In this blog post, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about simple syrup, from its basic definition to the easy to follow recipe, various flavor variations, and tips for incorporating it into your favorite beverages.
Learning to make your own sugar syrup is probably the easiest recipe ever. You will laugh when you see simple syrup for sale at the store because it’s so easy to make.
I make a batch of simple syrup every few months so I always have it in my fridge. Simple syrup is useful for mixing cocktails, drinks like lemonade, sweetened coffee, and tea drinks. Sometimes it is used in baking recipes but I mostly use it in beverages.
Recipes That Use Simple Syrup: Mojito Recipe, Tom Collins, Gimlet Cocktail, Lemon Drop Martini, Lemonade, and Iced Coffee.
Table of Contents
What is Simple Syrup?
Simple syrup is sugar syrup. It’s made with one part water and one part sugar, simmered together until it becomes a clear syrup. Simple syrup is one of the most common ingredients in sweetened beverages. While you could stir granulated white sugar into any drink it may not fully dissolve, especially in cold drinks, leaving a grainy texture to your beverage. Simple syrup has a smooth texture and will disperse in a drink more evenly, rather than setting in the bottom of a glass.
Simple Syrup Ingredients
- Sugar – most often granulated white sugar is used
- Water – clean, filtered water is best
The correct sugar and water ratio is 1:1. This will create the perfect consistency for adding to drinks.
How to Make Simple Syrup
In a small pan, combine one part sugar and one part water. On medium heat, simmer together and stir until sugar is fully dissolved and there are no grains.
Do not boil simple syrup for more than the time it takes to dissolve. It you overcook your syrup it will eventually become caramel.
Let cool and pour into a bottle in the fridge.
How Long Does Simple Syrup Last?
Simple syrup should be kept in a sealed container in the fridge. It will last for a minimum of one month. I often keep mine for a few months before making a new batch.
Tips for Making Simple Syrup
- Collect reusable bottles for your homemade simple syrups. These are the bottles I used in these photos. I also like these bottles.
- If you make multiple flavors of syrup, adding labels is a good idea.
- While granulated white sugar is the classic another fun option is Demerara. It adds a thicker texture for an interesting ‘mouth feel’ to any drink.
- You can infuse many fresh and dried herbs, fruits and flavors into your syrup. Have fun experimenting with different flavors.
Flavor Variations for Simple Syrup
Once you master the basic recipe for simple syrup you can experiment with flavor variations. Try replacing sugar with brown sugar or honey. Try adding herbs or spices as the syrup cooks (you will strain them out once the syrup has cooled).
You can also make syrups using fresh fruits to add flavor and color. The possibilities are endless!
More Homemade Syrup Recipes
- Mint Simple Syrup
- Honey Simple Syrup
- Peppermint Syrup
- Strawberry Syrup
- Cherry Syrup
- Raspberry Syrup
- Pumpkin Spice Syrup
- Salted Caramel Syrup
- Toffee Nut Syrup
- Cinnamon Dolce Syrup
- Gingerbread Syrup
- Homemade Margarita Mix
- Homemade Sour Mix
- Homemade Old Fashioned Mix
- Pina Colada Mix
- Homemade Grenadine
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the formula for simple syrup?
The recipe for simple syrup is one part water, one part sugar (1:1).
What is simple syrup made of?
Simple syrup is a syrup made of sugar and water. By dissolving the sugar into a syrup consistency, it is useful for many drink recipes.
Can you overcook simple syrup?
Yes. Simple syrup should be made at low to medium heat. If you boil sugar and water for too long it will become caramel instead of simple syrup.
Cheers to your newfound mixology skills and the endless possibilities of simple syrup!
Simple Syrup Recipe
Instructions
- In a small pan, combine one part sugar and one part water.
- On medium heat, simmer together and stir until sugar is fully dissolved and there are no grains visible.
- Do not boil simple syrup for more than the time it takes to dissolve. It you overcook your syrup it will eventually become caramel.
- Let cool and pour into a bottle in the fridge.
Notes
- Collect reusable bottles for your homemade simple syrups. These are the bottles I used in these photos. I also like these bottles.
- If you make multiple flavors of syrup, adding labels is a good idea.
- You can infuse many fresh and dried herbs, fruits and flavors into your syrup. Have fun experimenting with different flavors.
- Simple syrup should be kept in a sealed container in the fridge. It will last for a minimum of one month. I often keep mine for a few months before making a new batch.
Nutrition
Use fresh or frozen bananas to blend up this delicious banana smoothie!
Smoothie recipes we love: Tropical Smoothie, Watermelon Smoothie, Date Shake, Orange Julius, Coffee Smoothie and Blueberry Smoothie.
