boil, add the sugar and stir. Continue stirring until the sugar has dissolved completely. The liquid should be completely clear.Remove from heat, Add mint to the syrup, stir and then let cool. Strain into a clean, glass bottle or jar. Store in refrigerator for up to 1 month.
Are you now ready for the Mojito recipe? It’s really quite tasty!
Mojito
Ingredients
- 10-12 Mint leaves, plus sprig for garnish Spearmint
- 1/2-1 1/2 ounces Mint Simple Syrup Depeding on your sweetness factor
- 1 ounces Fresh squeezed lime juice 2 small limes, keep shell
- 2 ounces White Rum
- Crushed Ice
- Soda water
Instructions
- Put the mint in the glass, muddle to release the flavor. If you don't have a muddler, put the mint in the palm of your hand and give it a smack with your other had to release the flavor and drop in the glass.Add, the Mint Simple Syrup, lime juice, 1/2 shell of lime, and rum. Add crushed Ice, top off with soda water, stir to combine. Garnish with sprig of mint.
The Kentucky Derby is just around the corner. “The most exciting two minutes in sports.” I will celebrate with my version of Mint Julep (the lazy way). In a glass of crushed ice, Maker’s Mark, Mint Simple Syrup, Soda water.
Where is my Big Derby Hat? 
These were sooooo good!!! And forced me to make a run to the liquor store for white rum… Flor de Cana rum to be exact. Thank you for the new cocktail recipe!
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