3 Simple Syrups to Elevate your Valentine’s Day Cocktails

By now you have to know making flavored simple syrup is my JAM. And while brainstorming Valentine’s Day inspiration, I came across Blood Orange, Champagne, and Earl Grey simple syrups and just knew they would elevate my Valentine’s cocktail recommendations this year.

First things first, making simple syrup follows this basic recipe:

1. 1 part sweetener
2. 1 part water
3. warm gently until sugar melts
4. Once cooled, store in the fridge

That’s it. These are the basic 4 steps you need to follow in order to make any sort of simple syrup. So just refer to these steps when making any of the simple syrups below. Also, you can also watch me make all 3 by clicking on the video above. Now, on to the good stuff!

Blood Orange Simple Syrup

I love blood oranges and patiently wait each year for them to come into season. Not only do I enjoy their flavor, but I love the punch of color you get from the juice and the sliced fruit.

What you need:

• Blood orange juice: 1 cup
• Sugar: 1 cup

Prosecco Simple Syrup

I was sold the second I came across champagne simple syrup. But since I’m a Prosecco girl, I decided to switch it up a little. I love this syrup for that extra touch of “pop” to any beverage, but I think it will work especially well in a soaked cake application.

What you need:

• Inexpensive Sparking wine: 1 cup
• Sugar: 3/4 cup (I generally use less sugar, but feel free to use the full cup)

Earl Gray Simple Syrup

I found this interesting simple syrup while searching for new cocktail inspiration.  As I am a HUGE tea fan, I knew instantly that I was going to make it. This recipe is courtesy of Imbibe.

What you need:

• Earl Gray tea
• Water: 1 cup
• Sugar: 1 cup

How to make it:

1. Add a cup of water & a cup of sugar to a small saucepan and bring to a gentle simmer
2. stir consistently to ensure sugar melts vs. sticking to the pan (just trust me on this one)
3. Once the sugar has melted, remove from heat and add a couple of tea bags (or more depending on how strong you want the Earl Gray flavor) to pan
4. Let steep for 20 min
5. Remove tea bags and allow to cool

And there you go, 3 simple syrups guaranteed to elevate your Valentine’s Day Cocktails.  And it doesn’t stop there, simply syrups are great in nonalcoholic beverages and baking! Enjoy your experiments and cheers?

And just in case you’re looking for my basic simple syrup recipe, you can find it here.