Ingredients
- Bananas – You can use fresh or frozen bananas to make this smoothie. I used frozen. My favorite way to freeze them for smoothies is by slicing them before freezing.
- Frozen Yogurt – Choose vanilla frozen yogurt or substitute for Greek yogurt if you like.
- Milk – I used almond milk. You can use your favorite non-dairy or regular milk.
- Vanilla Extract – I use vanilla extract in many of my smoothies. It’s delicious, aromatic and adds depth to smoothie recipes.
- Honey – As an optional ingredient, I like to drizzle honey on top of my banana smoothie just before serving.
How to Make a Banana Smoothie
In a blender (I’m currently using this affordable Ninja blender), combine the milk, frozen yogurt, banana, and vanilla extract.
Blend and pulse until completely smooth.
Garnish with a drizzle of honey and a slice of banana.
Serve immediately.
Tips for the Perfect Banana Smoothie
- Freeze sliced bananas in airtight containers for future smoothie recipes. Bananas are my most used smoothie ingredient. A good habit is to always freeze bananas that are beginning to get overripe in your kitchen.
- Add a scoop of peanut butter if you like.
- A sprinkle of cinnamon is a great addition to a banana smoothie.
More Banana Recipes to Try
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Are bananas healthy?
Bananas contain fiber and potassium, give you energy, and are filling.
How long can you keep a banana smoothie in the fridge?
While it’s always best to drink a smoothie immediately, it’s OK to leave it refrigerated overnight and drink the next day. The absolute maximum is two days.
How can I make this banana smoothie more healthy?
Sub Greek yogurt instead of frozen yogurt and add a tablespoon of flax meal for added fiber.
Banana Smoothie
Equipment
- 1 Blender
Ingredients
- 1 cup banana frozen or raw
- ½ cup frozen yogurt I used vanilla
- ⅔ cup milk plant-based or dairy
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon honey optional as a drizzle garnish
Instructions
- In a blender, combine the milk, frozen yogurt, banana and vanilla extract.
- Blend and pulse until completely smooth.
- Garnish with a drizzle of honey and a slice of banana.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Freeze sliced bananas in airtight containers for future smoothie recipes. Bananas are my most used smoothie ingredient. A good habit is to always freeze bananas that are beginning to get overripe in your kitchen.
- Add a scoop of peanut butter if you like.
- A sprinkle of cinnamon is a great addition to a banana smoothie.
Nutrition
More shots and cocktails: Gummy Bear Shot, Green Tea Shot, Jello Shots, Blow Job Shot, More Shot Recipes.
Ingredients in peanut butter whiskey shots
- Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey – Or another peanut butter whiskey.
- Chambord Liqueur – Or any raspberry or berry flavored liqueur.
You will also need a cocktail shaker and a shot glass to complete this recipe.
How to Make
In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine equal parts Skrewball whiskey and fruit liqueur.
Shake 10-15 seconds until icy cold.
Strain the shot mixture into a shot glass. Enjoy immediately.
Peanut Butter and Jelly Cocktail
This shot makes an excellent cocktail to sip as well. Simply double the recipe and strain it into a cocktail glass rather than a shot glass and enjoy!
Tips for Making
- Choose a grape liqueur for a grape jelly flavor or raspberry to simulate raspberry jam flavor. Strawberry liqueur would be a great choice as well.
- If you want to make a jello shot version, try mixing Skrewball whiskey with grape and strawberry jello.
- If you need to substitute the screwball peanut butter whiskey, try Frangelico (which is hazelnut liqueur) instead. Some recipes also use Frangelico combined with Irish cream liqueur (such as Bailey’s).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What ingredients are in a peanut butter and jelly shot?
A PB&J shot is made with Screwball whiskey (peanut butter whiskey) and Chambord or any other fruit liqueur.
More Recipes
- Shot Recipes – Mini Beer Shot, White Tea Shot, Pudding Shots, Chocolate Cake Shot
- Cocktails – Sazerac, Vieux Carré, Salty Dog, Paper Plane, Bee’s Knees
- Non-Alcohol Drinks – Agua Fresca, Butterbeer, Orange Julius
- Recipes – 100+ Comfort Food Recipes
Peanut Butter and Jelly Shot
Equipment
- 1 shot glass
- 1 cocktail shaker
Ingredients
- ¾ ounce Skrewball Whiskey
- ¾ Chambord Liqueur
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine equal parts Skrewball whiskey and fruit liqueur.
- Shake 10-15 seconds until icy cold.
- Strain the shot mixture into a shot glass. Enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Choose a grape liqueur for a grape jelly flavor or raspberry to simulate raspberry jam flavor.
- If you want to make a jello shot version, try mixing Skrewball whiskey with grape jello.
