a simple, but necessary part of any tasty lybation

Simple syrup is very simple to make and is an essential part of any tasty lybation. You will find it in many popular mixed cocktails including Mojitos, Daiquiris and Hurricanes. This sweetener is primarily used as a substitute for raw sugar, keeping the cocktail from tasting granular and adds rich volume.

Making your own simple syrup is also more economical than buying it at the store. You can make as small or as large a batch as you wish and store it in the refrigerator in a well sealed bottle for around 6 months. It can be made in a variety of ways, here's how:

Thicker Simple Syrup:

With this variation you can use less syrup than a cocktail calls for.

Ingredients:

• 2 parts sugar
• 1 part water

Prep:

1. Bring the water to a boil.
2. Dissolve the sugar into the boiling water, stirring constantly.
3. Once the sugar is dissolved completely (about 3 minutes), remove the pan from the heat.
4. Allow to cool completely and thicken, then bottle.

To prolong the shelf life, add a little vodka, tequila or rum (whatever spirit you use the most) - usually between a tablespoon and an ounce, depending on how large the batch of syrup is.

Flavor-infused syrups:
Simple syrup can also be infused with flavor, such as lemon, lime or orange zest, and used in a variety of cocktails to add a unique twist.