Up Your Labor Day BBQ Game with Great Cocktails!

Screen Shot 2016-08-27 at 9.55.50 PMThe end of summer is marked with Labor Day BBQs. Want to make yours even better? Make some hand crafted cocktails. You can make them with alcohol and without (for the kiddies and those who don’t imbibe.) I was offered the opportunity to try all natural simple syrups from Sonoma Syrup Co. to up my cocktail game.

Sonoma Syrup Co. makes all natural syrups, extracts and flavorings. Sonoma Syrup Co. was founded in 2002 with Infused Simple Syrups from the founder’s own kitchen garden. All of their products are all natural with high quality flavors and healthy ingredients. They’re handcrafted in small batches to create “uniquely American syrups and extracts reflect the flavors and sensibility of the region.”

Sonoma Syrup Co.’s Infused Simple Syrups are perfect mixers to have on hand for parties and BBQ. You can whip up some great cocktails or cook up a “shrub” to use as a base for virgin and non-virgin drinks.

mint julep

The Husband loves bourbon so I made him a Mint Julep with the Mint Infused Simple Syrup. I used 3 oz of Bourbon, 1 oz of the Mint Infused Simple Syrup and 8 mint leaves as “prescribed” on the bottle. I didn’t have a “Mint Julep Cup” but The Husband liked it just the same.

gin lemonade grenadine

I saw a recipe on Get Green Be Well with gin, Mint Infused Simple Syrup and lemonade. I tried a twist on this one with 1 oz of gin, lemonade, 1/2 oz of Mint Infused Simple Syrup and 1/2 oz of Grenadine Infused Simple Syrup. This would be a great BBQ drink by the pitcher. It is light, refreshing and delicious. The Husband liked it, too!

shirley temple

The Pomegranate Grenadine Simple Syrup contains pomegranate juice and no artificial coloring. This makes excellent Shirley Temples (or you can add some vodka for the adults). The syrup tastes amazing and is not too sweet. It’s still a treat – just a healthier one! No one needs to know. They also have a Grenadine bar mixer (and three other varieties) if you like a truer tasting Shirley Temple.

These syrups mix well with a variety of spirits, soda water, teas and more. Check out cocktail and virgin cocktail recipes via Sonoma Syrups Co.’s website. They also have some amazing flavors for your coffee including Pumpkin Spice Latte!

cider vinegar

I’ve also been making a health tonic in the mornings with their Apple Cider Infused Drinking Vinegar. I’ll tell you about that soon, too!

You can check out the full line of Sonoma Syrups products online. Get 10% off your purchase now with code SUMMER. You can also follow on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Please note: I was provided with sample products at no cost in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.