Simple syrup is the easiest and cheapest homemade condiment you can keep on hand. Instead of buying it for $5 at the store, grab some sugar and water and make your own!
Simply simmer equal parts sugar and water until sugar dissolves and… voila! You’re good to go!
I always keep a bottle on hand in my fridge for easy additions to cocktails, coffee, tea… anything that needs a sweet little kick!
Cilantro-Infused
Strawberry-Infused
Now HERE is the fun part… INFUSED simple syrups. As you may now I am OBSESSED with infused alcohol as of late (I just discovered pineapple infused rum with lime juice – it’s like a low-cal Pina Colada!) but simply add a handful of herbs, fruit, zest, etc. and simmer until the item is infused in the syrup (anywhere from 10-30 minutes).
Strain the syrup and store in a sealed container. Syrups will last up to 6 months in the fridge!
I made Strawberry, Cilantro and Mint-infused simple syrups (respectively) and am using them over fruit salads, in cocktails and over shaved ice! 
My sister, Taylor took me to Hops and Hominy and introduced me to the marvelous cocktail Gin and Jam. Since then she has mastered the cocktail at home and has put her own spin on it, so when her boyfriend’s mom sent her home with some homemade jam she had to share with our family.
Here is the recipe of Taylor’s signature drink – the James Taylor.
Step 1. Gather your ingredients – homemade jam (any flavor), sweet and sour mix (or in our case simple syrup and fresh lime/lemon juice) and gin.
Step 2. Fill mason jar with ice.
Step 3. Add 2 ounces gin to mason jar.
Step 4. Add 1 ounce simply syrup and 1 ounce lime/lemon juice (or 2 ounces sweet and sour mix instead).
Step 5. Add a heaping spoonful of jam.
Step 6. Securely attach lid and shake to combine.
Step 7. Enjoy!
Trader Joe’s were featuring pints of kumquats this week so I picked some up and tried to find some fun cocktail to make with them! I came across this recipe and my sister and I put our own twist on it.
Combine 1 1/4 cup of sliced strawberries and 1/4 cup of halved kumquats (try your best to remove seeds). Divide equally into 2-4 glasses.
Use a hand blender puree the fruit mixture (blend until smooth as possible).
Add 2 ounces of Cachaca and 1 ounce of homemade sours to each glass and stir. Fill glass with crushed ice and top with club soda.
Garnish with mint spring, kumquat and/or strawberry.
Made with Homemade Jalapeno Infused Tequila
To make the tequila I soaked 4-6 thick slices of jalapeno in blanco tequila overnight. Make sure to take out the pith and any white part of the jalapeno. If you would prefer less heat/spice I would recommend soaking 5-6 hours instead.
Muddle 1/4 cup of cucumber slices, add 2 ounces of homemade sours, 2 ounces of jalapeno tequila and stir.
Serve over crushed ice and top with club soda.
 Lime Spritzer'))
 Lime Spritzer'))
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