joe and i had an opportunity to take a cocktail class last week sunday night at the downtown market in Grand Rapids. They have a tiki one coming up and I am thinking we are going to sign up for that one too. I learned so much, I was actually surprised at how much I learned. the theme of the class was classic NOLA cocktails. We learned to make a gin fizz and a sazerac. i loooved the gin fizz, couldn’t handle the sazerac but the history behind the actual drinks and spirits in them were so interesting! the class instructor is the bartender at Grove in Grand Rapids and he was talking about all the syrups and sodas that they make in house. so many drinks call for simple syrup and it’s probably the easiest drink mixer to make. it’s just equal parts sugar and water. i however have been CRAVING lavender because it reminds me of summer. i love a good lavender latte or a bee’s knees cocktail. this syrup can be used in everything from lattes to lemonade to cocktails and beyond. it will take about 10 minutes total to make and then just simply, let the lavender syrup chill.
here is what you will need:
2 cups of water of white sugar
2 cups of white sugar
2 tbsp of dried lavender buds. I got mine from the farmers market this fall ( bought it in a large jar) but you can order it on amazon or find it at specialty grocery stores.
i find it’s cheapest to just make yourself because i’ve seen organic lavender syrups priced up to about $18 a bottle. for literally dried lavender sugar and water.
bring the water to a slow boil in a sauce pan over the stove. whisk in the sugar once the water is boiling. whisk until the sugar is dissolved. add in the lavender buds and whisk. remove from heat. allow to cool.
strain into a jar, tub or anything that can fit in your fridge that holds liquid. store in fridge for up to 1 month.