- If you need to substitute the screwball peanut butter whiskey, try Frangelico (which is hazelnut liqueur) instead. Some recipes also use Frangelico combined with Irish cream liqueur (such as Bailey’s).
Nutrition
I love homemade garlic toast alongside soup, chili, meatballs in marinara or a pasta dish like lasagna or manicotti.
Related: Next up try our Pizza Cupcakes. And another great way to use stale bread is to make French Toast.
Ingredients
- French bread
- Butter
- Parmesan cheese
- Parsley
- Garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
How to make Garlic Toast
In a small bowl mix together the softened butter, parmesan cheese, chopped parsley and garlic powder. If your butter isn’t soft melt it in the microwave for 30 seconds or less. The goal being very soft butter but not melted into a liquid.
Cut the french loaf in half lengthwise, as if you were going to make a giant sandwich. I then like to cut off the ends and cut into individual pieces as I like more crispy edges on my garlic toast. But this isn’t necessary, you could leave the loaf in two large pieces.
Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the bread. Sprinkle salt and pepper over the top. Bake at 425°F for 8-10 minutes.
Tips and Substitutions
- I like french bread for this recipe but any kind of bread can work! You could use sourdough, focaccia or even sandwich bread. If you use something thinner than french bread you may need to adjust (lessen) the baking time.
- I use unsalted butter most of the time. If you use salted butter omit adding salt until after baking to taste and see if it’s already salty enough.
- If you don’t have fresh parsley you could use Italian seasoning instead.
Soup & Stew Recipes
- Tomato Soup
- Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Lasagna Soup
- Vegetable Soup
- Cream of Mushroom Soup
- Vegetarian Chili
Garlic Toast
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French bread
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon parsley
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- In a small bowl mix together the softened butter, parmesan cheese, chopped parsley and garlic powder. If your butter isn’t soft melt it in the microwave for 30 seconds or less.
- Cut the french loaf in half lengthwise, as if you were going to make a giant sandwich. I then like to cut off the ends and cut into individual pieces as I like more crispy edges on my garlic toast.
- Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the bread.
- Sprinkle salt and pepper over the top.
- Bake at 425°F for 8-10 minutes.
Notes
- I like french bread for this recipe but any kind of bread can work! You could use sourdough, focaccia or even sandwich bread. If you use something thinner than french bread you may need to adjust (lessen) the baking time.
- I use unsalted butter most of the time. If you use salted butter omit adding salt until after baking to taste and see if it’s already salty enough.
- If you don’t have fresh parsley you could use Italian seasoning instead.
Nutrition
I know you might be thinking, “How hard is it to combine oj and vodka?” But listen, much like a good Mimosa, the proportions of this drink matter a lot. If the proportions are off then you can end up serving a funky orange juice OR over serving and the drink doesn’t taste as good and refreshing as it can.
More brunch cocktails: Fuzzy Navel, Irish Coffee, Bloody Mary, Peach Bellini, Aperol Spritz, Tequila Sunrise, Kalimotxo, Cape Cod, Harvey Wallbanger, Greyhound.
Screwdriver Ingredients
- Orange Juice – Freshly squeezed or your favorite store-bought variety. Personally I like pulp in my orange juice but this is a personal preference and up to you with regard to this cocktail.
- Vodka – Choose a high quality, unflavored vodka. Emma’s MIL loves screwdrivers and she swears by Tito’s
- Orange Slices – For garnish use orange slices or an orange wedge. Optional.
How To Make Orange Juice
- Use a hand press to juice each orange, cut into halves.
- Try a glass citrus squeezer to juice each half of an orange slice by hand.
- For a quicker option, try an electric citrus juicer.
How to make a Screwdriver Drink
Begin by gathering your ingredients including orange juice, vodka, ice, orange slices and a collins glass for serving.
Fill your glass with ice and add two ounces of vodka to the ice. Top it off with orange juice and give it a nice stir.
To garnish, I placed some thin cut orange slices into the outer edges of the drink, and the ice holds them in place.
Serve immediately.
Tips, Additions and Substitutions
- Try a flavored vodka for added flavor. I recommend trying citrus cherry or vanilla (if you enjoy a creamsicle flavor). Experimentation with flavors is recommended.
- If you would like to add a little sweetness, try adding some grenadine syrup or simple syrup. Start with half an ounce and add more until you are happy with the flavor.
- Lighten up the flavor of drink by adding half orange juice and half club soda or ginger ale to your drink.
- If you’re not an orange juice fan, try this recipe with different juices: cranberry, mango and pineapple are all delicious options.
History
This drink is said to have originated during the World War II era as soldiers, unable to find whiskey, mixed various liquors with orange juice to make them more enjoyable. Another origin story states that auto workers in the United States began adding vodka to their orange juice and using a screwdriver to mix it. We’ll never know for sure how this drink was invented, but these amusing origin stories always make me smile.
