How to Use 1883 Flavoured Syrups for Craft Cocktails at Home: Recipes & Pairing Ideas

If you’ve ever wondered how to turn your home bar into a vibrant cocktail lounge, flavoured syrups may hold the key. At Caravan Wines & Spirits, we’re passionate about the art of great drinks, and we believe 1883 syrup is a game-changer for anyone who loves to experiment with cocktails. Made in France, the 1883 line offers a dazzling range of authentic fruit, floral, and nutty flavours that open seemingly endless doors for creative home bartending. In this guide, we’ll walk you through smart ways to use these syrups, provide detailed craft cocktail recipes, highlight inspired spirit pairings, and share tried-and-true pro tips so you get the most from every bottle.

What Makes 1883 Syrups Special?

Unlike simply sweetening a drink, 1883 syrups introduce pure, vibrant flavours that are as nuanced as they are bold. The difference shows up in the glass – you can expect ultra-clean notes (like true lychee or spicy ginger), an elegant balance between sweetness and acidity, and consistency from one pour to the next. 1883’s natural approach ensures your finished drink tastes like it was mixed by a pro.

Choosing the Right 1883 Syrup for Each Drink

• Berry & Fruit Syrups (e.g. Strawberry, Pineapple, Watermelon): For spritzes, sours, and tropical drinks.
• Citrus & Exotic Syrups (e.g. Yuzu, Pink Grapefruit, Lychee): Add brightness to vodka, gin, tequila, and bubbly.
• Nutty & Baking Spice Syrups (e.g. Orgeat/Almond, Amaretto, Gingerbread): Great in tiki classics, dessert cocktails, and coffee drinks.

Craft Cocktail Recipes Featuring 1883 Syrups

1. Hibiscus Gin Spritz

• 30ml gin
• 15ml 1883 Hibiscus Syrup
• 90ml Prosecco or sparkling wine
• Top with soda water

Add gin and syrup to an ice-filled wine glass. Top with Prosecco and a splash of soda. Stir gently, garnish with a slice of citrus or edible flowers. The hibiscus syrup’s floral, tart lift is pure elegance in a glass, ideal for brunches or festive toasts.

2. Lychee Ginger Collins

• 45ml vodka
• 15ml 1883 Lychee Syrup
• 10ml 1883 Ginger Syrup
• 30ml lemon juice
• Soda water

Combine vodka, syrups, and lemon juice in a shaker with ice. Shake briefly and strain over fresh ice in a tall glass. Top with soda, garnish with a lychee or a twist of lemon. This drink delivers fruit and spice in perfect harmony – an instant crowd-pleaser on a warm afternoon.

3. Yuzu Margarita

• 50ml blanco tequila
• 20ml fresh lime juice
• 15ml 1883 Yuzu Syrup
• 10ml orange liqueur

Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a salt-rimmed rocks glass over fresh ice. Garnish with a lime wheel. The yuzu syrup brings zesty, aromatic brightness that stands out beautifully with good agave spirit.

4. Mango Daiquiri

• 60ml quality white rum
• 20ml lime juice
• 15ml 1883 Mango Syrup

Shake with plenty of ice, then strain and serve straight up or over ice. Garnish with a mango wedge or mint sprig. The instant tropical lift from the mango syrup makes this an all-seasons favourite.

5. Almond Mai Tai

• 40ml dark rum
• 20ml light rum
• 20ml lime juice
• 10ml 1883 Orgeat/Almond Syrup
• 10ml orange liqueur

Shake vigorously with ice, strain into an old-fashioned glass over crushed ice, and garnish with fresh mint. The almond syrup’s creamy sweetness ties the classic Mai Tai together.

Pairing Ideas: Spirits & 1883 Syrups

• Gin: Works harmoniously with floral syrups like Hibiscus or fruit-driven options like Lychee.
• Rum: Pairs naturally with tropical syrups such as Mango, Pineapple, or classic Orgeat/Almond.
• Vodka: Lets fruit and spice syrups shine, like Pink Grapefruit or Ginger.
• Tequila: Stands up beautifully to citrus-driven syrups such as Yuzu and Pineapple.

For more on inspired pairings, see our related resource: Creative Ways to Use Flavoured Syrups in Cocktails, Coffee, and Desserts.

Expert Tips for Using 1883 Syrups

• Always start with less syrup than you think you need – you can add more, but you cannot take it out! These syrups are potent and pure.
• Chill your glassware to allow fruit and floral notes to express themselves more slowly and with greater complexity.
• Layer syrups for custom creations: Try mango with ginger, or lychee with hibiscus for drinks that surprise and delight.
• Use as a substitute for regular simple syrup in any classic cocktail to add instant personality (e.g. a “Lychee Mojito”).
• Don’t forget non-alcoholic options: Any 1883 syrup, soda water, and a splash of citrus makes a refreshing adult-style mocktail.

Storage and Shelf Life

1883 syrups are best stored tightly capped, away from direct sunlight, in a pantry or cool cupboard. While they are shelf stable, refrigerate after opening if you plan to keep them for several months. Close the lid each time to preserve freshness and prevent crystallisation.

A Few Garnish and Presentation Ideas

• Fresh fruit that matches the syrup (e.g., a mango chunk on a Mango Daiquiri)
• Herbs like mint or basil with floral and citrus cocktails
• Edible flowers (always chemical-free) for bright presentation
• Salt or spiced sugar on glass rims to amplify the syrup’s profile

Other Fun Uses for 1883 Syrups

• Swirl a dash into sparkling water for a refreshing, alcohol-free treat.
• Add to iced tea or lemonade for crowd-pleasing brunch drinks.
• Use as a drizzle over simple desserts like fruit salad, panna cotta, or vanilla ice cream.
• Try in baking for subtly flavoured cakes or syrups for poaching fruit.

Discover More with Our Curated Collection

We’re here to inspire, whether you’re a budding mixologist or love simple home entertaining. If you want to explore further, browse our extensive selection of 1883 syrups or pair them with excellent spirits and liqueurs in our Spirits range. Want more ideas? Visit Caravan Wines & Spirits’ Syrups Collection for inspiration and to see the latest arrivals.

Frequently Asked Questions About 1883 Flavoured Syrups

Q: How much 1883 syrup should I use per drink?

A: Start with 10–15ml (2–3 teaspoons) per cocktail. Adjust to taste. Some syrups are more intense and a little goes a long way!

Q: Can I use 1883 syrups in hot drinks as well as cold?

A: Yes. 1883 syrups dissolve easily in everything from iced tea to lattes, chai, or even mulled wine, making them ideal year-round.

Q: Are these syrups vegan or gluten free?

A: Most 1883 syrups are vegan and gluten-free, but always check each bottle’s label or description for specifics.

Q: How long will an opened bottle last?

A: If stored correctly, syrups stay fresh for up to 6 months after opening. If refrigerated and kept airtight, they may last even longer, but always check for changes in colour, aroma, or texture before using.

Q: Do I need to shake the syrup before each use?

A: Yes, a gentle shake redistributes any settled flavour compounds or colour particles for best results.

Q: Can I use more than one syrup in a single drink?

A: Absolutely! Mixing different fruit, floral, or spice syrups is one of the best ways to create a custom cocktail – just watch balance so one flavour doesn’t overpower.

Q: Where can I buy the full range of 1883 syrups?

A: Visit Caravan Wines & Spirits for the current selection and to discover our international spirits curated to pair perfectly with each flavour.

If you found these ideas useful and want to explore more on how flavoured syrups can transform your kitchen or cocktail parties, check out our resource on creative ways to use flavoured syrups.