Carla Hall's Fabulous Flavored Syrups

Flavored simple syrups put a twist on cool summer drinks.  Have one of Carla's flavored syrups on hand for iced tea or your favorite summer drink.

Simple syrup base: 

Bring 1½ cups water and 1 cup sugar to a simmer, then add…

Lime, Ginger Mint Syrup:  2 pieces 2” lime zest peel, 2” fresh ginger (peeled and sliced), ¾ cup shredded mint leaves

Vanilla Bay Syrup:   1 bay leaf, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or 1 vanilla bean

Lavender Blackberry Syrup:  1 teaspoon lavender (caraway seeds may be substituted for lavender), ¾ cup smashed blackberries, 2 pieces 2” lemon peel

Mixed Herb Syrup:  6 sprigs thyme, ½ cup shredded basil, ½ cup tarragon leaves

Strawberry Cassis:  1 cup mashed strawberries, ¼ cup crème de cassis

Orange Rosemary:  4 pieces 2” orange zest, 2 rosemary sprigs

…simmer for 3 minutes, then strain.  Store syrups in glass jars, then refrigerate. It's good for several weeks.