Summer is coming to an end soon, so why not preserve some of the season’s delicious flavors before they’re gone? I like to make fruit and herb syrups to use in cocktails and homemade sodas or lemonade. You won’t believe how easy they are to make!
Simply combine equal parts sugar (or honey!) and water in a saucepan. Add in some fresh chopped fruits, like peaches or blackberries, and throw in a few sprigs of herbs. I love to use mint or thyme. Bring the mixture to a boil, then remove from the heat and let it infuse for an hour. Yum! Are your taste buds watering yet? Once the mixture has cooled, pour it through a fine mesh strainer and into sealable bottles. You can store the simple syrup, refrigerated, for about 6 weeks.
And when you’re ready to use your d’lish syrup, simply mix it with fresh lemon or lime soda water for the perfect refreshing sipper. You can also use it to sweeten ice tea! Or why not shake up some cocktails and use your fresh fruit syrups in drinks such as mojitos, whiskey sours, margaritas, or one of my personal favorites- my Honey Lavender Peach Fizz!
Get creative and preserve the flavor of summer as long as you can!
-Kathy
Honey Lavender Peach Fizz
If the peach is super shiny when you cut it open, you know the brix (sugar level) is high and your peach is going to be sweet! Pick peaches that are heavy with a nice blush on them. This delicious drink is great to enjoy as a non-alcoholic refresher, or add a splash of your favorite local vodka or gin.
1 1/2 oz lavender honey syrup (recipe follows)
1 1/2 oz fresh peach puree (recipe follows)
1 oz fresh squeezed lemon juice
4 oz sparkling water
Garnish: fresh lavender and/or rosemary
In a small pitcher or large measuring cup combine the juice and sparkling water. Stir. Pour into glasses filled with ice, garnish and enjoy! Makes one large or two small drinks.
Lavender Honey Syrup
Makes 1 cup
Honey syrup is easy to make and great to have on hand. I love it used in cocktails, homemade lemonade or non-alcoholic refreshers.
1/2 cup Golden Harvest Bee Ranch Lavender Infused Honey
1/2 cup warm water
Mix together ingredients until well combined. Store refrigerated for up to 10 days.
Fresh Peach Puree
Makes about 3 cups
Seasonal fruit puree can be made with any ripe fresh fruit. It will keep for about 3-4 days refrigerated, or place in small freezer containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Be sure to leave an inch of room at the top of the container for expansion during freezing.
For a fun brunch ideas try adding two tablespoons of puree to a champagne flute and top with a local hard cider for a delicious twist on the traditional Bellini.
3 cups diced fresh very ripe peaches
1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp. honey or sugar
2 tbsp. water
Combine all ingredients in a blender. Pulse for a few seconds then blend on high till nicely pureed. Strain and then refrigerate or freeze.
Recipes courtesy of Kathy Casey Food Studios-Liquid Kitchen®
