Create Your Own Cocktail Mixers

Keeping a stocked cabinet of cocktail mixers is slightly overrated, especially when they are expensive and take away from money towards the most important part of the craft– the alcohol.  Creating staple cocktail mixers is relatively easy, inexpensive, and it can be done right in your own kitchen in no time at all. Here are some ways to concoct your own popularly used mixers with simple ingredients.

Simple Syrup

Simple syrup is basically just sugar and water. It is used to ease the bitterness of cocktails and make them more appealing to the palate.  Just add equal parts sugar and water to a small sauce pot and bring to a boil while stirring until the sugar has dissolved.

Sour Mix

Usually found in margaritas, sour mix is also delicious with whiskey, amaretto, and other fruity cocktails. To make your own sour mix just whip up a batch of simple syrup. Once it is cooled add lemon and lime juice to your desired tartness.

Grenadine

Grenadine is an iconic syrup used in a Dirty Shirley, Roy Rogers, Tequila Sunrise,Pink Lady, and more. It was originally made from pomegranates but is often mistaken as cherry flavored syrup. To create your own grenadine mix equal parts pomegranate juice and sugar and dissolve over medium heat. Add in fresh squeezed lemon juice to taste along with a few optional drops of orange-flower water. Let cool to room temperature then refrigerate.

Ginger Ale

Homemade ginger ale takes a little longer, but the spicy bite and fresh taste is totally worth it.  Just simmer one and a half cups of freshly peeled ginger in about two cups of water for approximately 45 minutes. Take it off the heat and let it sit for another twenty minutes so the flavor of the ginger is released. Strain the mixture and return to the heat while adding about 3/4 cup of sugar and stir until the sugar has completely dissolved. Once the ginger syrup has cooled combine it with one quart of club soda and lime juice to your desired sourness.