3 DIY Herb-Infused Cocktail Recipes c/o Willie Jane’s in Venice

Correct us if we're wrong, but there may be nothing worse than showing up at a holiday party to find out the host has only mulled wine on hand. While we have nothing against a spiced and handcrafted concoction, we're more fans of the cocktail variety.

Thanks to Derrick, the genius behind the bar at Willie Jane's in Venice, we don’t have to second guess what to serve at our next party. He’s graciously given us a few tips on pairing in-season herbs with various spirits. Here are a few takeaways to get you started.

1. The easiest way to incorporate herbs into a cocktail is with infused simple syrups. Combine 1 cup water with 1 cup sugar and your preferred herb, let simmer on the stovetop for about 5-7 minutes, then strain. To get your creative juices flowing, try rosemary simple syrup in an Old Fashioned.

2. When it comes to flavor profiles, savory herbs are better paired with darker liquors and sweeter herbs are better paired with lighter liquors. For example, try rosemary with bourbon and lavender with vodka.

Now put those skills to work with these DIY versions of three of Willie Jane's signature herb-infused cocktails.

Start Slideshow