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What is Simple Syrup

Simple syrup is essentially liquid sugar, and the recipe could not be easier. Take equal parts water and granulated sugar (you can also substitute brown sugar for a variation), boil, and let cool. That’s it. It stores in the fridge for about a month in its purest form.

Where the real fun begins is with infused simple syrups. My go-to is all different types of fruit, but tea flavored is also excellent. While I make them generally for cocktail recipes, simple syrup is great added to anything you want to sweeten and add flavor to. Have fun trying these with coffee, tea, oatmeal, smoothies, and sparkling water (the list could go on and on).

Below I have two recipes written out, but I’ve included simple syrup in so many cocktail recipes I’ve included those as well. If you only want to make the simple syrup, follow the first few steps. You never know, you could be inspired to make the full cocktail! Enjoy!

What Tools Do You Need to Make Simple Syrup?

• Glass Bottle | These recipes will make about 8 oz of syrup. Since they are fruit-infused, they will last for about 2 weeks in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Small Saucepan | I prefer stainless steel because it’s non-toxic, oven-safe, and durable.
• Fine Mesh Strainer | After the syrup is cooled you’ll want to strain and separate the fruit and seeds from the syrup. I’ve used the remaining fruit in recipes like my Strawberry Bread.

Blackberry Simple Syrup Recipe

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 1 cup Granulated Sugar
• 1 cup Fresh Blackberries

Directions

1. Add 1 cup of water, 1 cup of sugar, and 1 cup of blackberries to a saucepan and boil.
2. Once boiling and the sugar has dissolved, turn off the heat and allow the syrup to cool to room temperature to thicken (about 25 minutes).
3. Once the syrup has cooled, strain through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the blackberry seeds.
4. Enjoy!

Raspberry Simple Syrup Recipe

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 1 cup Granulated Sugar
• 1 cup Fresh Raspberries

Directions

1. Add 1 cup of water, 1 cup of sugar, and 1 cup of raspberries to a saucepan and boil.
2. Once boiling and the sugar has dissolved, turn off the heat and allow the syrup to cool to room temperature to thicken (about 25 minutes).
3. Once the syrup has cooled, strain through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the raspberry seeds.
4. Enjoy!

Banana Simple Syrup

Chai Simple Syrup

Cherry Simple Syrup

Ginger Simple Syrup

Key Lime Simple Syrup

Lemon Vanilla Simple Syrup

Orange Vanilla Simple Syrup

Pumpkin Chai Simple Syrup

Pumpkin Spice Simple Syrup

Strawberry Vanilla Simple Syrup

Vanilla Simple Syrup

Toasted Simple Syrup

DISCLOSURE: If you buy something through my links, I may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. I only feature products I would use myself, and all opinions expressed here are my own. And because I am very obsessed with FTC compliance, check out my full disclaimer here.

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If you like these recipes, check out some other cocktails below!

The post Easy Simple Syrup Recipes for Cocktails appeared first on Very Obsessed.

If you buy something through my links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I appreciate your support! See disclosure for details.

Blackberry Ginger Cocktail Recipe

Servings: 1

Ingredients

BLACKBERRY SIMPLE SYRUP:

• 1 cup Granulated Sugar
• 1 cup Fresh Blackberries

COCKTAIL:

• 1 oz. Blackberry Syrup (from above)
• ½ oz. Fresh Lemon Juice
• 2 oz. Gin
• 2 oz. Ginger Beer
• Fresh Blackberries for garnish, optional

Directions

1. Add 1 cup of water, 1 cup of sugar, and 1 cup of blackberries to a saucepan and bring it to a boil.
2. Once boiling and the sugar has dissolved, turn off the heat and allow the syrup to cool to room temperature to thicken (about 25 minutes).
3. Once the syrup has cooled, strain through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the blackberry seeds.
4. Fill a glass halfway with ice, and add 1 oz. blackberry simple syrup and lemon juice.
5. Add 2 oz. gin and top with 2 oz. ginger beer.
6. Garnish with fresh blackberries.
7. Enjoy!

