Craft Unique Cocktail Mixers at Home: Simple Recipes and Techniques

Making your own homemade cocktail mixers is a surefire way to add a dash of personality to every pour—it’s fun, easy, and very tasty! With the rise of at-home mixology in the UK, the magic of DIY mixers has resurfaced. Everything from syrups to shrubs to zesty rimming salts are back in the limelight, and we’re here for it!  

Homemade mixers come to the party packed with fresh, bold flavours, allowing you to get creative and leave a personal touch on every cocktail. So, why settle for store-bought when you can mix up something unique? Keep reading to get inspired. 

Popular DIY cocktail mixers

1. Basic sugar syrup (1:1 ratio)

Sugar syrup is an essential ingredient for any home bar, and the best part is that there are so many amazing flavours to play with! Essentially, it’s just sugar and water having a dance party, creating a sweet, versatile canvas that you can customise with almost anything. Here’s a basic sugar syrup recipe to get you started.   

INGREDIENTS  

• 250 ml Water   

• 200 g Granulated sugar   

METHOD  

1. Combine water and sugar in a small saucepan   
2. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar completely dissolves.   
3. Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the syrup to cool to room temperature.   
4. Transfer the sugar syrup to a clean, airtight container or bottle.   

Cocktails to make with sugar syrup

Old Fashioned  

Tom Collins  

Whiskey Sour   

Read next: The Complete Guide to Sugar Syrups  

2. Home-made sweet & sour mix

Drinks with sweet and sour mix tend to get a bad rap, partly because the store-bought version can be a little meh. The good news is that you can 100% create delicious sweet and sour cocktails at home by making a DIY mix that comes to the party with oodles of zest. Here’s our go-to recipe:   

INGREDIENTS   

• 6 tbsp. Sugar   

• 90 ml Water   

• 90 ml Fresh lime juice   

• 180 ml Fresh lemon juice   

METHOD   

1. Add the sugar and water to a saucepan over medium heat and stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is clear. Set aside to cool.    
2. Juice the lemons and limes (fresh is best), stir it into your simple syrup mixture, and store it in a clean jar or bottle. This will keep in the fridge for up to a week. If you notice mould or if the sour mix becomes cloudy, it’s time to throw it out and make a fresh batch.    

Cocktails to make with sweet and sour mix

Gin Sour  

Amaretto Stone Sour  

Italian Gentleman  

Also see: Homemade Sweet and Sour Mix Recipe (+ 7 Amazing Sweet and Sour Cocktails)

3. Home-made grenadine

Grenadine syrup is a sweet and flavourful syrup that’s commonly used in a variety of beverages and cocktails to add a burst of fruity goodness and colour.

INGREDIENTS  

• 500 ml Pomegranate juice (or cherry juice as an alternative)  

• 400 g Granulated sugar  

• Dash or two of orange flower water (optional)  

• Optional alternative: dash of Grand Marnier for extra flavour 

METHOD  

1. Combine the pomegranate juice and sugar in a saucepan. 
2. Bring the mixture to a slow boil over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar is dissolves.  
3. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the mixture simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.  
4. Remove from heat and allow the syrup to cool to room temperature.  
5. Pour the cooled syrup into a glass bottle or decanter with a tight-sealing lid.  
6. Add a dash or two of orange flower water or Grand Marnier, if desired. Shake gently to combine.  
7. Store in a cool, dry place. 

Homemade grenadine can generally be stored for up to 2-4 weeks in the refrigerator if kept in a clean, airtight container. To tell if it has gone off, look for changes in color or cloudiness, a sour or fermented smell, and any separation or odd consistency in the syrup. These signs generally indicate that bacteria or fermentation has taken place, making it unsuitable for consumption. 

Cocktails to make with grenadine

Shirley Temple  

Tequila Sunrise  

Zombie  

Learn more: 18 Grenadine Cocktails to Try  

4. Home-made elderflower cordial

If you love a drink that is floral, fruity, and soft, this is your sign to make elderflower cordial. This gorgeous mixer is a wonderful cocktail ingredient to have around the house and can be used to make all sorts of floral-laced mixed drinks.    

INGREDIENTS  

• 20–30 Elderflower heads (double-check that they’re free of insects)  

• 1 L Water  

• 800 g Granulated sugar  

• 2 Lemons, thinly sliced  

• 2 tbsp. citric acid (optional, for preservation)  

METHOD  

1. Gently rinse the elderflower heads to remove any dirt or insects.  
2. In a large saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Add the sugar and stir until fully dissolved, creating a syrup. Remove from heat.  
3. Add the elderflower heads and lemon slices to the syrup. If using, add the citric acid. Cover the saucepan and let the mixture steep for 24 hours to infuse the flavours.  
4. After steeping, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean bottle or jar.  
5. Store the cordial in the refrigerator for up to a month. For longer storage, freeze in small portions or add extra citric acid as a preservative.   