What we know for sure is that in the 1950s and ’60s vodka began to gain popularity in the U.S. and brands like Smirnoff used the Screwdriver recipe in ads to further popularize their spirits. Their efforts were met with enormous success as we fast forward more than 50 years to see this cocktail is still one of the most well known of all time.
More brunch recipes to try:
- Small Batch Cinnamon Rolls
- Biscuits and Gravy Casserole
- Coffee Smoothie
- The Best Fruit Salad
- 50+ Healthy Breakfast Ideas
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do they call it a Screwdriver drink?
Though the history of this classic drink is muddy, rumor has it that factory workers used a screwdriver to mix vodka into their orange juice when there was no spoon available.
Is a Screwdriver vodka and orange juice?
Yes. A Screwdriver is a shot of vodka mixed into a glass of orange juice with ice. It’s one of the easiest cocktails to learn to make.
What is the difference between a Fuzzy Navel and a Screwdriver?
A Screwdriver is made by mixing a shot of vodka into orange juice, while a Fuzzy Navel mixes peach schnapps.
What is the best vodka for a Screwdriver?
We recommend a quality mid-priced vodka like Grey Goose, Tito’s or Smirnoff. A high end liquor is not recommended for this drink because the orange juice flavors cover a lot of the nuances of the vodka.
Screwdriver Drink
Equipment
- 1 collins glass
Ingredients
- 2 ounces Vodka
- 5 ounces Orange Juice
- 3 Orange Slices
Instructions
- Begin by gathering your ingredients including orange juice, vodka, ice, orange slices and a collins glass for serving.
- Fill your glass with ice and add two ounces of vodka to the ice. Top it off with orange juice and give it a nice stir.
- To garnish, I placed some thin cut orange slices into the outer edges of the drink, and the ice holds them in place.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Try a flavored vodka for added flavor. I recommend trying citrus cherry or vanilla (if you enjoy a creamsicle flavor).
- If you would like to add a little sweetness, try adding some grenadine syrup or simple syrup. Start with half an ounce and add more until you are happy with the flavor.
- Lighten up the flavor of drink by adding half orange juice and half club soda or ginger ale to your drink.
- If you’re not an orange juice fan, try this recipe with different juices: cranberry, mango and pineapple are all delicious options.
Nutrition
Related: Appletini, Lychee Martini, Espresso Martini, Chocolate Martini, Lemon Drop Martini, French Martini, Vesper Martini.
History of the Cosmopolitan Cocktail
The modern day Cosmo is a variation of the 1930s cocktail called Cosmopolitan 1934 which was made using gin, Cointreau, lemon juice and raspberry syrup.
According to Gary Regan, the Cosmopolitan as we know it today was first mixed in 1985 by Miami bartender, Cheryl Cook. At the time Cook was working at a South Beach bar called The Strand. She created the Cosmopolitan as a variation of the Kamikaze with an added splash of cranberry juice.
Others believe the Cosmo was invented by Dale DeGroff at New York City’s Rainbow Room. Still other’s say it was first mixed by bartender Toby Cecchini in the late 1980s. Cecchini mixed his cosmo with Absolut Citron vodka, a citrus flavored vodka along with cranberry juice, orange liqueur and lime juice.
The drink became a staple for New York City sophistication thanks to Sex and the City‘s Carrie Bradshaw in the 1990s. It has remained extremely popular ever since.
Cosmopolitan Ingredients
- Vodka Choose unflavored or citrus flavored vodka.
- Orange Liqueur Such as Cointreau, Triple Sec or Grand Marnier.
- Cranberry Juice Cranberry Juice Cocktail (not 100% cranberry juice)
- Lime Juice freshly squeezed.
- Orange Peel (optional) for garnish
You can use any brand of vodka you prefer for this cocktail. We recommend a top shelf vodka such as Grey Goose.
How to make a Cosmopolitan
In a cocktail shaker with ice, add the vodka, orange liqueur, cranberry juice and lime juice.
Shake until the shaker feels very cold in your hands or 10-15 seconds.
Strain into a martini glass or coupe glass and garnish with an orange peel.
Orange Twist Garnish
And here’s how I make those little orange spirals. You can buy a fancy peeler or a potato peeler to scrape off a large piece of orange peel, and then simply use my kitchen shears to cut strips and curl them.
Tips for Making
- Chilled Cocktail Glass A chilled cocktail glass elevates any cocktail. Place your glass in the freezer for 30 minutes to 2 hours before you serve your drink.
- Simple Syrup If this recipe is too stiff for you try adding half an ounce or more of simple syrup before shaking.
