An easy way to add a bit of zip to summer beverages is with simple syrups. You can make your own, blending equal parts of sugar and water and then infuse with herbs, fruits or flowers from your garden or the Broad Ripple Farmers Market. Or you can sample the ready to go products from Royal Rose. Their line of simple syrups are pure and affordable. No added "gunk" like some pre-made syrups on the market. The selections include Rose, Raspberry, Cardamom Clove and Saffron. They are made with pure ingredients that lend a lift to cocktails, marinated meats, coffee, tea, ice cream or yogurt. Each bottle has a clever culinary use for the flavor on its label PLUS a pocket size recipe booklet with dozens of cocktail recipes for each. A little bit goes a long way so priced at $11.99 a bottle its an easy way to expand your cocktail and cooking horizons without breaking the budget.

Some other NEW products in the market targeted for summer drinking fun:

--This sparkling wine is blended with fresh Peruvian mango juice. It's lip smacking fun that will take you away to the tropics without the passport or security check. You can drink it straight or use as a base for punch and add some frozen strawberries or blueberries for "ice cubes".

--Known as "Cloudy Sake," the secret to Nigori sake's lusciously sweet flavor is the small amount of rice purposefully unfiltered to leave behind a rich, creamy taste. Coconut juice is added creating a GLUTEN FREE beverage that can be sipped and savored chilled or at room temperature.