Pour yourself some simple refreshment. Recipes for using flavored simple syrups to make sophisticated drinks.

Root Beer FloatStart to finish: 5 minutesServings: 12 ounces caramel-root beer simple syrup2 ounces vanilla cognac2 ounces heavy creamIceClub soda or seltzer waterIn a cocktail shaker, combine the syrup, cognac and cream. Fill with ice. Shake, then strain into a tall glass. Top with club soda or seltzer.Orange StarStart to finish: 5 minutesServings: 12 ounces orange-star anise simple syrup2 ounces brandy1 ounce light rum1 ounce triple sec1 tablespoon lemon juiceIceClub soda or seltzer waterIn a cocktail shaker, combine the syrup, brandy, rum, triple sec and lemon juice. Fill with ice. Shake, then strain into an ice-filled cocktail glass. Top with club soda or seltzer.Tropical ShirleyTempleStart to finish: 5 minutesServings: 12 ounces pomegranate-pineapple simple syrup2 ounces pineapple juiceIceLemon-lime sodaMaraschino cherriesIn a tall glass, stir together the syrup and juice. Fill the glass with ice, then top with soda and garnish with cherries.Lemon-ThymeIced TeaStart to finish: 5 minutesServings: 16 ounces unsweetened iced black tea2 ounces lemon-thyme simple syrup1 ounce vodka1 ounce limoncello1 tablespoon lemon juiceIce1 sprig fresh thymeIn a cocktail shaker, combine the tea, syrup, vodka, limoncello and lemon juice. Add ice, then shake. Strain into a tall ice-filled glass. Garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme.Triple Ginger Pink LimeadeStart to finish: 5 minutesServings: 11 ounce vodka1/2 ounce Cointreau1 ounce ginger liqueur2 ounces cranberry-ginger simple syrup1 ounce lime juiceIceGinger beerIn a cocktail shaker, combine the vodka, Cointreau, ginger liqueur, syrup and lime juice. Add ice, then shake. Strain into an ice-filled glass and top with ginger beer.Raspberry-Lemon RickeyStart to finish: 5 minutesServings: 11 ounce raspberry-lemon simple syrup1 ounce gin1 ounce vodka1 ounce lemon juiceClub soda or seltzer waterLemon wedge, for garnishSeveral fresh raspberries, for garnishIn a cocktail shaker, combine the syrup, gin, vodka and lemon juice. Add ice, then shake. Strain into a cocktail glass, top with club soda or seltzer water, then garnish with a lemon wedge and few raspberries.Vanilla Berry Rum and Coke1 ounce light rum1 ounce vanilla cognac2 ounces cardamom-vanilla-berry simple syrupCokeIn a tall glass, combine the rum, cognac and syrup. Add ice and Coke, stir gently.