Blackberry Ginger Cocktail Ingredients

• Fresh Blackberries: Fresh blackberries will give the best flavor to the simple syrup, far better than store-bought. You’ll need extra for the garnish too!
• Granulated Sugar: I like organic, but use what you have on hand. This will be used to make the blackberry simple syrup.
• Lemon Juice: A hint of acid is necessary.
• Gin: Hendrick’s is the brand of choice for me. If you don’t think you like gin, try it and report back.
• Ginger Beer: I really like this light version. As always, this is a non-alcoholic ginger spicy beverage. This version isn’t quite as spicy, but not sweet like ginger ale.

What Tools Do You Need to Make a Blackberry Ginger Cocktail?

• Glass Bottle | This recipe will make about 8 oz of syrup, enough for 8 cocktails. If you don’t use it all at once, it will last for 2-4 weeks in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Blackberry simple syrup is great in coffee, smoothies, oatmeal, and anywhere you want a little berry-infused sweetness!
• Citrus Juicer | This is my favorite way to juice a lemon since it goes into the cup and I can see the exact measurement I need.
• DOF Glasses | DOF (double old-fashioned) glasses are crucial for Old Fashioned’s, and you know I love to use glasses in multiple ways. It’s the perfect glass to dress up this cocktail.

If you like this recipe, check out the other berry cocktails below!

DISCLOSURE: If you buy something through my links, I may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. I only feature products I would use myself, and all opinions expressed here are my own. And because I am very obsessed with FTC compliance, check out my full disclaimer here.

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If you buy something through my links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I appreciate your support! See disclosure for details.

Raspberry Champagne Spritzer Recipe

Servings: 1

Ingredients

RASPBERRY SIMPLE SYRUP:

• 1 cup Granulated Sugar
• 1 cup Fresh Raspberries

COCKTAIL:

• 1 oz. Raspberry Syrup (from above)
• 1 oz. Fresh Lemon Juice
• 4 oz. Champagne
• 1 oz. Sparkling Water
• Fresh Raspberries for garnish, optional

Directions

1. Add 1 cup of water, 1 cup of sugar, and 1 cup of raspberries to a saucepan and bring it to a boil.
2. Once boiling and the sugar has dissolved, turn off the heat and allow the syrup to cool to room temperature to thicken (about 25 minutes).
3. Once the syrup has cooled, strain through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the raspberry seeds.
4. Fill a glass halfway with ice, and add 1 oz. raspberry syrup and lemon juice.
5. Add 4 oz Champagne and top with 1 oz. sparkling water.
6. Garnish with fresh raspberries.
7. Enjoy!

Raspberry Champagne Spritzer Ingredients

• Fresh Raspberries: I’ve tried store-bought syrups and they just don’t taste the same! Fresh raspberries will give the best flavor to the simple syrup. You’ll need extra for the garnish too!
• Granulated Sugar: I like organic, but use what you have on hand. This will be used to make the raspberry simple syrup.
• Lemon Juice: Most good cocktails need a hit of acid.
• Champagne: Feel free to use whatever dry, sparkling wine you would like. This recipe is made with Champagne (which sounds more fancy and festive, right?), but would be just as good with Prosecco.
• Sparkling Water: I’m partial to Topo Chico.

What Tools Do You Need to Make a Raspberry Spritzer?

• Glass Bottle | This recipe will make about 8 oz of syrup, enough for 8 cocktails. If you don’t use it all at once, it will last for 2-4 weeks in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Raspberry simple syrup is great in coffee, smoothies, oatmeal and anywhere you want a little berry-infused sweetness!
• Citrus Juicer | This is my favorite way to juice a lemon since it goes into the cup and I can see the exact measurement I need.
• Wine Glasses | As a former glassware buyer, I choose these for my everyday wine glasses. They are a great shape and the size is perfect for red wine or a spritz. Made in Austria, the quality if exceptional.

