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The best syrups for making gin cocktails at home

Syrups are a key ingredient when it comes to crafting the perfect gin cocktail. Whether you’re mixing up a classic or experimenting with something new, the right syrup can make all the difference.

What simply starts as sugar and water (and a few herbs, fruits or spices) ends in a deliciously sweet liquid that adds a whole lot of personality to your drinks. And whilst you can get a huge range of pre-made syrups to add to your cocktails, you can also easily make them at home to infuse your favourite flavours.

From the ever-reliable simple syrup to more adventurous flavours like chilli and lavender, let’s dive into the best syrups for gin cocktails and how to whip them up.

Sugar Syrup

We’re kicking off with the basics: sugar syrup, also known as simple syrup. This staple sweetener is a must-have for any home bar. To make it, just combine equal parts granulated sugar and water in a saucepan, heat gently while stirring until the sugar dissolves, and let it cool. Easy, right?

Simple syrup disperses sweetness evenly throughout your drink, making it perfect for any cocktail that needs a little something extra. Its neutral flavour allows the gin and other ingredients to shine. We use it in lots of our recipes like the refreshing Beefeater Tom Collins, the sophisticated Pink Lady and the tangy Rhubarb Cranberry Sour.

aGAVE SYRUP

Next up is agave syrup, a fantastic alternative to sugar syrup if you’re looking for something a little different. Made from the sap of the agave plant, this syrup is sweeter than sugar, so you can use less of it.

Agave syrup has a subtle, earthy flavour that pairs beautifully with gin, enhancing rather than overpowering its botanical notes. It’s a great choice for cocktails like the zesty Gin Basil Smash, where it adds a hint of sweetness without stealing the show. To make agave syrup, mix equal parts agave nectar and water, stir until combined, and you’re good to go!

lavendEr syrup

For a light, floral twist, lavender syrup is an absolute winner. It’s made by infusing simple syrup with fresh or dried lavender flowers. Combine one cup of sugar, one cup of water and a tablespoon of lavender in a saucepan, simmer gently for about 10 minutes, then strain and cool.

The fragrant, aromatic flavour of lavender syrup is a beautiful match for gin-based cocktails, especially a G&T or a gin lemonade. Its delicate notes work well with Beefeater’s botanical profile, complementing the citrus and spiced ingredients. Try adding a dash next time you pour a drink on a warm summer evening. You could even garnish with a lavender flower.

strawberry syrup

If you’ve got a sweet tooth, strawberry syrup is a must-try. This syrup is made by simmering fresh strawberries with sugar and water until they break down into a sweet, fruity syrup. Combine equal parts chopped strawberries, sugar and water in a saucepan, cook until the strawberries are soft, then strain and leave to cool.

Strawberry syrup adds a deliciously sweet, berry flavour to your gin cocktails. It’s a perfect match for Beefeater Pink Gin, enhancing its delicious strawberry notes. Use it in drinks like the fruity Pink Strawberry Cooler or the refreshing Pink Bramble for a summery, sweet treat.

tonic syrup

Tonic syrup is a game-changer for gin and tonic lovers. Made by boiling cinchona bark (the source of quinine), citrus peel and sugar, it’s essentially a concentrated tonic water that’ll add an extra hit of bitter tang. Mix one cup of water with one cup of sugar, add the cinchona bark and citrus peel and simmer. 20 minutes later you’ll need to strain and cool. Simple.

Tonic syrup adds a bespoke touch to your G&T, allowing you to control the level of sweetness and bitterness. It brings a depth of flavour that you don’t get from pre-bottled tonic water. Just add soda water and your favourite Beefeater Gin for a personalised G&T experience.

chilli syrup

If you can handle the heat, you’ve got to try chilli syrup. This spicy liquid is made by simmering chilli peppers with sugar and water. Combine one cup of sugar, one cup of water, and one or two sliced chillies in a saucepan, simmer until the sugar dissolves and remove the chillies.

Chilli syrup adds a fiery kick to your gin cocktails, creating a thrilling contrast to the gin’s botanicals. It’s perfect for spicing up a Red Snapper or adding some heat to a Spicy Gin Margarita. It’s a bold choice but one you won’t regret.

rhubarb syrup

Rhubarb syrup brings a tangy, tart flavour to your gin cocktails. To make it, simmer chopped rhubarb with equal parts sugar and water until it breaks down into a luscious syrup.

Rhubarb syrup’s sharpness pairs wonderfully with gin, balancing its sweetness with a tart edge. It’s perfect for cocktails like the Rhubarb Cranberry Sour, adding a refreshing twist that’s both sweet, sour and classically British.

Adding syrups to your gin cocktails is a fantastic way to experiment with flavours and find new favourites. Whether you’re sticking to the classics or trying something out of the ordinary, these syrups can elevate your gin drinks to new heights.

So go ahead, get creative and enjoy! We’ve got plenty of gin cocktail recipes you can experiment with.