Simple syrup isn't rocket science. Quite literally, in fact. When you mix equal parts water and sugar, you have a perfect solution for crying flavors of all sorts. Boil a few vanilla beans or some sliced ginger in the mixture and you'll be set for cocktails and soda alike.
Packing citrus fruit with salt is a technique used the world over, but when we talk about preserved lemon we mentally fly to Morocco. This is a terrific way to make use of your leftover winter crop, concentrating the flavor of lemons into a salty, tender, treat.