If you like this recipe, check out the other sparkling cocktails below!

DISCLOSURE: If you buy something through my links, I may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. I only feature products I would use myself, and all opinions expressed here are my own. And because I am very obsessed with FTC compliance, check out my full disclaimer here.

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If you buy something through my links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I appreciate your support! See disclosure for details.

French 75 Mocktail Recipe

Servings: 1

Ingredients

JUNIPER TEA

• 1 tsp Juniper Berries

SIMPLE SYRUP:

• 1 cup Granulated Sugar

MOCKTAIL:

• 1½ oz. Juniper Tea (from above)
• 1 oz. Fresh Lemon Juice
• ½ oz. Simple Syrup (from above)
• 2 oz. Sparkling Grape Juice
• Lemon Twist, optional

Directions

1. Add 1 cup of water and 1 cup of sugar to a saucepan and bring it to a boil.
2. Once boiling and the sugar has dissolved, turn off the heat and allow the syrup to cool to room temperature to thicken (about 25 minutes).
3. While the syrup is cooling, place 1 tsp of juniper berries in a tea ball infuser. Place the infuser in a mug and steep in 8 oz. of boiling water for 15 minutes. Remove infuser.
4. Fill a martini shaker ½ full with ice.
5. Add 1 oz. juniper tea, lemon juice, and ½ oz. simple syrup to the cocktail shaker and shake for 12 seconds.
6. Pour into a glass, straining ice. Top with sparkling grape juice and garnish with a lemon twist.
7. Enjoy!

French 75 Mocktail Ingredients

• Juniper Berries: A classic French 75 is made with gin and juniper is the main flavor in gin. To get the subtle herbaceous flavor, we’ll make juniper tea with berries.
• Granulated Sugar: Used to make the simple syrup. If you already have simple syrup or choose to use store-bought, you can skip the first two steps of the recipe.
• Lemon Juice: You can’t make a French 75 without lemon juice. I highly suggest fresh squeezed and you can use the lemon peel for the twist garnish.
• Sparkling Grape Juice: This is the stuff we all used to drink as kids! I try to include ingredients that are easily found, but if you prefer to use a de-alcoholized champagne, go for it. Please note that de-alcoholized beverages contain trace amounts of alcohol, which may or may not be acceptable for some people. Another less sweet option is tonic water, but you won’t get the fermentation of champagne or grape juice.

What Tools Do You Need to Make a Non-Alcoholic French 75?

• Tea Infuser | Easy way to steep and remove the juniper berries, otherwise you can strain the tea.
• Martini Shaker | I love this one because it gets the mocktail very cold and doesn’t leak. I’ve had it for years and it’s still as good as new!
• Coupe Glasses | My go-to for martinis, these glasses pull double duty for sparkling beverages and are high quality. You can also use a champagne flute if you have the space to store multiple glasses.

If you like this recipe, check out the other classic mocktail recipes below!

DISCLOSURE: If you buy something through my links, I may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. I only feature products I would use myself, and all opinions expressed here are my own. And because I am very obsessed with FTC compliance, check out my full disclaimer here.

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Jump to my Spiced Cranberry Pear Spritz Recipe

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Chai Simple Syrup

Masala Chai simple syrup is such a great addition to cocktails because it is an easy way to fuse many different spices. I had friends over while recipe testing who didn’t even like chai and liked the cocktail. If you aren’t a fan of chai, don’t let this scare you, just think of it as cinnamon, ginger, and more pre-mixed! It’s also great to have on hand to add to coffee or anywhere you’d want a flavored sweetener.

