Honey Simple Syrup

May 03, 2021

Honey has so many wonderful uses including as tried and true substitution for sugar.  With several varieties at the farm, it's a great way to mix up the flavor in your favorite recipes.  I love to use honey to sweeten my Arizona Sun Tea in the summer! Except, have you ever noticed that that gooey honey is sometimes hard to mix into your favorite drinks straight from the jar?  That’s where simple syrup comes in:

1. Add equal parts honey and water to a small saucepan over medium heat.
2. Stir until honey is dissolved.
3. Allow to cool and transfer to an airtight container. (I like to use an empty honey jar!) Syrup will keep, refrigerated, for up to 1 month.

It’s just that SIMPLE (pun definitely intended)!  But if you are feeling extra adventurous, you can add culinary lavender, mint, ginger, basil, citrus zest, or even red chili pepper to the saucepan and strain before cooling for an infused honey syrup!

Honey Lemonade

Waiting for the next community farmers market but missing that fresh squeezed lemonade?  Or, maybe your neighbor dropped off a bunch of extra backyard lemons.  When life hands you lemons, make some lemonade!  I like the Laveen Alfalfa for this because it has a sweet honey taste.

Ingredients:

1. 1 ½ cups fresh squeezed lemon juice
2. 4 cups water
3. Honey simple syrup (to taste, but I like ½ to 1 cup)

Add lemon juice, water, and honey simple syrup to your favorite pitcher and stir.  Refrigerate until ready to serve.  Garnish with lemon slices and serve over ice.  If you are feeling fancy, muddle some strawberries and basil in a glass before adding ice and lemonade for a refreshing mocktail. 

French 75 Cocktail

Named for the French 75 field gun commonly used in World War I and popularized in movies such as Casablanca and a couple John Wayne films, this drink is festive and perfect for a celebration.  For cocktails, I like the Mesquite honey because it adds a light taste.

Ingredients:

1. 1 ½ ounces gin (vodka works too if gin is not your thing)
2. ¾ ounce fresh lemon juice (about ¾ medium lemon)
3. ¾ ounce honey simple syrup (recipe follows)
4. 2 to 3 ounces chilled Champagne, prosecco, or dry sparkling wine (enough to top the glass)

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, add gin, lemon juice, and honey simple syrup, and shake until well chilled.  Strain into a champagne flute and top with prosecco. Garnish with a lemon peel and drink responsibly. Prost!

Thank you to Rebecca P for this great blog post!

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