Seasonal Spice Syrups For Cocktails: Pumpkin Spice Syrup And More For Beginners
Introduction
Experienced bartenders know the value of using homemade spice syrups instead of sugar in cocktails. Unless a recipe specifically asks for sugar’s granular presence, it is not preferred while mixing beverages. This is because DIY syrups give drinks a silky viscosity with a smooth finish. They also maintain a delicate balance between ingredients and flavours.
Spice syrups are ideal for making drinks during seasonal holidays and occasions. A spice syrup is simply a flavoured simple syrup made using sugar, water, herbs, spices and other aromatics. Its purpose is to add sweetness to cocktails along with a distinctive flavour profile. The resultant concoctions are both special and suitable for holiday parties.
Unlike store-bought syrups, homemade versions can be tailored to fit personal preferences and ingredient requirements. Be it the earthy notes of cinnamon and or the zesty elements of mint, the options for making spiced syrups are endless. This also opens up mixological possibilities. For example, a simple pink peppercorn syrup would be a great match for any fruity gin cocktails.
The Basics Of Making Spice Syrups For Cocktails
Once the basic components and steps of making spice syrups become clear, the scope for creative mixology begins.
Combining Water And Sugar
The classic ratio is 1:1 for water and sugar. This means for every 100 gm of sugar, you add 100 ml water. This ratio can be adjusted depending on how sweet you want your syrup to be. Some enthusiasts also like their syrups less viscous while others may prefer a thicker spice syrup.
Pick Spices And Herbs
You can choose whole spices, such as cinnamon sticks and star anise, or their grounded versions for your spice syrups. Both add their respective flavourful touch to drinks. While dried herbs like thyme and rosemary work nearly the same. Try to use freshly plucked and grated options, especially when it comes to ingredients like ginger or citrus zest.
Simmer And Infuse
Bring the water to a boil and stir thoroughly till the sugar is all dissolved. Now add your spices and herbs of choice. Lower the heat and let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes. Do taste tests along the way to check if a more robust flavour is needed.
Strain And Store
Once the spice syrup is ready, strain out the solids from it. This will help preserve the syrups longer. Let the mixture cool before transferring it to a jar and storing it in the refrigerator. Spice syrup lasts around 2 weeks.
Creative Spice Syrups For Seasonal Drinks
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Pumpkin Spice Syrup
Pumpkin spice is one of the favourite flavours of the holiday season. The dulcet sweetness of pumpkins and the richness of spices creates a perfectly balanced taste profile. To serve 25-30 drinks, this syrup recipe requires 4 heaping tbsp of pumpkin puree, 3 cinnamon sticks, 2 cups water, 1 ½ cup white sugar, ½ cup brown sugar, ½ tsp ground cinnamon, ½ tsp ground nutmeg, ½ tsp ground ginger, and ½ tsp ground cloves.
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Holiday Spice Syrup
This vibrant and delicious syrup evokes a delicious blend of earthy, spicy and citrusy notes. Instead of only sugar and water, this syrup also uses orange juice as a base for a unique flavour profile. To serve 20, this syrup recipe requires 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice, 1 cup water, 1 cup sugar, 10 allspice berries, 10 cloves, 6 cinnamon sticks, 4-star anise, and orange peels from 2 oranges.
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Spiced Honey Syrup
This golden syrup offers a surprising hint of sweetness amid its mellow sweet flavours and floral undertones. This taste profile is attained when the honey used for this syrup is unprocessed and top quality. To serve 20, this syrup recipe requires 5 whole cloves, 4 whole cardamoms, 3 cinnamon sticks, 2 star anise, 1.5 cup honey, 1.5 cup water, and a long slice of orange peel.
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Vanilla Cardamom Syrup
This simple yet understated vanilla cardamom syrup offers a unique flavour profile. It is a blend of floral and pine notes along with a balanced earthy sweetness. To serve 30, this syrup recipe requires 32 whole green cardamom pods, 2 cups ater, 2 cups sugar and 1 vanilla bean sliced in half (or 2 tsp vanilla extract).
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