- White Cosmo A popular variation of the cosmo is the White Cosmo. Swap St-Germain in place of orange liqueur and use white cranberry juice (in place of red) to make one.
More Cranberry Drinks
More Classic Cocktails
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Cosmopolitan made of?
A Cosmo is made of vodka, orange liqueur (such as Cointreau), cranberry juice cocktail and lime juice.
What is the difference between a Cosmo and a Vodka cranberry?
A Cosmopolitan is a stiffer martini that is more spirit forward. A Vodka Cranberry is more juice based and served in a tall glass. They both contain cranberry juice and vodka, but otherwise they are very different.
Cosmopolitan Recipe
Equipment
- 1 cocktail shaker
Ingredients
- 2 ounces vodka
- 1 ounce Cointreau or orange liqueur
- 1 ounce cranberry juice
- ½ ounce lime juice
- orange peel for garnish
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker with ice, add the vodka, orange liqueur, cranberry juice and lime juice.
- Shake until the shaker feels very cold in your hands or 10-15 seconds.
- Strain into a martini glass or coupe glass and garnish with an orange peel.
Notes
- Chilled Cocktail Glass A chilled cocktail glass elevates any cocktail. Place your glass in the freezer for 30 minutes to 2 hours before you serve your drink.
- Simple Syrup If this recipe is too stiff for you try adding half an ounce to one ounce of simple syrup before shaking.
Nutrition
A Gin Gimlet is one of my go-to drinks when I am in the mood for something simple and fresh. The gimlet is a fascinating blend of flavors and stories. A gimlet is to gin what a daiquiri is to rum, since they are both made using a simple mixture of a spirit, lime juice, and sugar.
In this post, we will cover the history, ingredients, variations, and how to make the perfect Gimlet Cocktail.
More classic cocktails: Mojito, Negroni, Manhattan, Tom Collins, Rusty Nail, Green Tea Shot, Sidecar Cocktail, Paper Plane, The Last Word.
Table of Contents
History of a Gimlet Cocktail
As with many classic drinks, the origins of the Gimlet are not 100% clear. Rumor has it that during the 18th century British Royal Navy created the drink as a medicinal tonic to prevent scurvy.
The vitamin C from the citrus was supposed to help ward off illness, and the gin must have been an added bonus or a way to get everyone to drink it.
The name “Gimlet” itself is thought to have been inspired by the gimlet tool—a small, handheld drilling device used to bore holes in wooden barrels used to store food or spirits.
Ingredients in a Gin Gimlet
- Gin – A Gimlet is traditionally made with gin. You can use other spirits, like vodka, if you prefer.
- Lime Juice – Lime is the primary flavor in a Gimlet. I always use fresh squeezed lime juice.
- Simple Syrup – You can use store bought or make your own Simple Syrup. It’s easy to make and guarantees a smooth drink with no unwanted texture from sugar crystals.
Best Gin for Gimlets
And speaking of gin, be sure to use a quality one here. Like most simple cocktails with few ingredients, the quality of the spirt you use will really show. My go-to gin that is always available at stores is Hendrick’s. It’s high quality and reliable.
You can use any high quality (top shelf) gin you prefer to make a great gimlet though!
How to Make a Gimlet
In a cocktail shaker, combine all three ingredients with ice. Shake well and strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
Sometimes a gimlet is served over ice. In fact, my favorite local restaurant always ask which I prefer when I order a gimlet.
Add a sprig of rosemary or mint leaf for garnish and to add a little aroma if you have it. Otherwise, a lime wedge is a great garnish as well.
Gimlet Variations
- One popular variation in many old recipe books is to use lime cordial instead of fresh lime juice and simple syrup. If you want to try this variation, use 2 ounces of gin and 1 ounce of Rose’s Lime Juice Cordial. Shake with ice pour into a chilled glass to serve.
- Vodka Gimlet: To make a Vodka Gimlet, follow our recipe and simply replace the gin with vodka.
- Basil Gimlet: Muddle a few fresh basil leaves in the mixing glass before adding the gin and lime cordial, infusing the cocktail with a herbal note.
- Cucumber Gimlet: Add a few slices of cucumber to the shaker and muddle them gently to release their refreshing essence. Strain the cocktail into a glass filled with ice and garnish with a cucumber wheel.
- Rosemary Gimlet: Add some pieces of fresh rosemary to your simple syrup while preparing. Add more pieces to the cocktail shaker when shaking the gin, lime juice, and simple syrup mixture. Garnish with (you guessed it!) a piece of fresh rosemary.
What Glassware to Use for a Gimlet
I love this drink in a classic coupe glass. You can use any type of martini glass you have on hand. Another favorite of mine are these decorative cocktail glasses.
