Simple Syrups are well...simple. So simple you really only need 4 ingredients and 15 minutes to pull them off. But this holiday season we're wanting some more seasonally appropriate flavors to play with. Think cranberry with a hint of clove, or clementines spiked with cardamon...even blackberry and thyme for a unique kick. Yes! Flavors that will excite any cocktail (or mocktail) you're mixing up - and don't worry, I've got a few suggestions in the recipes below.

What's even better than a delicious homemade syrup? Turing them into frozen cocktail spheres! All you need is some fresh fruit, herbaceous add-ins and this handy dandy cute as a button mini ice cube mold...oh and to plan ahead at least the day before, you know to factor in the freeze...but then again these simple syrup recipes are 100% amazing in liquid form so don't feel like you can't make these without the molds, the mini ice spheres just make your drink feel a little more celebratory...and just think of the uses you'll come up with once summer hits. Think refreshing little boozy beach balls...OH! Think of all the different flavor combos - they are endless. But for now let's start with these three winners!

Are you ready to add a scoop of holiday sphere cheer to your glass? Correct answer: YES!

- Cranberry Clove Simple Syrup -

INGREDIENTS

1 cup organic cranberries
1 cup water
1 cup sugar
5-6 whole cloves

Place cranberries, water and sugar into a saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat add cloves and simmer for 10-15 minutes allowing all sugars to dissolve and syrup to thicken. Strain out all solids and store in the fridge in a sealed container for up to 2 weeks.

This simple syrup sings in a classic margarita - I kid you not! It also pairs beautifully in a gin or vodka spritz. Just add 1/2 oz to your cocktail of choice.

Note for sphere freezing: Simple syrups will not fully freeze - similar to maple syrup and honey. Dilute syrup 1:1 with distilled water before placing in ice molds. When using spheres in your cocktail - just double the portion to 1 oz or 1 1/2 oz for more flavor!

- Clementine Cardamon Simple Syrup -

INGREDIENTS

1 cup fresh pressed clementine juice (approx. 4 clementines)
1 cup water
1 cup sugar
4-5 whole cardamon pods

Place juice, water and sugar into a saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat add cardamon and simmer for 10-15 minutes allowing all sugars to dissolve and syrup to thicken. Strain out all solids and store in the fridge in a sealed container for up to 2 weeks.

This simple syrup is amazing when added to Prosecco along side a few drops of Angostura bitters. Just add 1/2 oz to your bubbly or cocktail of choice!

Note for sphere freezing: Simple syrups will not fully freeze - similar to maple syrup and honey. Dilute syrup 1:1 with distilled water before placing in ice molds. When using spheres in your cocktail - just double the portion to 1 oz or 1 1/2 oz for the full flavor!

- Blackberry Thyme Simple Syrup -

INGREDIENTS

1 cup organic blackberries
1 cup water
1 cup sugar
1 bunch of thyme

Place berries, water and sugar into a saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes allowing all sugars to dissolve and syrup to thicken. Turn off heat, add thyme and cover for at least 10 minutes. Strain out all solids and store in the fridge in a sealed container for up to 2 weeks.

This simple syrup is delicious paired with bourbon and ginger beer for a slightly sweet and herbaceous twist. Just add 1/2 oz to your cocktail of choice!

Note for sphere freezing: Simple syrups will not fully freeze - similar to maple syrup and honey. Dilute syrup 1:1 with distilled water before placing in ice molds. When using spheres in your cocktail - just double the portion to 1 oz or 1 1/2 oz to desired flavor!