{"id":15720,"date":"2022-11-25T01:44:00","date_gmt":"2022-11-25T06:44:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cocktailhammer.com\/?p=15720"},"modified":"2023-07-09T19:37:08","modified_gmt":"2023-07-09T23:37:08","slug":"cocktail-syrups-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cocktailhammer.com\/general\/cocktail-syrups-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Everything You Need to Know About Cocktail Syrups"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you’ve ever attempted to make a cocktail from home you\u2019ve most likely come across the word syrup. If you pay attention to the multiple squeeze bottle with all the funny little labels in front of your bartender, you\u2019ll notice that the majority of them are a different type of syrup. But being labeled syrup doesn’t necessarily mean that these bottles are loaded with sugar. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The process of turning something into a syrup involves mixing your core ingredients with boiling water until it dissolves into a flavored liquid. Because you are basically melting the core ingredient into a liquid, your goal is to have a balanced richness and viscosity that will complement the other flavors added to your cocktail. The result should be a perfectly executed delicious and well balanced alcoholic drink. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For this list, we\u2019ve composed some of the most popular syrups used in your favorite cocktails, with their ingredients and directions for how to make each one. We\u2019ve also added some popular cocktails that use them with helpful tips for syrup preservation. Enjoy!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Agave Syrup<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Agave
Agave plant<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What is Agave<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Agave is a plant native to hot and arid regions of the world, specifically North and South America, and can be cultivated and distilled into spirits like tequila and mezcal. Agave syrup is also known as maguey syrup, and can be commonly used in place as a vegan-friendly alternative for sweet syrups like honey and honey syrup. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ingredients<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \n
  1. Agave Nectar<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Water<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Directions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Dissolve equal parts by volume of agave nectar and water<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Notable Cocktails that use Agave Syrup<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
      \n
    1. The Cocowee<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    2. The Frozen Iguana<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    3. Ginger and Orange Holiday Old fashioned<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    4. Frozen Margarita<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    5. Smokey Margarita<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    6. Paradisi<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      Brown Sugar or Demerara Syrup:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
      \"Brown
      Brown sugar<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

      Unlike white sugar, brown sugar has a deep, caramel or toffee flavor due to the added molasses. White sugar is typically considered much sweeter than brown sugar. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Demerara is also referred to as dark brown sugar on certain packaging and is a type of sugar that is darker than brown sugar, with larger crystals that provide a crunchier texture. Demerara sugar retains more of its sugar cane molasses flavor than brown sugar. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Ingredients<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
        \n
      1. 1 Pound demerara sugar <\/li>\n\n\n\n
      2. 1 Quart spring water<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

        Directions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

        Mix the sugar and water in a saucepan and heat gently over a low simmer, stirring until the sugar dissolves; never boil the mixture. Remove from the heat. Cool and store in the refrigerator; it will be good for up to two weeks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Notable Cocktails that use Demerara Syrup<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
          \n
        1. Smugglers notch<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        2. Harvest Moon Punch<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        3. Hot Buttered Rum<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        4. Irish Coffee<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

          Cinnamon Syrup<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
          \"Cinnamon
          Cinnamon<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

          Ingredients (makes 1 quart)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
            \n
          1. 10 Ceylon cinnamon sticks, broken. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
          2. 2 Cups demerara sugar. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
          3. 6 Ounces of water.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

            Directions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

            Combine the ingredients in a saucepan over low heat and simmer, covered, for 1 hour do not boil. Cool, strain into a bottle, and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Notable Cocktails that use Cinnamon Syrup<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
              \n
            1. Belfast cocktail<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            2. Navy Grog<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            3. Brother Cleve Sour<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

              Concord Grape Syrup <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
              \"Concord
              Concord grape<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

              Ingredients (makes 20 ounces)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                \n
              1. 1.50 cup Concord grapes, stems removed. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
              2. \u00bd cup sugar, <\/li>\n\n\n\n
              3. 4 ounces water.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                Directions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                In a blender, pulse the grapes a few times on low speed, then puree them on low for a few seconds, until the grape skins are chopped and the grape flesh is slightly broken down. Combine the rough grape puree with the sugar and water in a small saucepan. Cook over very low heat for 15 min, string frequently. The mixture should simmer only for about the last 3 min of its cooking time. Remove from the heat and strain through a fine mesh strainer, gently pressing the solids to extract any liquid. Refrigerate until completely cool. Store in the refrigerator in a closed container for up to 2 weeks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Notable Cocktails that use Concord Grape Syrup<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                  \n
                1. Gilberto<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                  Ginger Syrup: <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                  \"Ginger
                  Ginger<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                  Ingredients (makes 30 ounces)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n