In the UK, elderflower heads are generally available both fresh and dried. Fresh elderflower blooms are in season from late spring to early summer (usually May to June) and can be foraged in rural areas or purchased through specialty suppliers like Greens of Devon, who ship fresh elderflowers during the season. Dried elderflowers are available year-round from online sources like The Homebrew Centre. 

Cocktails to make with elderflower cordial

French Blonde  

Pear Martini  

Apple Dream  

See next: 13 Tasty Elderflower Cocktails You’ll Adore  

5. Home-made orgeat

Orgeat is a versatile syrup often used as a hero ingredient in various cocktails and beverages. It is traditionally made from almonds, sugar, and orange flower water, creating a sweet, nutty, and slightly floral flavour profile. Orgeat syrup adds depth, complexity, and a touch of elegance to many popular mixed drinks.   

INGREDIENTS  

• 100 g Almond flour (or blanched almonds, finely ground)  

• 250 ml Water  

• 200 g Granulated sugar  

• 1/4 tsp Almond extract  

• 1/4 tsp Orange flower water  

• 1 oz SKYY Vodka (optional, to extend shelf life)  

METHOD  

1. In a saucepan, combine the almond flour and water over medium heat. Stir until well mixed and warm, but do not bring to a boil.  
2. Remove the mixture from heat, cover, and let it steep for 30 minutes to extract the full almond flavour.  
3. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth, pressing to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the remaining solids.  
4. Return the strained liquid to the saucepan. Add sugar and stir over low heat until completely dissolved.  
5. Remove from heat, then stir in the almond extract, orange flower water, and vodka (if using).  
6. Let the orgeat cool completely before transferring to a glass bottle or jar with a tight-sealing lid.  

DID YOU KNOW? Adding a small amount of vodka to homemade orgeat syrup extends its shelf life by creating a less hospitable environment for bacteria and mold. Alcohol acts as a preservative by inhibiting microbial growth, which is particularly useful in homemade syrups that lack commercial preservatives. The vodka not only stabilises the mixture but also slightly fortifies it against spoilage, keeping the syrup fresh for a few additional weeks. 

Cocktails to make with orgeat

Mai Tai  

Sergeant Pepper Cocktail  

Dead Man’s Handle  

Also see: What is Orgeat and How is it Used in Cocktails?  

Unique cocktail mixers & garnishes to try

6. Mixed berry shrub

A shrub is a mixture of equal parts fruit, sugar, and vinegar which can either be made with or without heat. Our recipe uses the cold method and it’s super simple. It does take a few days to infuse, so plan accordingly. This is a basic recipe and once you’ve mastered it, you can add flourishes of fresh herbs or spices to create your signature cocktail shrub recipe. To make a bigger batch you simply multiply the ingredients to suit your needs.   

INGREDIENTS  

• 150 g Mixed berries, roughly chopped and crushed   

• 200 g White sugar  

• 250 ml Apple cider vinegar    

METHOD  

1. Add the berries and sugar to a bowl with a lid and mix well to combine. Cover and place in the fridge for 24-48 hours. Stir 2-3 times over that period.   
2. Strain the fruit through a fine mesh strainer into a sterilised glass jar and press lightly on the fruit to extract maximum juice. Save the fruit pulp for a smoothie.     
3. Pour in the vinegar and stir with a sterilised spoon.    
4. Seal and place in the fridge for 2 days to infuse before tasting. Shake it up periodically to dissolve any residual sugar.   

Kept in a clean, airtight glass jar or bottle in the refrigerator, shrubs can typically last up to six months due to their high acidity. The vinegar and sugar in shrubs act as natural preservatives, slowing bacterial growth. However, signs that a shrub may have gone off include a cloudy appearance, an off or sour smell beyond the expected vinegar tang, or any visible mold. 

Cocktails to make with your shrub

Strawberry shrub cocktail  

Get schooled: 7 Shrub cocktails to impress your friends 

7. Jalapeño sugar syrup

This jalapeño simple syrup adds a kick of heat and a subtle peppery tang to any beverage, balancing sweetness with just the right amount of spice. It’s easy to make and perfect for adding a bold twist to your favourite cocktails or mocktails.  

INGREDIENTS  

• 250 ml Water   

• 200 g Granulated sugar   

• 1 Jalapeño pepper, sliced (seeds removed for less heat, if desired)   

METHOD  

1. Combine water and sugar in a saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.   
2. Add sliced jalapeño pepper and bring to a simmer.   
3. Simmer for about 5-7 minutes, depending on the desired spiciness level.   
4. Remove from heat and let the syrup cool to room temperature.   
5. Strain out the jalapeño slices and transfer the syrup to a clean jar or bottle.  

