Recipe of the Month — Navel Orange and Rosemary Simple Syrup + Drink
The holiday season has come and gone and the weather here in Jacksonville can not make up its mind. Over the past several months, I have shared recipes that were foods from several different cuisines with many delicious flavor combinations. This month, we are trying something different. Instead of doing food, why not do a drink. Instead of giving a recipe for solely a beverage, why not help you out with a fun technique that can be used not for one drink, but for many down the road.
Today there are many people who do not drink alcohol. And for that reason, this recipe will not be one with alcohol. But if you prefer to have an adult beverage you can likely add one of many different forms of alcohol to this beverage. Whatever you decide. Regardless, the holiday season has come and gone and the new year has arrived. Please enjoy this delicious simple syrup with any number of drinks.
If you did not know, the reason the two main ingredients are navel orange and rosemary, is that they are both in season here in Jacksonville. If you attend the Riverside Arts Market, you may just be able to find both ingredients there. Happy Shopping and Happy New Year!
Ingredients:
The Simple Syrup
- 1 cup or 200g of Sugar
- 1 cup or 200g of Water (equal to sugar)
- 2 medium or one large Navel Orange
- 1-2 long Sprig of Rosemary
The Drink
- ¾ to 1 ounce of Simple Syrup
- 1 bottle of Ginger Beer (or substitute some of it for alcohol)
- 2 Slices of Navel Orange
- Small Sprig of Rosemary
- Small cubed or crushed Ice
**Disclaimer: Recipes for cooking do not have to be exact in quantity or ingredient. If you have a different oil, type of salt, or any other ingredient, please use what you have. Enjoy!
Instructions for SImple Syrup:
Step 1: Prepare a small sauce pot with the sugar and the water and begin heating up. Stirring with a whisk until the sugar is dissolved. While it is heating up, zest then juice the orange(s). Take the zest and juice, add it and a sprig of rosemary to the sauce pot. Bring to a boil and then simmer for 5-10 minutes.
Step 2: Let it cool down and if you decide to make a drink, continue below. If not, store simple syrup in a glass jar and allow to cool before placing a lid. Store in the refrigerator.
Instructions for Mixed Drink:
Step 1: Gather all of the ingredients for the mixed drink. Start with a slice of orange and the simple syrup. If you want it sweeter add a little more. Then add the ice.
Step 2: Open the ginger beer or carbonated water and add until almost full. Stir it with a spoon. Taste and make changes to your preference. If it is completed, add another slice of orange and a sprig of rosemary. If you do not get enough orange flavor add some orange juice.
Reminder: Lastly, if you want to add alcohol, please drink responsibly.
Step 3: Enjoy!
