Create your own delicious flavored syrups and use them in everything from coffee, chai tea, hot cocoa, or eggnog to martinis, frozen drinks, or sundaes.
For Basic Syrup Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 15 minutes or until sugar dissolves completely and is reduced by 1/4. Let cool to room temperature.
Salted Caramel Syrup
In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup coconut sugar and 1 Tbsp. of water. Cook over high heat for 4-5 minutes or until deep brown in color. Add 1/2 cup coconut almond milk and cook over medium heat until sugar is melted and mixture is smooth. Stir in 2 Tbsp. heavy cream and 1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt. Stir in 2 cups of the cooled cocoa syrup and 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract. Cool to room temperature. Pour into bottles, cap, and refrigerate until needed for up to 4 weeks. Makes 2 1/2 cups.
Cran-Raspberry Syrup
In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup of water, 1/2 cup of fresh raspberries and 1/2 cup of prepared cranberry sauce (preferably homemade) and 2 Tbsp. heavy cream. Boil over medium heat for 10 minutes or until liquid is reduced by 1/3. Strain mixture into a bowl with 2 cups of reserved cocoa syrup. Add 2 Tbsp. raspberry liquor such as chambord. Strain mixture into a bowl, then pour into bottles, cap, and refrigerate until needed up to 4 weeks. Makes 2 1/2 cups.
Irish Cream Syrup
In a medium saucepan, combine 3 cups prepared hot cocoa syrup, 1 cup heavy cream, 1 Tbsp. instant espresso powder, 2 tsp. cocoa powder and 1 cup of Irish whiskey. Bring to a boil. Cook for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature. Stir in vanilla. Pour into bottles, cap, and refrigerate until needed up to 4 weeks. Makes 3 cups
Notes
For dairy free versions, substitute almond or soy milk for the cream, or eliminate the cream altogether. For kid friendly versions, eliminate the alcohol.