Simple Syrup in a Hurry

Did you know you can prepare simple syrup without heating or having yet another pot to rinse? Just combine equal parts water and sugar in a jar, or better yet, the bottle you intend to use for storing the syrup, and shake vigorously until the sugar is dissolved. Our mother lent us an additional tip - start with hot water from the tap to speed along the process. It only takes a couple of minutes. Below, we added to the mix fresh mint leaves from the garden.

Sugar and water, that's all you really need. To make herbal simple syrups add about 1/4 cup fresh herbs per 1 cup water and 1 cup sugar. Mint, basil, rosemary and thyme work well via this method.

After shaking jar for two or three minutes you'll end up with a clear, somewhat thickened simple syrup.

It all culminated in Derby Day Mint Juleps.