How can I use leftover raspberry syrup?

You'll have a bit of extra syrup with this cocktail recipe; store it in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for up to 6 months. Use any leftovers in place of triple sec or other sweeteners in your favorite cocktails or mocktails! Margaritas, vodka tonics, and mojitos are all great cocktails with raspberry syrup.

Can I make these spritzers non alcoholic?

Yes - this raspberry basil syrup makes a great mocktail! Use a nonalcoholic spirit (we love this gin substitute ) in place of the bourbon, or omit this ingredient entirely. Top drinks with sparkling water or club soda instead of Prosecco.

Raspberry Basil Bourbon Spritzers

Description

These easy raspberry basil bourbon spritzers are perfect for summer!

Ingredients

Scale

For the raspberry basil simple syrup:

8 ounces fresh raspberries (about 1 cup), plus extra for garnish
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, plus extra for garnish
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup water

For the cocktails:

4 ounces (1/2 cup) raspberry basil simple syrup
4 ounces (1/2 cup) bourbon
2 Tablespoons fresh squeezed lime juice
4 ounces (1/2 cup) Prosecco (you can also use champagne or club soda)
Plenty of ice
Extra basil leaves and fresh raspberries, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

For the raspberry syrup:

Stir raspberries, basil, sugar and water together in a small saucepan. Turn heat to medium and bring to a low simmer, stirring occasionally. Cook for 8-10 minutes until sugar has dissolved and raspberries are soft.
Turn off the heat and let syrup cool for 20-30 minutes, then strain through a mesh colander to remove the berries and basil leaves (pro tip: freeze the leftover raspberry pieces for smoothies!)
Let syrup cool completely, then use in a cocktail recipe or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

For the cocktails:

Combine raspberry simple syrup, bourbon, lime juice, and a few handfuls of ice in a cocktail shaker. Shake to chill, then strain and divide evenly between two cocktail glasses.
Top each cocktail with prosecco (be sure to pour slowly so the drink doesn’t bubble over). Garnish with a sprig of fresh basil and a fresh raspberry (optional). Serve immediately.

Notes

Swaps and substitutions. Use strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, or peaches in place of the raspberries here. Use thyme instead of basil, or omit the herbs altogether for a more fruit-forward drink. For a sweeter drink, add an extra splash of simple syrup. Use vodka, rum, gin, or your favorite nonalcoholic spirit in place of the bourbon.

Can I make these cocktails ahead of time? Yes - make the simple syrup ahead of time, let it cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week (or in the freezer for several months). We don’t recommend mixing the entire cocktail ahead of time - just make the simple syrup a few days in advance and shake everything together when you’re ready for a drink!

Which bourbon should I use? We typically use Elijah Craig as our mixing bourbon, but use whatever you like to drink! Maker’s Mark, Four Roses Single Barrel, and Woodford Reserve are all good here too.

Keywords: drinks, cocktail, valentine's day