Piercing winter temperatures, hefty coats, and stiff, dark drinks are a magnificent combination – the equally pleasing antithesis to white sand, tiki drinks, and cocktail umbrellas. An Old Fashioned or a Negroni – any drink of that ilk – is ideal for keeping the cold at bay, and pairs nicely with a spiced citrus syrup.

It is high summer here and, as such, a lot of our drinking has been built around clear spirits. In thinking that we would begin experimenting with some bourbon it seemed a spiced citrus syrup would be a useful ingredient to have on hand. The spices we used were selected to offer a combination of warmth, aroma, and depth (a necessary yet cumbersome descriptor). The grapefruit zest and amchur (dried green mango) provide a touch of acidity and bitterness, respectively, rounding the profile of the syrup. If you have a penchant for a particular spice alter the ingredients at will, though try to maintain the balance of spice to citrus and sweetness.

———-
Spiced Citrus Syrup

1 cup water
1 cup sugar
1 orange, cut into 5mm slices
½ cup grapefruit zest
1 cinnamon stick
2 star anise
1 clove
1 tbsp Amchur powder
1 Tbsp cardamom pods
1.5 Tsp coriander seeds

Combine all ingredients in a saucepan, bring to a boil and ensure all sugar has dissolved. Reduce heat and simmer for another 15-20 minutes, or until spiced to your tastes. Remove orange slices (reserve for another use, or simply eat), strain out solids, then bottle.
———-