Spiced Cranberry Pear Spritz Ingredients

• Chai Tea Bag: Black tea with warm comforting spices. You’ll use this to make the simple syrup.
• Granulated Sugar: In most well-stocked pantries, you’ll use this for the simple syrup and the sugared cranberries.
• Vanilla Extract: The final ingredient in the simple syrup.
• Prosecco: Italian sparkling wine is traditional in a spritz, but feel free to use Champagne too.
• Pear Juice: Unsweetened and pear as the only ingredient.
• Cranberry Juice: Unsweetened and cranberry as the only ingredient.
• Soda Water: Added bubbles and cuts the alcohol which is great if you are having a few at a party.
• Fresh Cranberries: These will be sugared as garnish.
• Fresh Sprig of Rosemary: Pop of color and just a hint of herb.

What Tools Do You Need to Make a Spiced Cranberry Pear Spritz?

• Wine Glasses | A good-sized red wine glass pulls double duty for a spritz.
• Round Ice Cube Tray | Optional, but filled with cranberry juice they won’t water down the cocktail. Plus they’re cute!
• Glass Bottle | If you don’t use all the simple syrup in your cocktail, store it in the refrigerator for 2-4 weeks.

Spiced Cranberry Pear Spritz Recipe

Servings: 1

Ingredients

CHAI SIMPLE SYRUP:

• 1 cup Granulated Sugar
• 2 Masala Chai Tea Bags
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract

COCKTAIL:

• 4 oz. Prosecco
• 1 oz. Simple Syrup
• 1 oz. Pear Juice
• 1 oz. Cranberry Juice (more if you’d like to make cranberry juice ice cubes)
• 1 oz. Soda Water

GARNISH: will make more than needed for one cocktail

• ⅔ cup Fresh Cranberries
• ¼ cup Granulated White Sugar

Directions

1. Add 1 cup of water, 1 cup of sugar, and 2 tea bags to a medium saucepan and bring it to a boil.
2. Once boiling and the sugar has dissolved, turn off the heat, and add the vanilla and fresh cranberries.
3. Allow the tea bags and cranberries to steep for 10 minutes.
4. Remove tea bags and cranberries with a slotted spoon.
5. Place cranberries on parchment paper to dry out at room temperature for about an hour
6. Allow the syrup to cool to room temperature to thicken.
7. Once cranberries are dry, toss with ¼ cup sugar, and set aside.
8. Fill a wine glass ½ way with ice.
9. Add prosecco, pear juice, cranberry juice, and soda water. Garnish with three sugared cranberries and a sprig of fresh rosemary.
10. Enjoy!

Note: The sugared cranberry recipe is adapted from vanillaandbean.com

Tips

• Sugared cranberries can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
• I suggest preparing the sugared cranberries and chai simple syrup in advance.
• Brown sugar can be used in place of granulated sugar for the simple syrup
• If you need some brightness, add a squeeze of lemon juice. I find I don’t need it with the tart cranberries.

More Festive Winter Cocktails:

DISCLOSURE: If you buy something through my links, I may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. I only feature products I would use myself, and all opinions expressed here are my own. And because I am very obsessed with FTC compliance, check out my full disclaimer here.

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Jump to my Pumpkin Spice Chai Martini Recipe

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Pumpkin Spice Chai Simple Syrup

I like to use easy-to-find ingredients to make simple syrups. If you can find pumpkin spice chai tea in teabags, great, use that! If you can’t, don’t worry. Using one bag of pumpkin spice tea and one back of chai works just as well! You can also use straight-up black tea and add spices to the simple syrup but I like keeping the simple syrup simple.

Like all of my homemade simple syrups, this is great to use later in oatmeal, smoothies, or mixed with sparkling water. The recipe makes 8 oz, and you’ll only use 1-2 oz for each to make your perfect cocktail, so if you have some remaining, store it in a glass airtight container in the fridge.

What Tools Do You Need to Make a Pumpkin Martini?

• Coupe Glasses | These are perfect for both martinis and Champagne. Ideal in city living.
• Cocktail Shaker | I love this because of the minimal design, built-in strainer, and it doesn’t leak.
• Glass Bottle | If you don’t use all the simple syrup in your cocktail, store it in the refrigerator for 2-4 weeks.

