infused syrup

Infusing simple syrup with fun flavors is easy peasy. I've been experimenting with it for the last few weeks as part of preparing for the workshop at Prairie Collective, which was a total success by the way. Usually simple syrup is made by heating 1 part sugar to 1 part water until the sugar has dissolved. What I found though is that getting a strong enough infusion for cocktails but not making it overly sweet required a proportion of 2 parts water to 1 part sugar. Here are the three "recipes" I used on Saturday.

Kaffir Lime Lemongrass Gin Tonic

Mix 4 cups of water and 2 cups of sugar in a pot. Add 6-8 kaffir lime leaves and 2 stalks of lemongrass sliced. Bring just to a boil over medium low heat. Turn off the heat and allow to cool fully. Using a sieve or slotted spoon, take out the lemongrass and leaves.
To make the drink, fill a cocktail glass (double old fashioned) with ice. Add 1/4 c infused syrup, 1/4 c gin (tanqueray was just right) and top with tonic and a slice of lime.

Star Anise Ginger Whiskey and Ginger Ale
Mix 4 cups of water and 2 cups of sugar in a pot. Add 2 whole Star Anise and thumb sized piece of grated fresh ginger. Bring to almost a boil over medium low heat. Turn off the heat and allow to cool. Using a sieve or slotted spoon, take out the ginger and anise.
To make the drink, fill a cocktail glass (double old fashioned) with ice. Add 1/4 c infused syrup, 1/4 c whiskey (we though Crown Royal was good) and top off with ginger beer.

Tarragon Grapefruit Drop
Mix 4 cups of water and 2 cups of sugar in a pot. Add the peel of 1 grapefruit (no pith!) and 2-3 stalks of fresh tarragon. Bring to almost a boil over medium low heat. Turn off the heat and allow to cool. Using a sieve or slotted spoon, take out the peel and herb.
To make the drink, fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Pour in 1/2 c infused syrup,  1/2 c vodka (absolut citron was perfect) and juice from 1 whole grapefruit. How about using the same one that you just peeled? Shake it up good and pour into 2 martini glasses. A sugar rim is excellent here!
Drink and be Merry!