Month: May 2020

simple syrup

Jalapeño Basil Simple Syrup

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This jalapeño basil simple syrup is easy to make and adds an exotic layer of flavor to your favorite cocktails. The thing I love about it is that it really isn't too spicy. It definitely leaves a little tingle on the lips but the overwhelming taste of this jalapeño simple syrup is definitely sweet.

Originally, I was just going to make a jalapeño simple syrup. But at the last minute, I looked over and saw my basil plant, looking in desperate need of a trim and thought “Why not?” Basil simple syrup is a thing, so jalapeño basil simple syrup can be a thing, too.

The basil came from my front porch where I’ve got a small collection of herbs growing. I’m not sure at what point you can call a “small collection of herbs” an herb garden. Currently, I have basil (doing well), mint (THRIVING), rosemary (sprouting), and thyme (just sown).

I love using fresh herbs in my cocktails and investing in some small starter plants or seeds will save you some money in the long run. You can buy a small herb plant for almost the same price as a handful of fresh herbs at the grocery store. Cut herbs will only stay fresh for a few days, whereas herbs plants will be fresh indefinitely. Well, as long as you remember to water them & give them enough sun. And as long as it’s warm enough outside. And no squirrels nibble on them or knock your pots over. Okay, I’m making it sound more complicated than it is. It’s not that hard. Scout’s honor.

This jalapeño basil simple syrup is easy to make and adds an exotic layer of flavor to your favorite cocktails. The thing I love about it is that it really isn't too spicy. It definitely leaves a little tingle on the lips but the overwhelming taste of this jalapeño simple syrup is definitely sweet.

If you’re not a basil fan, you can easily leave the basil out and this would be a great jalapeño simple syrup. Or leave the jalapeño out and make a basil simple syrup. You can even get a little creative and try making a jalapeño cilantro simple syrup if cilantro’s what you’ve got on hand already.

The thing I love about this jalapeño basil simple syrup is that it really isn’t too spicy. It definitely leaves a little tingle on my lips but the overwhelming taste of this syrup is definitely sweet. So don’t be duped into thinking that adding this syrup to your cocktail is gonna be like adding liquid heat to it. If you want a really spicy drink, you should muddle some fresh jalapeño slices in the cocktail shaker as well.

As I mention in all of my simple syrup recipes, I prefer making smaller batches of flavored simple syrups. I use 1/4 cup water and 1/4 sugar while many recipes use 1:1. I find that the latter option makes too much and I end up tossing the majority out because it goes bad before I can use it all. As a rule of thumb, flavored simple syrups usually last 4-6 weeks. This one, however, has shorter fridge life thanks to the basil. I’d say 2-3 weeks max. But as they say, when in doubt, toss it out.

I originally created this batch of syrup for my Cero Miedo cocktail but it would be delicious in a bunch of other cocktails as well. Jalapeño basil simple syrup is a great way to add a spicy, tingly layer to cocktails. Add it into a Margarita, make a spicy Daiquiri, jazz up a Moscow Mule. You could even add some into your afternoon iced tea.

How do you plan on incorporating this jalapeño basil simple syrup into your recipes? I’d love to hear your ideas in a comment!

The Ingredients for Jalapeño Basil Simple Syrup

  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/4 cup sugar (feel free to use turbinado instead)
  • 1 jalapeño, sliced lengthwise
  • 6-8 fresh basil leaves

How to Make Jalapeño Basil Simple Syrup

Add the water and sugar to a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Once sugar is dissolved, remove the pan from heat and add the sliced jalapeño and basil leaves. Allow to steep for 15-20 minutes. Strain into a mason jar or other small container. The syrup should keep for 2 weeks in the refrigerator.

Jalapeño Basil Simple Syrup is an easy way to add spice and flavor complexity to cocktails. It adds heat without making your drink too spicy. Perfect for summer cocktails and Margaritas | The simple way to make easy spicy cocktails

Interested in making more flavored simple syrups? Check out these other options:

Royal Rose - Organic Simple Syrup
tequila

Blood Orange Tequila Fizz | An Easy 2 Ingredient Cocktail

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This Blood Orange Tequila Fizz is so easy, I feel silly making a recipe post about it. But then, again a blog post is probably the best way to spread good news quickly across the internet. I’m not lying when I say that it’s a 2 ingredient cocktail. Of course, you can jazz it up more and feel real fancy and proud of yourself. But when your kid wants to keep playing in the hot Texas sun well into the evening, sometimes you gotta grab something quick.