Pumpkin Spice Chai Martini Recipe

Servings: 1

Ingredients

PUMPKIN CHAI SIMPLE SYRUP:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 pumpkin spice chai tea bags (or 1 pumpkin spice tea bag and 1 masala chai tea bag)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

COCKTAIL:

• 2 oz. Gin (I prefer Hendrick’s)
• 1-2 oz. Simple Syrup
• Dash of bitters
• Squeeze of an orange 
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon, for garnish
• 1 tsp granulated sugar, for garnish

Directions

1. Add 1 cup of water, 1 cup of sugar, and 2 tea bags to a saucepan and bring them to a boil.
2. Once boiling and the sugar has dissolved, turn off the heat, add the vanilla, and let the tea bags steep for 10 minutes.
3. Remove tea bags and let the syrup cool to room temperature to thicken; this will take about 15 additional minutes.
4. Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice and add gin, simple syrup, bitters, and a squeeze of orange.
5. Run an orange slice (you can use the remainder from the squeeze in the cocktail) around half of a glass. Roll the rim of the glass in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
6. Pour the cocktail into the glass, straining the ice.
7. Enjoy!

Tip: I haven’t tested this, but if you are looking for a latte style, feel free to add espresso, cold brew concentrate, or coffee and milk or milk alternatives to taste. You can also add some coffee liqueur if you have it on hand.

More Fall Cocktail Recipes:

DISCLOSURE: If you buy something through my links, I may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. I only feature products I would use myself, and all opinions expressed here are my own. And because I am very obsessed with FTC compliance, check out my full disclaimer here.

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I prefer recipes that offer ingredients to offset the traditional alcohol portion, using simple ingredients and not spirit-free alcohol. One of my most popular recipes is Hot Spiked Apple Cider made with brandy and my goal with this Hot Apple Cider Mocktail Recipe is to offer up an equally delicious and complex flavor. Enjoy!

Jump to my Hot Apple Cider Mocktail Recipe

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Apple Cider vs. Apple Juice

Many people are confused what the difference between apple cider and apple juice is and that’s for good reason. They are both non-alcoholic beverages that are made from the juice of apples. Where apple cider is unsweetened and unfiltered, apple juice is generally sweetened and has other additives, like preservatives. 

It’s important to note that this recipe is for apple cider, and then we will add the sweetness to it in the form of the ginger simple syrup. I 100% of the time choose apple cider over apple juice (bonus points if it’s fresh apple cider from an apple orchard) because I like that cider has not been overly processed and there is nothing added.

Ginger Simple Syrup

Just like not using spirit-free alcohol for mocktails, I also like to use easy-to-find at-the-grocery store ingredients to make simple syrups. It’s so easy to make, and you know exactly what’s in it. The ginger simple syrup used in this hot apple cider mocktail has a lot of flavor, but because it’s balanced with sugar, it isn’t super spicy. It would be great to use later in oatmeal, smoothies, or mixed with sparkling water. The recipe makes 8 oz, and you’ll only use 1 oz for each mocktail, so if you have some remaining, store it in a glass airtight container in the fridge.

What Tools Do You Need to Make an Apple Cider Mocktail?

• Jigger | Part of every well-equipped bar.
• Glass Bottle | This recipe will be 8 oz of simple syrup. If you don’t use the full recipe for mocktails now, store the remaining in a glass bottle in the fridge. It should last two to four weeks.
• Mugs | Especially if you are making this mocktail for a group, glass mugs are so pretty

Hot Apple Cider Mocktail Recipe

Servings: 1

Ingredients

GINGER SIMPLE SYRUP

• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 oz. ginger root (about 3 inches)

APPLE CIDER MOCKTAIL

• 10 oz. Apple Cider (apple as the only ingredient)
• 1 Orange Wedge
• 1 oz. Ginger Simple Syrup
• Cinnamon Stick, for garnish
• 1 Apple Wedge, for garnish

Directions

1. Add 1 cup of water and 1 cup of brown sugar to a saucepan and bring them to a boil.
2. Once boiling and the sugar has dissolved, turn off the heat and let the syrup cool to room temperature to thicken; this will take about 25 minutes.
3. Add apple cider, simple syrup, and the juice of an orange wedge to a microwave-safe mug.
4. Microwave for 60 seconds (you may need to adjust based on your microwave settings).
5. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and apple wedge.

