Once you start making your own cocktail syrups, it’s hard to go back to anything store bought. They’re so easy to make, store well in the fridge and expand your cocktail options. Here are some of our favorites, plus links to featured cocktail recipes:

Cinnamon Syrup

2 cups water
2 cups sugar
5 cinnamon sticks

Bring to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally, until sugar dissolves. Reduce to a simmer and add cinnamon sticks. Simmer 15 minutes, and then let syrup cool. Leave cinnamon sticks in syrup. Refrigerate for up to two weeks.

Cocktail Recommendation: Rum Sangria.

Ginger Syrup

1.75 cups lemon juice
1.75 cups simple syrup
6 mint leaves
2 quarts chopped, unpeeled ginger (enough to fill a 40 oz. Vitamix or other durable blender.)

Blend until finely pureed. Strain through a fine strainer or cheesecloth bag. Refrigerate for up to 15 days.

Cocktail Recommendation: Montanya’s signature cocktail, the Maharaja.

Honey Lavender Syrup

3 cups water
1 cup raw honey
.5 cup dried lavender blossoms

Bring water and honey to a light simmer, stirring often. Remove from heat. Add lavender blossoms and stir until mixed. Refrigerate for 2-4 days. Strain lavender blossoms and refrigerate for up to 30 days.

Cocktail Recommendations: the Caldera, the Teocalli and Honey Lemonade.

Maharaja Syrup

2.5 cups water
2.5 cups natural or organic granulated sugar
2.5 tablespoons whole cloves
7 whole cinnamon sticks
25 cardamom pods
2.5 teaspoons whole black peppercorns

Break all spices into small pieces in a mortar and pestle (do not powder the spices or substitute a powdered version). Place all spices in a dry frying pan and toast until lightly smoking and fragrant (do not burn). Transfer to a saucepan and add water and sugar. Baring to a boil and let simmer for 45 minutes. Transfer to a jar. Refrigerate and chill for 2-3 days before straining off spices.

Cocktail Recommendation: The Maharaja, Cafe Picante and the Smokeshow

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If you’re up for making specialty syrups, you may want to check out our recipes for infused rum. It’s so easy to make your own flavored rums, and you’ll love the cocktails they allow you to make. Get the recipes.