Simple syrups can be made in a matter of minutes. Why choose pre-made syrup instead? Nick Jansen is the general manager at Ani Ramen House. He says that flavored syrups are a favorite of his. They can add a lot of flavor to cocktails and elevate the flavor profiles.
Best Overall: BG Reynolds Orgeat
Ariana Vitale is the beverage director at Abigail Hall, Portland. She uses locally-loved BG Reynolds syrups. “He is a pioneer in tiki, and his organization is a go to for Mai Tais!”. Blair Reynolds, the founder of Hale Pele on the west coast, is no surprise.
The preparation of tiki drinks is difficult. You can reduce the complexity by using a pre-made orgeat instead. The orgeat is made only with almonds and cane syrup. If you don’t want the floral water, they will skip it. It can be used in a Mai Tai, Fog Cutter, or Scorpion. However, the brand recommends using it on pancakes or waffles.
Monin Lychee Syrup is the best widely available
Justin Rankin, the lead bartender at The Katharine Brasserie & Bar, North Carolina, says that while I like to make my syrups, Monin has a great line of syrups. They have a variety of flavors, from vanilla to rose to coffee–which can be very helpful in an emergency.
He also notes that making floral and fruity syrups at home is easier than you might think. You need to add sugar and water to make it. Monin created White Chocolate, Cotton Candy and roasted Marshmallow, which are complex syrups that are easy to make and great for holidays and special occasions.
What you need to know: “These syrups can seem too sweet, so be careful when making cocktails at home,” says Rankin. Start with less, and you can always add more later.
Small Hand Syrups Pineapple Gomme are the best for Old Fashioneds
To give the syrup a rich texture, it is made from organic cane sugar and pineapple. Gomme syrup is an emulsifier that gives a drink a richer mouthfeel. Gomme syrup was more often used in classic cocktails than traditional simple syrup.
Most Versatile: Giffard Aperitif Syrup
Argenis Calderon is a bartender at Alma Cocina Latina, Baltimore. She says Giffard Aperitif is her favorite pre-made syrup. It’s the only pre-made syrup I buy, apart from dark agave syrup. But even that I dilute it with water.”
This syrup reproduces the bitter and citrus notes of aperitivos, such as Aperol and Campari, but without alcohol. It can be used to make non-alcoholic drinks or as a bittering agent for low-ABV cocktails.
Small Hands Food Orgeat Syrup is the Best
Two syrups are essential for me. Bitterscubes Bergamot Tonic Syrup is the first, and the almond syrup/orgeat is from Small Hand Foods is the second. The only ingredients they use are California almonds, organic cane syrup, California apricot kernels and barley. It’s used at the bar as a twist to a classic Sbagliato by adding a bar spoonful of almond syrup, dash or Brancamenta bitter Campari sweet vermouth, and Prosecco.