Tips

• If you’d like a cold beverage, skip warming up and pour over ice. If you are looking for a sparkling apple cider mocktail, replace the ginger simple syrup with ginger ale or ginger beer.
• Are you planning on making multiple mocktails? You can make this mocktail on the stovetop or slow cooker. Just multiply each ingredient by how many servings you would like! The recipe makes eight servings of simple syrup as is, so that would use 80 oz of apple cider and the juice from one orange.
• Stovetop Method: Warm up the apple cider, simple syrup, and orange juice on the stove and let simmer to keep warm. Ladle into heat-resistant mugs and garnish with a cinnamon stick and apple wedge.
• Slow Cooker Method: Add apple cider, simple syrup, and orange juice to a slow cooker and heat on low for 2 hours. Ladle into heat-resistant mugs and garnish with a cinnamon stick and apple wedge.

Other Mocktails to Enjoy!

DISCLOSURE: If you buy something through my links, I may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. I only feature products I would use myself, and all opinions expressed here are my own. And because I am very obsessed with FTC compliance, check out my full disclaimer here.

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Jump to my Chai Pear Spritz Recipe

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What is a Spritz?

Officially a spritz is an Italian cocktail made with Prosecco, bitters, and sparkling water. A spritz is often an aperitif, meant to be drunk before a meal, and has a lower alcohol content. The most popular spritz in recent years has been an Aperol Spritz (check out my mocktail version), but different variations have become increasingly popular.

In this recipe, the chai tea serves as the bitter component, although it’s made into a simple syrup so the flavor is balanced.

What is Chai Tea?

Fun fact: “Chai” translates to “Tea” in Hindi. It’s not a type of tea which is a common misconception in the U.S. What many people in the U.S. think of as chai is masala chai. Masala translates to spice in Hindi. So technically masala chai is spice tea, and that’s precisely what it is, black tea made with spices. Usually, the spices are composed of cardamom, black pepper, ginger, and cinnamon.

I have chosen to use masala chai in the recipe, but you can always use black tea and add the spices to the boiling water. You’ll just need to strain the tea and spices after steeping.

Chai Simple Syrup

I don’t love using hard-to-find liqueurs so I impart a lot of my flavor with infused simple syrup. It’s so easy to make and you know exactly what’s in it. The chai tea simple syrup used in this chai tea spritzer has a lot of flavor and would be great to use later in oatmeal, smoothies, or mixed with sparkling water. The recipe makes 8 oz and you’ll only use 1-2 oz for each cocktail so if you have some remaining, store it in a glass airtight container in the fridge.

What Tools Do You Need to Make a Chai Pear Spritz?

• Ice Cube Mold | The larger the ice cube the slower the ice will water down the drink. Plus square ice cubes are just prettier.
• Jigger | Part of every well-equipped bar.
• Glass Bottle | This recipe will be 8 oz of simple syrup. If you don’t use it all for cocktails now store the remaining in a glass bottle in the fridge. It should last two to four weeks.

