How are we at the end of October? It is November this week so I am starting to share some more “winter” inspired recipes. Can’t believe I am saying that! Even though lavender is a spring/summer flower, I feel like it pairs with vanilla in a great way. Lavender is one of my favorite flowers and scents so I wanted to incorporate it into this wonderful margarita!
The good news is that colder weather brings more cuddles and cozy nights! We have turned our fireplace on a few times with the temperatures dipping at night. We have also taken advantage of doing fires on the weekend. There is something about a chilly night next to a fire with cold drinks in hand! We had a friend visiting last weekend and when I was testing this margarita recipe, we sat by the fire brainstorming ways to make it better just for you guys!
Let’s dive into simple syrup, what it is, how it is made, and how to freeze it.
If you are here for the recipe → Scroll below to get one of my favorite cocktail recipes to date!
What Is Simple Syrup?
Simple syrup is a basic syrup commonly used in various culinary applications, especially in the world of cocktails and baking. Some common beverages that use simple syrup include iced tea, lemonade, and cocktails like mojitos, daiquiris, and many others. It's also an important ingredient in various dessert recipes, like cakes, sorbets, and candied fruits. Simple syrup is versatile and ensures that sugar is evenly distributed, as opposed to using granulated sugar that may not fully dissolve in cold drinks. It comes in different ratios, including 1:1 (equal parts sugar and water) and 2:1 (two parts sugar to one part water), depending on the desired level of sweetness for the specific application.
How Is Simple Syrup Made?
It is made by dissolving sugar in an equal amount of water through heating and stirring until the sugar fully dissolves. The result is a clear, sweet liquid that is easier to incorporate into cold or mixed drinks than granulated sugar, which can be challenging to dissolve. You can get these ingredients at your grocery store.
Can You Freeze Simple Syrup?
Yes, you definitely can! Freezing simple syrup is a great way to extend its shelf life. Oftentimes, things like simple syrup are made in bulk but are not always needed at one given time. Freezing helps reduce waste and saves you time in the future when you need another small amount of simple syrup!
What Is The Best Way to Freeze Simple Syrup? Step-By-Step
To freeze simple syrup, follow these steps:
1. Cool the Simple Syrup:
If you made your own homemade syrup, allow it to cool to room temperature after making it. This helps prevent steam from forming inside the container and reduces the risk of freezer burn.
2. Choose an Appropriate Container:
Select a container suitable for freezing. It's a good idea to use an airtight container to prevent moisture loss and protect the syrup from absorbing any odors or flavors from the freezer. You can use a plastic container, glass bottle or jar, glass container, or even ice cube trays, depending on your needs.
3. Fill the Container:
Pour the cooled simple syrup into the selected container. Leave some room at the top to allow for expansion as the syrup freezes.
4. Label the Container:
Label the container with the date of preparation and the sugar-to-water ratio (e.g., 1:1 or 2:1) if you have different types of simple syrup.
5. Seal and Freeze:
Seal the container tightly to prevent air from entering. If you're using an ice cube tray, cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place the container or tray in the freezer.
6. Monitor for Freezing:
Simple syrup will not freeze solid because of its high sugar content, but it will become thicker and syrupy as it gets colder. It may also form ice crystals. This is normal.
7. Thawing and Use:
When you want to use the frozen simple syrup, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature. You can also place the container in a bowl of warm water to speed up the thawing process. Once thawed, it will return to its liquid state.
Frozen simple syrup can be stored for an extended period, typically several months, without any noticeable changes in quality. Using this method, you can have readily available simple syrup for various culinary applications whenever you need it.
Can You Store Simple Syrup At Room Temperature?
For best quality, it is recommended to store freshly made or newly opened simple syrup in the refrigerator to prevent spoilage.
What You’ll Need:
Ingredients
- am.Niccoli Vanilla Baking Salt
- Tequila
- Lavender simple syrup
- Fresh lime juice
- Water
- Ice cubes
Kitchen Equipment
- Cocktail or margarita glasses
- Shallow bowl
- Shot glass
- Cocktail shaker
- Juicer
How to Make Vanilla Lavender Margarita:
Coat the rim: Get the rim wet with water or by running a lime wedge along the serving glass rim. Fill a shallow bowl with the Vanilla Baking Salt and dip the rim until it is covered with the desired amount of salt.
Add ingredients: Add tequila, lavender simple syrup, lime juice, and ice cubes to a cocktail shaker and shake for about 10 seconds.
Pour into glass: Place a few ice cubes in the margarita glass and strain the margarita mix, garnish with a lime slice, and enjoy!
Vanilla Lavender Margarita
Ingredients
- 2 fluid ounces tequila 2 shots
- 1 fluid ounce lavender simple syrup 1 shot
- 1 fluid ounce fresh lime juice 1 shot
- 1 fluid ounce water 1 shot
- ice cubes
- 1-2 tablespoons am.Niccoli Vanilla Baking Salt for rim
Instructions
- Get the rim wet with water or by running a lime wedge along the serving glass rim. Fill a shallow bowl with the Vanilla Baking Salt and dip the rim until it is covered with the desired amount of salt.
- Add tequila, lavender simple syrup, lime juice, and ice cubes to a cocktail shaker and shake for about 10 seconds.
- Place a few ice cubes in the margarita glass and strain the margarita mix, garnish with a lime slice, and enjoy!
Notes
- I like to use blanco tequila, it is always my preference.
- I also like to juice my own limes, I think it makes the margarita SO much better and tastes a lot fresh!
Nutrition
Variations/Substitutes
If you don’t feel like squeezing limes, bottled lime juice will work but I recommend increasing to two shots instead of one.
Some different flavors of simple syrup that would also be good for this recipe:
Salt is the traditional choice and complements the flavors of a margarita.
Blanco tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice.
Ideally, you would lick the salt off the rim as you take a drink.
Equal parts water and sugar.
Other Recipes from am.Niccoli Using Vanilla Baking Salt
I used to not be a huge fan of margaritas, likely because I was using cheap tequila haha. In the past year, they have really grown on me after one of my neighbors made me one with nicer tequila. Now it is one of my go-to drinks, especially at home because I have had a fun time perfecting marg recipes! One thing I have realized over the past year is that juicing fresh limes makes the best margaritas but it is also a lot of work!
So run to the grocery store to gather your ingredients for these vanilla lavender margaritas and be sure to order the essential ingredient - am.Niccoli’s Vanilla Baking Salt! I hope you all enjoy this margarita as much as me!
Let me know if you make this Vanilla Lavender Margarita recipe, I would love to hear what you think! Feel free to leave a comment or share on Instagram!
Enjoy!
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