A pro tip is to chill your glass by popping it into the freezer at least 30 minutes before using. This will give you one of those frosty glasses like you would get in a fancy restaurant.
Learning to make simple, timeless cocktails like the Gin Gimlet can elevate your home cooking to the next level.
Cheers! Emma
Classic Gimlet
Ingredients
- 2½ ounces gin
- ¾ ounces lime juice fresh
- ¾ ounces simple syrup
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine gin, lime juice and simple syrup with ice.
- Shake well and strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass. Or you can combine all the ingredients, stir, and serve over ice.
- Add a sprig of rosemary or mint leaf for garnish and to add a little aroma if you have it, otherwise a lime wedge is a great garnish as well.
Notes
Nutrition
This is one classic cocktail that is so easy to make you don’t even need a cocktail shaker for a Tom Collins.
Related: 40+ Cocktails to Make at Home, Classic Gimlet Cocktail, Mint Mojito, Gin & Tonic, Cosmopolitan, Hugo Spritz and Simple Syrup Recipe.
What is a Tom Collins?
If you’ve never had a Tom Collins before, it is essentially a spiked lemonade drink. It’s made with gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and club soda or Sprite. I prefer the club soda version, but I won’t turn my nose up to the Sprite version. If you’re in the mood for a refreshing cocktail, this is a great one to try.
Want to try a variation? Try this:
- Vodka Collins – replace the gin with vodka, sometimes called a Joe Collins
- John Collins -replace the gin with bourbon
- Ron Collins – replace the gin with rum
R
Tom Collins Ingredients
- Gin – any brand works, Old Tom Gin was traditionally used.
- Lemon Juice – fresh squeezed
- Simple Syrup – storebought or make your own simple syrup recipe.
- Club Soda – any brand like Topo Chico or Fever Tree, also sparkling water like LaCriox work too.
- Ice
- Lemon Slices For garnish
- Maraschino Cherry For garnish (we love using Luxardo brand)
How to Make a Tom Collins
Add gin, lemon juice and simple syrup to a Collins glass.
Add Ice, then top it off with club soda and stir until well mixed.
Garnish with slices of lemons and a marachino cherry.
Serve a Tom Collins cocktail in a Collins glass, also called a highball glass.
Substitutions and Notes
- Some recipes will use sugar cubes or granulated white sugar in place of simple syrup. While you can do this, simple syrup will mix best in a drink so it’s what we recommend here.
- Replace club soda with Sprite or 7Up for a sweeter cocktail.
- Place your glass is the freezer before mixing for an even more refreshing experience.
History of a Tom Collins Cocktail
Dating back to 1874 the Tom Collins recipe got its name when a group of friends began telling people in New York City bars that a man called “Tom Collins” was spreading lies. So many partons began searching for this mysterious Tom Collins that bartenders were inspired to name a drink after him.
The Tom Collins was first recorded by mixologist Jerry Thomas in 1882 in his book New and Improved Bartender’s Manual. Thomas is considered the father of modern mixology. The drink has been well known ever since.
More Gin Cocktails:
Tom Collins
Ingredients
- 2 ounces gin
- 1 ounce fresh lemon juice
- 1 ounce simple syrup
- 6-7 ounces club soda
- 1 lemon wedge for garish
- 1 maraschino cherries for garnish
Instructions
- Add gin, lemon juice and simple syrup to a Collins glass.
- Add Ice, then top it off with club soda and stir until well mixed.
- Garnish with slices of lemons and a marachino cherry.
Notes
- Replace to gin with vodka to make a “Vodka Collins” cocktail.
- Replace the gin with whiskey to create a “John Collins” cocktail.
- Replace club soda with Sprite or 7Up for a sweeter cocktail.
- Place your glass is the freezer before mixing for an even more refreshing experience.
Nutrition
The roots of the Mojito can be traced back to Havana, Cuba, during the late 16th century. Originally known as “El Draque,” the drink was crafted by Francis Drake and his ship crew. Ernest Hemingway was famously a fan, ordering them at the Havana bar La Bodeguita del Medio.
More refreshing cocktails: Paloma, Tom Collins, Caipirinha, Margarita, French 75, Ranch Water, Mint Julep.
A mojito is a classic cocktail that is easy to make at home. It’s simple, sweet, and only requires 5 ingredients. This is the best at-home mojito recipe, and I know you’ll love it as much as I do.
Here’s a video on how to make a mojito in under one minute:
Best Mojito Ingredients:
- White Rum – This is the classic and most traditional choice. Pick a light rum such as Bacardi Silver Rum.
- Lime Juice – freshly squeezed by hand or use a press.