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. If you buy a product via my affiliate link, I will receive a commission. This is at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I actually like! 

But I need to be a little more forthcoming with you– this is only going to be 2 ingredients if you can find blood orange Italian soda. My beloved H-E-B has a store brand called Central Market and they make several Italian sodas. Some are seasonal and some are available year-round. These Italian sodas are my favorite ways to make quick and easy cocktails. This certainly won’t be the last cocktail recipe you see me making with one here on Girl & Tonic.

One of the easiest cocktails at home is Girl & Tonic's version of a Blood Orange Tequila Fizz. It's only 2 INGREDIENTS, people! Blood orange Italian soda is what makes this cocktail so easy. But if you can't find it, use the secondary recipe that utilizes blood orange juice.

A quick note about H-E-B for all you non-Texans out there. H-E-B is a Texas-based grocery store chain that is known for having great prices, amazing customer service, and being extremely involved in the community. I mean, H-E-B mobilized faster than the freakin’ American Red Cross during Hurricane Harvey. That’s right. Our local grocery store chain sent out relief trucks, set up mobile kitchens, and donated tens of thousands of dollars. The stories of how HEB rallied around the communities devastated by Harvey (when they lost over 80 stores themselves) STILL makes me tear up. I guess I’m a Texan through and through.

This Blood Orange Tequila Fizz is another easy 2 ingredient cocktail. It's made using blood orange Italian soda. But don't worry, if you can't find it, I have an alternate recipe utilizing fresh blood orange juice that's still really easy.

If you’re unlucky enough to live beyond H-E-B’s reach, like most of America and even some of Texas (sorry Mom & Dad), Sanpellegrino makes a blood orange Italian soda and so does Bai.

If you’re using a blood orange Italian soda, there’s no need to add syrup or any sweetener because the soda already has it. If you can’t find any blood orange Italian sodas, don’t worry– you can still make a Blood Orange Tequila Fizz. In place of the Italian soda, you can always use fresh blood orange juice.

To make this blood orange Italian soda cocktail without the blood orange Italian soda, you’ll need :

  • 2-3 oz. of freshly-squeezed blood orange juice
  • 1 oz of simple syrup
  • sparkling water of some sort– I would suggest using unsweetened mandarin sparkling water to boost the orange flav, but lime or lemon would work beautifully, too.

If you’re going the easy, 2 ingredient route and you find yourself with extra energy to spare after pouring & stirring the tequila and blood orange Italian soda together, you can add a squeeze of fresh orange juice if you have it or garnish with some basil or mint. There’s something about a garnished cocktail that just tastes better than a plain one.

Also garnishing my drink helps me remember that it’s a cocktail and not juice and should therefore not be chugged even though it tastes so dang good. A garnish is like a visual reminder to slow down & savor.

With Cinco de Mayo coming up in a few days, this easy cocktail is a great non-Margarita option. I do enjoy a good margarita, but sometimes I wanna feel a little nontraditional. You feel me?

So cheers to an easy 2 ingredient cocktail, cheers to it being May, and cheers to H-E-B–the world’s best grocery store.

This Blood Orange Tequila Fizz is another easy 2 ingredient cocktail. It's made using blood orange Italian soda. But don't worry, if you can't find it, I have an alternate recipe utilizing fresh blood orange juice that's still really easy.

The Ingredients for a Blood Orange Tequila Fizz

How to Make a Blood Orange Tequila Fizz

Add ice to a lowball (or highball!) glass. Pour in tequila. Pour in blood orange Italian soda. Stir. Garnish with an orange slice and basil as a visual reminder to slow down & savor.

This Blood Orange Tequila Fizz is another easy 2 ingredient cocktail. It's made using blood orange Italian soda. But don't worry, if you can't find it, I have an alternate recipe utilizing fresh blood orange juice that's still really easy.

Looking for another easy cocktail? Check out the Dark & Stormy, a Moscow Mule, or a Gimlet.