Simple Syrup

This is the basic mixer for most of the frilly cocktails that people like to drink. It's a simple sweetener and is really easy to make. I suggest, strongly, that you try to make this yourself rather than buying it. It's easy and is better for you than what you will buy in the store.

Here's the simple recipe for simple syrup:

1 part sugar to 1 part water.

use a dry measure for sugar and wet for water (obviously). I generally make batches in 1Cup water to 1Cup sugar.

Use pure cane sugar. If you use some exotic sugar, you will likely change the flavor, which you need to compensate for in the drink mix.

Once you have your ingredients mixed, just put them in a glass jar or bowl or whatever (microwave safe) and heat on high. stop and stir every minute or so. You should heat this just enough to melt the sugar. Keep heating and stirring until you can't see any sugar granuals in the water. Now take it out and let it sit on the counter for 20 minutes. Pour into an empty, clean bottle and put it in the fridge for your next cocktail mix.

Note: This will only keep in the fridge for about 3 weeks. I will eventually grow mold that you can see as floating white masses in the bottom of the bottle. I'm not sure the mold would kill you, but I wouldn't take the chance.