Simple Syrup! Sounds simple enough right? Well don't worry, it really is. Simple Syrup can be used to sweeten a nice summer cocktail or to add to a granita recipe without having to worry about granules of sugar weighing down your recipes or not getting dissolved.

To start a simple syrup you'll need just two ingredients: water and sugar. Yup! That's it.

You'll want the ratio of sugar to water to be about 1:3. So on a smaller scale, place a cup of water in a saucepan over medium heat with about 1/3 cup of sugar. Just heat the liquid and stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.

If you'd like to flavor your simple syrup, you can add fresh mint leaves, lemon balm, or other herbs to infuse into the syrup as it's cooking on the stovetop.

Once the sugar is dissolved, let it cool before using.

For a cocktail, I'm thinking a minty simple syrup would be great in a Mojito or a Moscow Mule! A regular simple syrup would be great for iced teas! You can also use a citrusy simple syrup to dab on a pound cake for a little added moisture and sweetness. However you use simple syrup, just be sure to share ;)

-Chef K