Cocktails to make with jalapeño simple syrup

Spicy Margarita   

Bloody Mary 

Spicy Paloma  

8. Rosemary honey syrup

This rosemary honey syrup adds a fragrant herbal twist to cocktails, complementing both gin and whiskey bases. Its floral sweetness pairs beautifully with the earthy notes of rosemary, making it perfect for seasonal sippers.  

INGREDIENTS  

• 250 ml Water  

• 170 g Honey  

• 3–4 sprigs Fresh rosemary  

METHOD  

1. Combine water and honey in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the honey dissolves.  
2. Add the rosemary sprigs and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.  
3. Simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat. Let the syrup cool, steeping the rosemary for an additional 10–15 minutes for extra flavour.  
4. Strain out the rosemary and transfer the syrup to a clean jar or bottle. Store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.  

Cocktails to make with rosemary honey syrup

Bee’s Knees  

Whiskey Sour  

French 75  

9. Citrus rimming salt

Bright and aromatic, this citrus rimming salt adds a burst of zest to enhance your favourite drinks. With a blend of lemon, lime, and orange zest, it’s a versatile addition for any beverage that could use a hint of sunshine.  

INGREDIENTS  

• 75 g coarse sea salt  

• Zest of 1 Lemon  

• Zest of 1 Lime  

• Zest of 1 Orange  

INSTRUCTIONS  

1. In a small bowl, combine the sea salt with lemon, lime, and orange zests.  
2. Spread the mixture on a baking sheet and let it air dry for a few hours or bake at the lowest oven setting for 10–15 minutes until fully dry.  
3. Once dry, store the citrus salt in an airtight container until ready to use.  

Cocktails to garnish with citrus salt

Lime Margarita  

Blood Orange Margarita 

Lemon Drop Martini 

10. Cocktail cherries

Homemade cocktail cherries are a flavourful upgrade that adds depth and sweetness to any drink. With just a few ingredients, you can create cocktail cherries that rival the fancy store-bought ones!  

INGREDIENTS  

• 450 g Fresh cherries, pitted  

• 250 ml Water  

• 200 g Sugar  

• 125 ml Wild Turkey Bourbon  

• 1 Cinnamon stick  

• 1/2 tsp. Vanilla extract  

• 2–3 Cloves or 1star anise (optional)  

METHOD  

1. In a medium saucepan, combine water and sugar over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.  
2. Add the bourbon, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and optional spices to the syrup, stirring gently.  
3. Add the cherries to the mixture, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for about 10 minutes. The cherries will soften slightly but hold their shape.  
4. Remove from heat and let the cherries cool in the syrup.  
5. Transfer the cooled cherries and syrup to a glass jar with a tight-sealing lid and refrigerate for up to two weeks.  

Cocktails to garnish with cherries

Manhattan  

Rob Roy  

Dirty Shirley  

Tips for experimenting with new flavours

Creating DIY cocktail mixers at home is a great way to add a personal touch to your drinks and experiment with unique flavour combinations. Here are some easy ways to start mixing up custom syrups, shrubs, and infusions that will add depth and character to your cocktails.  

• Use fresh, in-season fruits, herbs, and spices as a base for your mixers. Seasonal ingredients not only taste better but also inspire flavours that capture the spirit of the season.  

• Balance is key to a great mixer—try combining sugar with tangy elements like vinegar or citrus. Shrubs, for example, use a mix of fruit, sugar, and vinegar to create a deliciously complex sweet-and-sour syrup.  

• Herbs like rosemary, basil, or thyme, as well as spices like cinnamon and clove, can transform a sugar syrup into something extraordinary. Start with small amounts and build up, tasting along the way to find the right balance.  

• You don’t always need sugar to make a great mixer; try infusing water or spirits with flavours like cucumber, ginger, or chilli for a unique twist. Infusions are simple and can be adjusted easily by adding more ingredients or straining early.  

• The intensity of your flavour depends on how long you let ingredients steep. Taste frequently—some flavours (like jalapeño) develop quickly, while others (like vanilla or rosemary) should be infused for longer. 

Get in the mix!

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What to Mix with Gin (The Best Gin Mixers)  

17 Best Whiskey Mixers (What to Mix Whiskey with)  

14 Best Tequila Mixers (What to Mix with Tequila)  

What to Mix with Bourbon: Easy Bourbon Cocktails to Try at Home  

There you have it, you crafty human – a delicious list of home-made cocktail mixers to try at home! We’d love to see how your syrups and cordials turn out, so please tag us when you share videos and pictures on Instagram. In the meantime, sign up for your newsletter to stay in the mix, and visit the SKYY Vodka, Bulldog Gin, and Wild Turkey Bourbon for more recipe inspiration.