Simple syrup is one of the must-have ingredients for your home bar. Liquefied sugar mixes better in cold cocktails than granulated sugar. It’s an essential ingredient in all sorts of classic drinks, like a Daiquiri, Mint Julep, or Pisco Sour.

While you can actually purchase simple syrup already made, it’s cheaper and easier to just make it yourself. It’ll take you 5 minutes and last a few weeks.

Step 1: pour 1 cup of sugar and 1/2 cup of clean water (distilled or spring) into a mixing glass.

Step 2: microwave the mixture for about 30 seconds to a minute, stirring with a fork at least once.

Step 3: stir well again once heated. Allow to cool.

Step 4: pour into a refrigerate-able container. I use these plastic squeeze bottles.

Here is a great party punch recipe you can use that simple syrup in:

Pitcher of Mojitos

• In a pitcher with a strainer lid, add:
• 1 1/2 cup fresh lime juice
• 50-100 mint leaves
• muddle those two indredients in the pitcher, then add:
• 1 1/2 cup simple syrup
• 1 bottle white rum
• 2 limes, sliced into thin wheels (this is just for looks)
• 1- 1 1/2 liters mineral water. I used the big bottle of Trader Joe’s lime mineral water
• add lots of ice. Stir.
• Pour into glasses filled with ice. I use a straining pitcher or a big beverage dispenser to serve them.