- Simple Syrup – You can make your own or buy a simple syrup. This will mix into the liquid drink better than granulated white sugar muddled in with the leaves, another option. And you can up the flavor with Mint Simple Syrup
- Club Soda -to top the drink with. You can use any sparkling (non-sweetened) water including ones flavored with lime.
- Fresh Mint Leaves – used for both muddling and garnish.
How to make a Mojito:
Prepare a glass by muddling (smashing lightly) the mint leaves at the bottom of the glass. This step releases fragrant minty oils. A few taps with a wood muddler (or the end of a wooden spoon) should do the job.
In a cocktail shaker, add the rum, lime juice, simple syrup, and mint leaves.
Add ice and shake the cocktail, then strain into a tall glass such as a Collins or Highball glass filled with ice.
Top off the drink with the club soda.
Garnish with a mint sprig.
Different Types of Rum:
- White Rum: White rum allows the flavors of the mint and lime to shine through. It provides a clean and smooth base for a refreshing Mojito. This is also what is most commonly and traditionally used. So, if you had a great mojito on vacation and are trying to recreate it, more than likely white rum was used.
- Aged Rum: For a richer and more complex profile, consider using an aged rum. The notes of caramel, vanilla, and spice complement the mint and lime, resulting in a sophisticated Mojito experience. A few of my favorites are Ron Zacapa and Appleton. If I make a mojito I use either white rum or aged rum.
- Dark Rum: If you prefer a more intense flavor, dark rum can add depth to your Mojito. It offers a distinct molasses-like sweetness. There are many dark rums but one I use sometimes is Goslings. Note the darker the color of the rum the more it will color your drink, making the mojito a caramel or brown color.
Mint Varieties:
Mint plays a crucial role in the Mojito, providing a refreshing and aromatic profile. While spearmint is the traditional choice for crafting this cocktail, there are other varieties worth exploring to add unique flavor dimensions.
Here are a few popular types of mint to consider:
- Spearmint: This is the most commonly used mint for Mojitos. It offers a cool, sweet, and slightly tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients.
- Peppermint: With a more intense and minty taste, peppermint can add an invigorating twist to your Mojito. This is also fun if you are making a mojito during the holiday (Christmas) season.
- Thai Mint: This mint has a vibrant green color with purple stems and leaves that are slightly elongated and pointed. Its aroma is reminiscent of anise and licorice, and has a bold flavor can be fun in a Mojito.
Mojito Variations:
More Rum Cocktails:
- Dark and Stormy Cocktail
- Best Pina Colada
- Blue Hawaiian
- Queen’s Park Swizzle
- How to Make a Daiquiri
- Rum Runner
- Rum & Coke
- Rum Punch
- Mai Tai
- Painkiller
- Jungle Bird
- Bahama Mama
- Fishbowl Cocktail
In the recipe below, you’ll see that muddling the mint leaves is an important step. If you don’t have a muddler, you can use a spoon or the end of a wooden spoon. Sometimes you will also see bartenders clap the mint between their hands. This is another technique to smash or muddle mint leaves.
The goal is to smash the mint leaves so they release their oils, as this enhances the flavor and aroma.
And, major bonus points if you use chipped or pebble ice. This really elevates any at-home drink. Sometimes, I will buy a bag from Sonic and keep it in my freezer—especially if I’m hosting a party. Cheers! xo. Emma
Best Mint Mojito Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ½ ounces rum white
- 1 ounce lime juice fresh
- 1 ounce simple syrup see recipe notes
- 8 mint leaves fresh
- club soda or sparkling water
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, add the rum, lime juice, simple syrup, and mint leaves.
- Muddle (smash) the mint leaves well.
- Add ice and shake the cocktail, then strain into a tall glass such as a Collins or Highball glass.
- Add ice and top off with the club soda.
- Garnish with a mint sprig.
Notes
Nutrition
Related: Electric Lemonade, Pink Lemonade, Lemon Drop Shots, Lemon Drop Martini, Pink Lemonade Jello Shots, Arnold Palmer, Sweet Tea. And if you love strawberries you must try Strawberry Pretzel salad.
Ingredients
- Strawberries: You can defrost frozen strawberries for this recipe, but try using fresh berries when possible.
- Lemons: You’ll definitely want fresh lemons for your lemonade whenever possible. Use a lemon squeezer to make juicing easier.
- Sugar: The secret to the most evenly sweet flavor in your lemonade (with no grains of sugar sinking to the bottom of the pitcher) is dissolving the sugar into hot water before mixing in your lemon juice and strawberries. You can also buy a bottle of simple syrup at the store or easily make your own simple syrup to use instead.
- Water: Tap water will work fine for this but a purified or filtered water will give you a cleaner taste if you have that on hand.
