6 bar-worthy homemade cocktails using craft syrup

It doesn't take much to elevate a homemade cocktail to bar-level standards with small-batch syrup or mixers. 

Most of the new crop of craft mixers are designed for use in quick concoctions, with suggestions for simple gin and tonics, old-fashioneds or mojitos right on the label. 

"It's as simple as two parts brew, one part booze," said Maria Littlefied, a partner at Owl's Brew. Their Pink & Black—darjeeling tea with hibiscus, lemon peel, strawberry and agave—is a good pair with whiskey or tequila.   

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Want something more complex? That's not a problem, either.

(Modified from Julie Reiner of Flatiron Lounge's recipe, on Chow.com)

• 1 thin slice cucumber
• 1.5 ounces Quince & Apple Lime and Cucumber syrup 
• 2 ounces gin
• 1.5 ounces sparkling wine

Combine the gin, syrup, and several ice cubes in a shaker. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds. Strain into a champagne flute. Top with sparkling wine; garnish with a cucumber wheel. 

(Modified from Meaghan Dorman's recipe at Dear Irving in New York.)

• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• 2 bar spoons Morris Kitchen Spiced Apple syrup 
• 1.5 ounces bourbon
• 0.5 ounces Calvados
• Orange peel

Stir all ingredients together in a glass with a large piece of ice. Garnish with an orange twist with a clove spike.

(Recipe from Missy Koefod of 18.21 Bitters)

• 2 parts bourbon
• 1 part brandy 
• 1 part 18.21 Bitters Georgia Peach and Salted Pecan syrup 
• Peach slice

Stir together and pour into a glass over a large piece of ice. Garnish with a peach slice.

(Recipe from Chakkra Rath for Owl's Brew)

• 1 ounce anejo tequila
• 1 ounce orange juice
• 1 ounce Owl's Brew The Classic 
• 0.5 ounces Grand Marnier
• Hefeweizen beer

Add tequila, orange juice, Owl's Brew and Grand Marnier to a beer glass, with ice cubes. Top with Hefeweizen beer.

(Modified from Eben Freeman of Tailor Restaurant's recipe, on Epicurious.com)    

• 2 tablespoons superfine sugar 
• 1 lemon wedge
• 1.5 ounces cognac
• 1 ounce Cointreau
• 1 ounce Cocktail Crate Ginger Bee 
• 0.5 ounces lemon juice

Spread sugar on a small plate. Rub the lemon wedge around the rim of a chilled coupe glass. Dip moistened side of glass in the sugar to lightly coat. In cocktail shaker, combine the spirits, lemon juice and Cocktail Crate. Add ice and shake, about 30 seconds. Strain into prepared glass. 

(Recipe from Jason Albaum of Blue J Syrups)

• 2 ounces vodka
• 0.5 ounces Blue J Syrups Earl Grey & Lavender syrup 
• 0.25 ounces lemon juice
• Lemon peel

In shaker, combine vodka and syrup with ice. Stir for a count of 30. Strain into chilled martini glass. Add lemon juice and garnish.