Mocktails Using Flavored Simple Syrups

Name: Flavored Simple Syrups for Mocktails (3 Recipes)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 6 min
Total time: 2 h 16 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: For Hibiscus, Ginger & Clove Syrup:; 1/2 cup dried hibiscus leaves; 1 (2-inch) piece peeled fresh ginger cut into strips; 1 tsp lightly crushed whole cloves; 1/4 tsp kosher salt, divided; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup water; For Orange and Cardamom Syrup:; 3 (2-inch) strips peeled orange zest; 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice; 3 tbsp lightly crushed green cardamom pods; 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon; 1 cup granulated sugar; 3/4 cup water; For Rosemary, Juniper & Lemon Syrup:; 3 to 4 large fresh rosemary sprigs; 3 tbsp lightly crushed juniper berries; Peeled zest of 1 lemon; 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice; 1/4 tsp kosher salt, divided; 1 cup granulated sugar; 3/4 cup water

Learn to make three distinct flavored simple syrups that elevate mocktails with complex, professional-quality taste. Each syrup infuses warm spices, citrus, or herbs to create sophisticated alcohol-free beverages perfect for any occasion.

🥗Vegan 🥗Vegetarian 🥗Gluten-Free 🏷️Mocktails 🏷️Simple syrup Dry january

🏷️

Total

2h 16m

Servings

4

Difficulty

Expert

Est. Cost

$38–$63

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From Recette Magazine

Ingredients

For Hibiscus, Ginger & Clove Syrup:
1/2 cup dried hibiscus leaves
1 (2-inch) piece peeled fresh ginger cut into strips
1 tsp lightly crushed whole cloves
1/4 tsp kosher salt, divided
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup water
For Orange and Cardamom Syrup:
3 (2-inch) strips peeled orange zest
1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
3 tbsp lightly crushed green cardamom pods
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup water
For Rosemary, Juniper & Lemon Syrup:
3 to 4 large fresh rosemary sprigs
3 tbsp lightly crushed juniper berries
Peeled zest of 1 lemon
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/4 tsp kosher salt, divided
1 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup water

22 Ingredients

Delivery in as fast as one hour.^*

Powered by Instacart

Prices vary by store

^*Service fees apply. Instacart^® and the Instacart logo are registered trademarks of Maplebear Inc. d/b/a Instacart.

Instructions

1
For each syrup, combine all ingredients in a small saucepan
2
Bring to boil over medium-high heat, stirring until sugar dissolves and syrup thickens slightly, about 6 minutes
3
Remove from heat, pour into a medium bowl to steep and cool for 1 to 2 hours
4
Strain with a fine-mesh sieve into a clean jar, pressing hard with the back of a spoon to get all the flavors into syrup
5
Discard solids and add remaining pinch salt to taste
6
Cover and refrigerate for 2 to 3 weeks
7
For Hibiscus-Clove Mule: Add 3 tbsp hibiscus syrup and 1/3 cup ice into a tumbler glass. Top with ginger beer and a dash of angostura bitters. Garnish with a lime wheel studded with cloves
8
For Spiced Cran-Orange Fizz: Add 2 tbsp fresh or frozen cranberries with 3 tbsp orange cardamom syrup in a champagne flute. Top with club soda and a dash of orange bitters
9
For Booze-Free Bramble: Muddle 1/4 cup fresh blackberries with 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 3 tbsp rosemary lemon syrup. Add 1/3 cup ice cubes and top with tonic water. Garnish with a rosemary sprig threaded with blackberries

Was this recipe helpful?

Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Lightly crush whole spices (cloves, cardamom, juniper) just before adding to release essential oils and maximize flavor extraction.
Strain syrups while still warm through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to capture all infused flavor and achieve clarity.
Cool syrups completely before bottling to prevent condensation and preserve color and shelf stability.
Taste each syrup after cooling—flavor intensity varies by ingredient freshness; adjust sweetness or spice balance by reducing or adding sugar water.

Substitutions

Dried hibiscus → dried rose petals or butterfly pea flower (changes color and floral profile)
Fresh ginger → ground ginger (use 1/4 tsp; adjusts texture but delivers faster infusion)
Whole cloves → allspice berries or star anise (shifts warmth and aromatic profile)
Fresh orange zest → lemon or grapefruit zest (maintain citrus brightness with different flavor notes)