It seems like you can get flavored syrups for everything: flavored coffees, flavored alcohols, flavored water, the list doesn't seem to end. However, commercial syrups aren't always the greatest and can often taste quite terrible. So why not skip the risk and make your own simple syrups?

First of all they're called simple syrups for a reason, they're ridiculously simple. All it takes is a little bit of sugar, water and any number of flavorings. My personal favorite is a ginger syrup; I like to keep some on hand in the fridge and mix it with sparkling water for a make-shift ginger ale.

To learn how to make your own simple syrups, including my favorite ginger syrup, read more

Simple Cinnamon-Ginger Syrup

2 cups of water
1 cup of sugar
1 small ginger root
1 stick of cinnamon snapped in half
1 tsp rose water (optional)

1. Rinse and clean ginger, chop into thin slices.
2. Put water into a pot, add sugar and stir.
3. Bring to boil over hight heat and let boil for several minutes.
4. Reduce heat to medium-low and add ginger & cinnamon.
5. Let simmer for about 5-10 minutes.
6. Remove from heat and cool.
7. Once cooled strain into clean container.
8. Add rose water if desired.

Syrup will keep in the fridge for up to three months.

This syrup is great mixed with sparkling water, mixed drinks and served over fruit for a nice light dessert (especially pears).

Try other flavors like orange (use the zest), mint, berries, cucumbers, etc. However, I find that when using fruits, it is best to omit the simmer, and let the ingredients steep (like tea) instead.

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