Directions
Dissolve Sugar in Water: Boil 2 cups of your water on the stove, remove from heat and add in your sugar, stirring until dissolved. Allow to cool a bit.
Juice Lemons: Half your lemons widthwise with a knife and use a lemon squeezer or a juicer to extract the lemon juice.
Puree Strawberries: Remove the green hull from your strawberries and add to a food processor. Puree until smooth. You can strain your puree through a fine mesh sieve if you want to separate the seeds and pulp.
Mix Together: Add your sugar water to a pitcher and add the remaining 4 cups of chilled water and then the lemon juice and strawberries. Stir to combine.
Serve: When serving, fill a glass with ice and pour your strawberry lemonade on top. Enjoy!
Tips for Making
- Roll your lemons: It may sound odd, but rolling your lemons firmly on the counter before cutting and juicing will help release the juices and make juicing easier.
- Hold the ice: Don’t add your ice directly to your pitcher as it will dilute the liquid as it melts. Add it to each glass and then pour the strawberry lemonade on top.
- Make a frozen strawberry lemonade: To create a slushy lemonade, make a batch that is a little stronger on the sugar and lemon, then add it to a blender with some ice for a frozen treat.
Tip: Make your strawberry lemonade a sparkling version by topping off your glass with sparkling water.
Strawberry Lemonade Variations
- Strawberry Arnold Palmer: Make an easy Arnold Palmer by adding some iced tea to your lemonade.
- Mint Lemonade: Muddle some fresh mint leaves at the bottom of the pitcher before adding your ingredients for a mint twist.
- Spiked Strawberry Lemonade: Add a shot of vodka or gin to your glass for a boozy strawberry lemonade.
How do you make simple syrup?
To make your own simple syrup, combine two cups sugar and two cups water in a small pan. On medium heat, simmer together and stir until sugar is fully dissolved and there are no grains.
Do not boil simple syrup for more than the time it takes to dissolve. If you overcook your syrup, it will eventually become caramel.
Let cool and pour into a bottle in the fridge.
Can you freeze fresh strawberry lemonade?
Yes! Put your lemon juice, strawberry puree, and simple syrup into a freezer bag (or into ice cube trays and then into a bag when frozen) and simply let your frozen strawberry lemonade concentrate thaw in the fridge before adding your water.
Serving Suggestions
Try serving this refreshing strawberry lemonade with our:
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best way to store strawberry lemonade?
Store your lemonade in the fridge in an airtight container. If you only have a pitcher without a lid, then put plastic wrap over the top to keep the container sealed.
Can I use honey instead of sugar for strawberry lemonade?
Yes, while you can use honey instead of sugar or simple syrup, it will change the taste of the lemonade from the classic version.
Can I use bottled lemons for strawberry lemonade?
While fresh is always best, bottled lemon juice will work in a pinch.
Strawberry Lemonade
Equipment
- 1 food processor or blender
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 4 cups chilled water
- ½ pound strawberries half of a 1 pound carton
- 1 ¼ cup lemon juice about 9 lemons
- 1 ¼ cup sugar or 1 ¾ cup simple syrup
Instructions
- Dissolve Sugar in Water: Boil 2 cups of your water on the stove, remove from heat and add in your sugar, stirring until dissolved. Allow to cool a bit.
- Juice Lemons: Half your lemons widthwise with a knife and use a lemon squeezer or a juicer to extract the lemon juice.
- Puree Strawberries: Remove the green hull from your strawberries and add to a food processor. Puree until smooth. You can strain your puree through a fine mesh sieve if you want to separate the seeds and pulp.
- Mix Together: Add your sugar water to a pitcher and add the remaining 4 cups of chilled water and then the lemon juice and strawberries. Stir to combine.
- Serve: When serving, fill a glass with ice and pour your strawberry lemonade on top. Enjoy!
Notes
Tips for Making
- Roll your lemons: It may sound odd, but rolling your lemons firmly on the counter before cutting and juicing will help release the juices and make juicing easier.
- Hold the ice: Don’t add your ice directly to your pitcher as it will dilute the liquid as it melts. Add it to each glass and then pour the strawberry lemonade on top.
- Make a frozen strawberry lemonade: To create a slushy lemonade, make a batch that is a little stronger on the sugar and lemon, then add it to a blender with some ice for a frozen treat.
- Tip: Make your strawberry lemonade a sparkling version by topping off your glass with sparkling water.
Strawberry Lemonade Variations
- Strawberry Arnold Palmer: Make an easy Arnold Palmer by adding some iced tea to your lemonade.
- Mint Lemonade: Muddle some fresh mint leaves at the bottom of the pitcher before adding your ingredients for a mint twist.
- Spiked Strawberry Lemonade: Add a shot of vodka or gin to your glass for a boozy strawberry lemonade.