Chai Pear Spritz Recipe

Servings: 1

Ingredients

CHAI SIMPLE SYRUP

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 masala chai tea bags
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

CHAI PEAR SPRITZ

• 3 oz. prosecco
• 2 oz. pear juice (pear as the only ingredient)
• 1-2 oz. chai simple syrup
• 1 oz. sparkling water
• Pear, for garnish
• Star anise, for garnish

Directions

1. Add 1 cup of water, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and chai tea bags to a saucepan and bring to a boil.
2. Once boiling and the sugar has dissolved, turn off the heat, add the vanilla, and let the tea bags steep for 10 minutes.
3. Remove tea bags and let the syrup cool to room temperature; this will take about 15 additional minutes.
4. Add prosecco, pear juice, sparkling soda water, and 1 to 2 oz (depending on how sweet you like it) the a glass. Stir, and add ice.
5. Garnish with pear slices and star anise.

Tips

• Can substitute brown sugar for granulated sugar if that is what you have on hand
• If using one oz of simple syrup is too sweet, add a little fresh lemon juice

More Bubbly Cocktails:

Limoncello Inspired Spritz

Passion Fruit Martini

Strawberry Champagne

DISCLOSURE: If you buy something through my links, I may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. I only feature products I would use myself, and all opinions expressed here are my own. And because I am very obsessed with FTC compliance, check out my full disclaimer here.

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The post Spiced Chai Pear Spritz Recipe (Fall Bubbly Cocktail) appeared first on Very Obsessed.

While I don’t love overly sweet things (and cherry cordials are very sweet) I do like one or two chocolate-covered cherries a year. Maybe it’s nostalgia, or maybe it’s because things are more special when you have them infrequently. Either way, this chocolate covered cherry martini is fun and festive and reminds me of Christmas (although it’s great any time of the year and would be perfect for Valentine’s Day too!)

Jump straight to my Chocolate Covered Cherry Martini Recipe

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Recommended Tools to Make a Chocolate Covered Cherry Martini

• Cocktail Shaker | I like a shaker with a built-in strainer. After having one that leaked for years, I love the simplicity of this one.
• Coupe Glasses | My favorite glasses for martinis and champagne
• Glass Bottle | This recipe makes a little over a cup of cherry vanilla simple syrup so if you don’t use it all you’ll want to store it in the fridge
• Fine Mesh Sieve | Since the syrup is made with real cherries, you’ll want to finely strain it to remove any cherry pieces
• Muddler | You can use a fork or potato masher to break up the cherries in the simple syrup, but I like using a muddler (and every well-stocked bar should probably have one anyway).

Chocolate Covered Cherry Martini Recipe

Servings: 1

Ingredients

Cherry Simple Syrup

• 1 cup frozen cherries
• 1 cup granulated sugar

Cocktail

• 1 tbsp premium vanilla extract
• 2 oz chocolate liqueur (I use Godiva)
• 1 oz amaretto (I use Disaronno)
• 1 oz vodka (I use Grey Goose)
• Maraschino cherries (for garnish)
• chocolate flakes (for garnish, optional)

Directions

1. Add 1 cup of water and the first three ingredients to a saucepan over medium-high heat and simmer for 10 minutes
2. While simmering, mash cherries with a muddler or the back of a fork
3. After simmering turn off the heat, and let cool to room temperature for about 20-30 minutes
4. Strain syrup through a fine mesh sieve to remove cherry bits, and pour into a glass bottle to store
5. Fill a martini shaker halfway with ice
6. Add chocolate liqueur, amaretto, vodka and 1 oz of the cherry vanilla simple syrup
7. Shake vigorously and pour into the glass
8. Garnish with maraschino cherries

Tip:

• If you want to add the chocolate flakes to the rim, dip the rim in the simple syrup first, then dip in chocolate flakes (I buy a semi-sweet baking bar and chop with a knife)
• The colder the better when it comes to martinis so shake that shaker until your hands feel pretty cold

More Holiday Cocktails:

Warm Spiked Apple Cider

Toasted Marshmallow S’Mores Martini

Holiday White Sangria

DISCLOSURE: If you buy something through my links, I may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you.  I only feature products I would use myself, and all opinions expressed here are my own.  And because I am very obsessed with FTC compliance, check out my full disclaimer here.

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