Spotlight On: Cocktail Syrups

Hey there, gin lover! Looking to up your cocktail-making game? Every month, we shine a spotlight on a cocktail ingredient that helps you do just that. This month, we’re shining a light on syrups, starting with simple syrup, vanilla syrup and elderflower syrup. With these three behind your bar, the sky is the limit when it comes to experimenting with cocktails. 

If you’re already a Craft Gin Club member, you’ll be familiar with syrups – we send Clubbers a bespoke bottle in every Gin of the Month box to create the delicious Cocktail of the Month. (This April, our Cocktail of the Month is the divine Pink Gin Spritz, inspired by long summer nights sipping cocktails in the South of France… well, our garden anyway!)

But what exactly are they? Well, simply put, a syrup is a viscous liquid – similar in consistency to molasses – that combines water, sugar and additional flavours. They’re used by top mixologists (bartenders, to you and me) to enhance the tastes and textures of drinks.

While there is a wonderful variety of syrups out there, the most famous and versatile one is simple syrup. Also known as sugar syrup, it’s a secret weapon that bartenders return to time and time again when building brand-new drinks, or making classic gin cocktails like the Bramble, Tom Collins, French 75 and the Gin Fizz.

Simple syrup was first invented as a matter of practicality. Since the 1800s, sugar has been a key ingredient in many a cocktail, adding a layer of sweetness that complements spirits and undercuts the acidity of citrus juice. But bartenders found that dumping a spoonful of sugar into a cold cocktail wasn’t the best move – rather than dissolving into the drink, the sugar would often form grainy lumps.

Soon enough, master mixologists began making simple syrup. Because it has the sweetness of sugar but is liquid in form, it allows you to maintain even flavours throughout your drink and ensure the mouthfeel remains silky smooth.

Once mixologists realised how convenient simple syrup was, they began experimenting. Nowadays, the variations of syrups are endless, providing an easy way to incorporate the flavours of fruits, spices, herbs and even flowers into drinks - such as the amazing, bespoke syrups we add to every Gin of the Month box! (Just saying!)

Syrups are a must-have for master mixologists, and we wanted to make them accessible to gin lovers enjoying drinks at home.

Even having a few classic syrups in your arsenal – like simple syrup, elderflower syrup and vanilla syrup, for example – unlocks a whole world of cocktails.

However, making syrups at home can be time-consuming and impractical - and with inconsistent and unwanted results!

That’s why, with the help of our team of flavour experts, we’ve put together the Craft Gin Club Essential Collection of high-quality cocktail syrups, designed to take the fuss out of making fabulous drinks at home.

To get started on your journey with syrups, try these simple cocktail recipes, each using one of our very own delicious flavours.

Head to our online shop to stock up on syrups – we have some extra exciting flavours in store for you in the coming months! 

We all love to sip on a beautiful blushing French rosé once the sun comes out, but did you know it also makes a wonderful spring cocktail when combined with gin? Try our simple Rosé Gimlet cocktail recipe - featuring our very own simple syrup - and transport yourself to the South of France from your back garden this summer! Get the recipe >>

We created this sweet and refreshing twist on the classic Jasmine cocktail with the addition of a little vanilla syrup and fresh strawberries. Combined with gin, Cointreau and Campari, this is a perfect summer cocktail! Get the recipe >>

This easy-to-make lightly sparkling gin cocktail is laced with elderflower syrup for a perfectly fruity and floral tipple that’s ideal for spring evenings al fresco! Get the recipe >>