Paul Kushner
If you love sweetness in your adult beverages, adding some simple syrup to your favorite cocktails could be the best way to go!
As a staple ingredient in many classic libations, simple syrup is the unsung hero that adds a touch of sweetness and balances out flavors in cocktails.
Ultimately, it’s a versatile player in the cocktail game, and it’s time to give it some credit!
Check out my favorite simple syrup cocktails below.
Best Simple Syrup Cocktails
Mojito
A classic Cuban cocktail, the mojito features white rum, soda water, lime juice, and mint. The simple syrup adds a subtle sweetness that helps to balance out the drink’s tart flavors and make it more enjoyable.
I love enjoying a sweet mojito while on a beach vacation, laying out in the sun, and overlooking the sea.
Mint Julep
A Mint Julep is a classic bourbon-based cocktail that people traditionally serve during the Kentucky Derby. It features mint, simple syrup, and soda water for refreshing sweetness.
Although I’ve never been to the Kentucky Derby, I enjoy drinking a Mint Julep while hanging out with my friends on the weekends, especially in the summertime.
Tequila Sour
A Tequila Sour is one of my favorite simple syrup cocktails because the simple syrup helps to balance out the lime juice’s tartness and the sour brightness of the tequila.
I love making Tequila Sours for parties and outdoor gatherings, especially when I’m entertaining a large crowd.
Whiskey Sour
Similar to a Tequila sour but perhaps more well-known is a Whiskey Sour, which is an easy-to-make yet flavorful drink that you can enjoy any time of year.
I’m a big fan of sipping on a Whiskey Sour on a casual autumn afternoon, as I find it very relaxing.
It also pairs well with savory dishes due to the sweetness of the simple syrup in it.
Gin Fizz
You can never go wrong with a classic Gin Fizz, and adding just the right amount of simple syrup takes it from a somewhat basic drink to a delicious, tantalizing one.
I love drinking a well-balanced Gin Fizz when I’m craving something light and refreshing on a warm, sunny day.
French 75
A French 75 is my go-to cocktail for intimate date nights or special occasions.
This classic combination of gin, champagne, and simple syrup provides a bubbly sweetness that will make any celebratory moment more memorable.
Brandy Crusta
A Brandy Crusta is a classic New Orleans cocktail with brandy, triple sec, simple syrup, and citrus juices.
I love making Brandy Crustas when I’m in the mood for something more complex and sophisticated. The simple syrup helps to sweeten up the brandy and make it extra delicious.
Pisco Sour
If you’re already a fan of the Whiskey Sour and Tequila Sour, it’d be utterly strange if you felt “sour” about the Pisco Sour, which includes the Peruvian white brandy.
This simple syrup cocktail combines Pisco, lime juice, Angostura bitters, and egg whites for a unique and highly inviting flavor combination that’s worth trying any day of the week.
Watermelon Mojito
Watermelon Mojitos are ultra refreshing and go swimmingly with tasty, salty meat dishes, so I love preparing these for backyard barbecues in the summertime.
The simple syrup included makes it even more refreshing to sip on, especially after biting into a juicy burger or bratwurst.
Appletini
If you’re hoping to drink something fruity and fun, an Appletini is a great choice! The addition of simple syrup brings out the sweet apple notes that make this drink so tasty and enjoyable.
I personally enjoy having an Appletini on a girls’ night out, as it always puts everyone in a great mood!
South Side
South Side was a well-loved drink throughout the 20th century and continues to be a fan-favorite today – for good reasons!
It’s got the same refreshing taste and ingredients as a mojito but with a gin base instead of a rum base. I find that gin is less sweet than rum, so adding in the simple syrup is a must.
Old Cuban
Aged rum, mint, and citrus work together to create the flavorful Old Cuban cocktail, which gets an even tastier kick with the addition of simple syrup.
This cocktail is a fantastic choice for special occasions or dinner parties because it’s easy to prepare, and everyone loves the simple yet insatiable flavor combination.
Cheers!
I hope this article gave you a clearer idea of the role of simple syrup in your favorite libations.
Simple syrup is just that – simple – but adds a touch of sweetness that can help balance out the tart, smoky, sharp, and other flavors within these timeless drinks.
Which simple syrup cocktails do you love the most? Let us know in the comments below!
12 Simple Syrup Cocktail Recipes
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pick your favorite recipe
- Gather all the needed ingredients
- Prep a tasty cocktail in less than 5 minutes
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings