A simple syrup primer for better cocktails

Plus: Everything you need to know about vanilla.  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ [View in browser]( | [Manage preferences](newsletter=epi) [Epicurious]( COOK THIS NOW [Cheese Fondue]( [Gourmet's Cheese Fondue recipe with cubed apples and bread, broccoli, red bell peppers, and potatoes on the side.]( This Valentine’s Day, get cheesy. Swiss fondue is the ultimate interactive romantic meal, and this classic recipe from Gourmet (made with creamy, dreamy Emmental and Gruyère) is sure to be a winner. But don’t be afraid to think beyond those cubes of crusty bread—potatoes, cured meats, and even fruit are excellent options for your spread. [READ MORE]( What We're Talking About [Frozen mini s'mores pies against a pink background.]( [The Best Chocolate Desserts for Valentine's Day]( [Wow your Valentine with these sweet chocolate desserts, including dark chocolate mousse, warm cocoa pudding, and a cookie sundae for sharing. Read More ►]( INTRODUCING WELL EQUIPPED Gear Reviews, Taste Tests, and the Best Deals Online Straight to your inbox. [GET THE NEWSLETTER]( [Photo of vanilla beans, vanilla paste, vanilla sugar, and vanilla extract on a wooden cutting board with a knife.]( [More Than Just Extract: A Guide to Vanilla Paste, Powder, and More]( [Like salt, vanilla enhances the other ingredients in a recipe; chocolate, coffee, and brown sugar all shine a little brighter when vanilla is around. Read More ►]( [A small decanter of simple syrup to make cocktails. ]( [The Best Simple Syrup Is Shaken, Not Stirred]( [Besides booze, a sugar syrup is what inherently makes a cocktail a cocktail, adding texture, balance, and drinkability. Read More ►]( V-Day Dinner [Red Hook Cocktail—rye whiskey cocktail served up in a coupe glass]( [Red Hook Cocktail]( [View Recipe ►]( [Gourmet's Bouillabaise recipe in a bowl with a spoon with slices of bread on the side.]( [Bouillabaisse]( [View Recipe ►]( [Baked polenta topped with greens and beans in a two-handled pot, with a slice of the polenta bake on a plate next to it.]( [Beans and Greens Polenta Bake]( [View Recipe ►]( [Gourmet's Flourless Chocolate Cake on a serving plate with two slices cut out.]( [Flourless Chocolate Cake]( [View Recipe ►]( [Panna cotta on a plate with berry sauce and fresh berries on top.]( [Panna Cotta]( [View Recipe ►]( [Creamy shrimp risotto with a dollop of mascarpone and two lemon wedges on a plate.]( [Creamy Shrimp Risotto With Mascarpone]( [View Recipe ►]( [Condé Nast Spotlight | The breaking news and top stories everyone is talking about. All in one place. The most popular stories from Vogue, GQ, The New Yorker, Vanity Fair, Wired, Architectural Digest and more. STAY INFORMED]( This e-mail was sent to you by epicurious. To ensure delivery to your inbox (not bulk or junk folders), please add our e-mail address, epicurious@newsletters.epicurious.com, to your address book. View our [Privacy Policy]( | [Unsubscribe](newsletter=epi) Copyright © Condé Nast 2022. One World Trade Center, New York, NY 10007. All rights reserved.