Rosemary Pomegranate Simple Syrup & Cocktails
I love a good cocktail any time of the year, don’t get me wrong, but there definitely is something special about a chilled summer drink enjoyed on a tropical vacation, a summer evening balcony hang out, or lounging around the pool. And of course there are some tried-and-true summer favorites like a good ol’ fashioned margarita, a refreshing glass of rosé, or a tasty sangria. But to kick off the summer this year, we wanted to bring you some new ideas of ways to spice up some of your favorite cocktails using a unique simple syrup.
Many standard cocktails require the use of a simple syrup, which is essentially just a thick solution of sugar and water. And although this saccharine mixture does a perfect job of sweetening our drinks, it is sometimes fun to give it a new spin.
We are going to be posting a series of simple syrup recipes this summer, they are SUPER simple (no pun intended), just a few ingredients, but hopefully they also inspire you to try some of your own combinations.
A collection of these simple syrup jars can also make a cute DIY hostess gift — I used these tiny clear bottles with stoppers from Ikea! — or you could set up a few different syrups for a make-your-own cocktail bar at your next summer party! Today we have an interesting mix of fruity and herbal with a Rosemary Pomegranate Simple syrup — let’s get started :)
Rosemary Pomegranate Simple Syrup
1 cup pomegranate juice
1 cup sugar
3 rosemary sprigs
Mix together pomegranate juice, sugar, and rosemary sprigs in a saucepan.
Place on medium high heat and bring to a simmer.
Reduce heat to low and let mixture continue to simmer for 10 minutes, stirring often.
Allow to fully cool before storing in the refrigerator.
Told you that was easy! Now that your simple syrup is chilled and ready for mixing, we’ve put together 3 fun cocktail recipes below. I’m sure you will recognize these classic drinks, but the rosemary pomegranate syrup gives them a little unique twist that you’re sure to enjoy!
Gin Fizz
2 oz gin
1 oz lemon juice
3/4 oz rosemary pomegranate simple syrup
1 egg white
1 oz pomegranate blueberry Sparkling Ice (option: substitute with lemon la croix or club soda)
1 rosemary sprig
Combine gin, lemon juice, rosemary pomegranate simple syrup, and egg white in a shaker.
Shake vigorously for 15 seconds, add some ice cubes and shake again for 10 seconds.
Double-strain over your glass of choice (we used an old fashioned glass, but a Collins glass is also used frequently!) and top with your pomegranate blueberry sparkling ice or soda.
Garnish with rosemary sprig.
Vodka Gimlet
2 oz vodka
3/4 oz lime juice
1/2 oz rosemary pomegranate simple syrup
Dash of pomegranate juice
Lime wedge
Combine vodka, lime juice, and rosemary pomegranate simple syrup into a shaker with ice.
Shake well and strain into martini glass.
Add a dash of pomegranate juice to your liking and decorate with a lime wedge.
French 75
1 oz gin
1/2 oz lemon juice
1/2 oz rosemary pomegranate simple syrup
3 oz sparking rosé (option: substitute with champagne or sparkling wine of your choice)
Pomegranate seeds
Combine gin, lemon juice, and rosemary pomegranate simple syrup into a shaker with ice.
Shake well and strain into a champagne coupe or flute.
Top with your sparkling rosé or champagne and garnish with pomegranate seeds.
We definitely had to have a taste testing night for these cocktails, and I would have to say the crowd favorite was the gin fizz! So tasty and just the right amount of sweet. I had never had a cocktail before made with egg whites so I was a little skeptical, but the texture is so frothy and fun, I highly recommend!
If you make any of these delicious cocktails, let us know which was your favorite. Happy Summer, friends!
Cheers! xo Rachael
