Easy Basil Simple Syrup Recipe for Cocktails and Mocktails
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Fragrant basil is a very versatile herb that we’re pairing with sugar for this delicious basil simple syrup recipe. It takes minutes to make and is a great way to sweeten and bring fresh basil flavor to your summer cocktails and mocktails.
This basil syrup is made with simple ingredients that are easy to find at the grocery store or farmers market. Buy fresh basil or pick your own basil from a basil plant in your garden or porch pot.
I love growing basil in my herb garden every summer! I make simple syrup out of so many of the herbs that I grow.
Basil syrup brings a wonderful addition of flavor to many alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. It pairs well with fresh fruit – especially berries and citrus – and is an easy way to add flavor to your favorite summer treats like lemonade, ice tea, or fruit salad.
You can vary the flavor of your syrup by using different types of basil. Sweet basil is the easiest to find here in Michigan and what is readily available in stores, though purple basil, cinnamon basil, Thai basil, and lemon basil would all be delicious varieties to use in this sweet herbal syrup recipe.
What’s in Basil Syrup
- Sugar – Use white sugar (either cane sugar or beet sugar) for this recipe. Choosing any other sugar will change the flavor of the syrup.
- Fresh Basil – Use only fresh basil for this recipe. Do not use dried basil.
- Water
How to Make Basil Simple Syrup (Step by Step)
Bring water to a simmer in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add sugar and stir until sugar has dissolved.
Remove from heat. Add basil leaves and let steep until the mixture has come to room temperature.
Remove basil leaves using a fork or fine mesh sieve.
Pour basil syrup into a glass, airtight container – like a bottle or mason jar.
Cover and place in the refrigerator. Chill completely before using.
How to Use Basil Simple Syrup
- Use in place of traditional simple syrup in my Frozen Strawberry Daiquiri mocktails.
- Stir up a pitcher of my refreshing Strawberry Basil Lemonade made with fresh, ripe strawberries.
- Make Basil Lemonade – In a tall glass, combine 2 oz basil syrup with 1 oz fresh lemon juice. Fill the glass with ice cubes. Top with club soda or sparkling water. Stir, sip and enjoy!
- Shake up a Basil Gimlet – Get my recipe for a refreshing Basil Gimlet.
- Make my Strawberry Basil Prosecco Cocktail.
Looking for other Simple Syrups to Make with Herbs?
Fresh herbs make delicious infused simple syrup for all kinds of drinks. Try my lavender simple syrup in these Lavender Lemon Drop Martinis. Or make fresh mint simple syrup for the best iced tea sweetener ever!
How long will Basil Syrup last?
When stored in the refrigerator, basil simple syrup will keep for 2-3 weeks. Discard it immediately if it becomes cloudy or you notice any change in color.
Want to make more flavored Simple Syrups?
Some of my favorite flavored simple syrups are the easiest to make! Try my 5 minute vanilla simple syrup recipe or easy cinnamon syrup recipe, both perfect for sweetening hot or iced coffee, tea, and hot chocolate.
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Easy Basil Simple Syrup Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, 10-12 large leaves
Instructions
- Bring water to a simmer in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Add sugar and stir until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat.
- Add basil leaves and let steep until the mixture has come to room temperature.
- Remove basil leaves using a fork or fine mesh strainer.
- Pour basil syrup into a glass, airtight container – like a bottle or mason jar.
- Cover and place in the refrigerator. Let the syrup cool completely before using.
- When stored in the refrigerator, basil syrup will keep for 2-3 weeks.
