Why Bartenders Use Simple Syrup in Cocktails
Bartenders favor simple syrup for its ease of use and ability to sweeten drinks without the graininess of granulated sugar. It dissolves quickly, ensuring a consistent flavor profile in cocktails like mojitos, margaritas, and daiquiris. Additionally, simple syrup can be infused with various flavors, such as herbs or fruits, allowing for creative cocktail variations that elevate the drinking experience.
Best Substitutes for Simple Syrup in Cocktails
If you’re out of simple syrup, several substitutes can work effectively in cocktails. Honey syrup, made by mixing honey with warm water, offers a unique flavor profile. Agave nectar is another excellent alternative, providing a similar sweetness with a distinct taste. For a sugar-free option, consider using stevia or monk fruit sweetener, which can add sweetness without the calories.
Cocktail and Beverage Recipes that use Simple Syrup
Recipes
Edith Day Cocktail
A bright, frothy take on the gin sour, the Edith Day Cocktail blends gin, grapefruit juice, and simple syrup for crisp citrus flavor with a silky egg-white crown. This Roaring-Twenties classic still charms modern palates with its balance of tart and botanical notes.
Maui Breeze
The Maui Breeze Tropical Cocktail blends Amaretto, Brandy, and island juices into a smooth frozen delight. Sweet, citrusy, and nutty, it’s the perfect chill-down for summer afternoons or beach-party vibes.
Atlantic Sun
Bright, fruity, and effervescent, the Atlantic Sun combines vodka, Southern Comfort, lemon juice, and fruit syrup into a golden highball built for summer sipping. Light fizz and citrus keep it crisp from first pour to last.
Venezuelan Rum Punch (Tizana con Ron)
A tropical Venezuelan classic that blends rum, fresh fruit juices, and colorful chunks of tizana fruit. Known locally as Guarapita de Tizana, this bright, social punch is perfect for sharing at beach parties or sunny afternoons.
French 75
Bright, bubbly, and timeless. The French 75 combines gin, lemon, and Champagne for a crisp, botanical sparkle that never goes out of style.
Screaming Viking
The Screaming Viking started as a joke on the TV show Cheers, when Woody Boyd tried to mix one for a customer who may not have existed. Today it’s a playful, refreshing cucumber-vodka cocktail that brings the sitcom legend to life in your glass.
Solaris
A sweet-spiced sunset in a glass, the Solaris Shot blends Captain Morgan’s Spiced Rum, grenadine, and smooth simple syrup for a glowing party favorite that looks as good as it tastes.
Old Fashioned
A timeless whiskey cocktail built on simplicity and balance, the Old Fashioned blends bold bourbon or rye with aromatic bitters and subtle sweetness. Finished with a bright citrus oil garnish, it’s a classic that never goes out of style.
Pixie Stick
Sweet, tart, and nostalgic — the Pixie Stick Shooter blends light rum, apricot brandy, and citrus into a punchy treat that channels candy store energy into cocktail form.