Given that the holidays are here and one finds oneself tossing back a fair share of Old Fashioneds and Toddies, as they come, we've decided this year to experiment a little and *ahem* spice things up... This is an easy syrup to throw into cocktails, tea, or hot lemon water.
Spiced Simple Syrup
3/4 cup water
1 1/2 cinnamon sticks, broken up
5 whole cloves
1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes
2 star anise
1/2 cup demerara sugar
Just boil some water, add sugar and spices. Stir with gusto to dissolve sugar and simmer merrily for eight or so minutes, stirring as the mood strikes you. Turn off heat and allow everything to cool and get to know each other. Strain before bottling. This should keep for about a month in the fridge.
Now one can make something cheery, like a...
Big Spender
2 1/4 oz. Partida añejo tequila
1 oz. 10-year tawny port
Dash of Angostura bitters
Several good dashes of Spiced Syrup
And garnish with a lovely brandied cherry
Cheers!
