Syrups for Cocktails

Used as a baseline for recipes, sweetens and flavors cocktails.

Simple Syrup

Simple syrup (aka sugar syrup, or bar syrup) is a basic sugar and water syrup used by bartenders as a sweetener to make cocktails. Simple syrup is made by stirring granulated sugar into hot water in a saucepan until the sugar is dissolved and then cooling the solution. The ratio of sugar to water is 1:1 by volume for normal simple syrup, but can get up to 2:1 for rich simple syrup. For pure sucrose the saturation limit is about 5:1 (500 grams sucrose to 100 ml water).

Cocktails using Simple Syrup: Blue Riband, Brandy Flip, Brandy Smash, Daiquiri, French 75, Gin Sour +46 more

Lime Cordial

Lime cordial is made by mixing lime juice, lime peals and sugar with water, while some recipes mention the addition of citric acid and tartaric acid.

Cocktails using Lime Cordial: Gimlet

Lime & Lemongrass Cordial

Swap with: Lime Cordial

Sage Simple Syrup

Combine equal parts sugar and water with 3-5 sage sprigs and bring to a boil. Allow to cool before use.

Creme De Noyaux

~30% ABVFrance

Crème de Noyaux is an almond-flavored crème liqueur. Historically, crème de noyaux would contain trace amounts of hydrogen cyanide, which is poisonous. Although the chemical was not normally present in a dangerous intensity, bottles of 19th-century Noyaux left for decades in the cellar would sometimes have all the cyanide float up to the top, with lethal results for the drinker of the first glass.

Swap with: Almond Liqueur

Cocktails using Creme De Noyaux: Jockey Club, Chocolate Amaretto Sour

Honey Syrup

A sweet syrup made by dissolving honey in water, typically in a 3:1 or 2:1 ratio (honey to water). It has the smooth, rich flavor of honey but is easier to mix in drinks compared to pure honey. Honey syrup adds a natural sweetness with floral, herbal, or fruity undertones, depending on the type of honey used. It is often used in cocktails like the Bee’s Knees or the Gold Rush, as well as in teas and desserts.

Swap with: Simple Syrup, Agave Syrup, Maple Syrup

Cocktails using Honey Syrup: Air Mail, Brown Derby, Meridian, Missionary's Downfall

← All ingredient families