DIY Tonic Water

If you're unhappy with the flavor of commercial tonics and like to geek out in the kitchen, DIY tonic is a lot of fun. This basic recipe goes well with gin and is a great starting point for playing with your own unique herb and spice combinations.

Fresh Lemon Syrup

Whether you're juicing standard supermarket lemons or their seasonal Meyer cousins, save the rinds for this vibrant yellow syrup. It's pure sunshine in a bottle, made from nothing but sugar dissolved by the acidic pulp—no cooking required! Since there's no added juice, it tastes more sweet than sour, but is balanced by the subtle bitterness of lemon oil.

DIY Sour Mix

The true beauty of this homemade sour mix is having a fresh, versatile, and easy cocktail mixer for parties that's infinitely more delicious than store-bought mix.

DIY Cherry Cola

A DIY recipe for homemade cherry cola syrup.

DIY Grapefruit Bitters

Grapefruit bitters do double duty, giving a cocktail a little citrus lift along with the bitterness. These bitters go especially well with effervescent drinks or tequila and gin cocktails.

DIY Orange Liqueur

Top-shelf orange liqueurs are pricey, while bottom-shelf options can drag a good drink into the gutter fast. But homemade orange liqueur is just right...and it's a blast to make.

Easy Limoncello

Make your own version of this sweet, sunshine-colored, lemon zest liqueur at home.

Ultra-Flavorful Fresh Lemonade

This fresh lemonade gets the maximum flavor out of just two ingredients (three if you count water).

Meyer Lemon Bitters

Lime leaves pierce through the perfumy nature of Meyer lemons with a sharp punch, while bitter orange, fennel, and spices create earthy undertones for balance.

DIY Grape Soda

You can use all-natural ingredients and still get a grape soda that's bold in both color and flavor.