Name: Easy Basil Simple Syrup
Prep time: 2 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 7 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup of sugar; 1 cup of water; 1 cup of fresh basil leaves (10-12 large leaves)

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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.

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Ingredients
How to Make Basil Simple Syrup
How to Use Basil Simple Syrup
Looking for other Simple Syrups to Make with Herbs?
How long will Basil Syrup last?
Want to make more flavored Simple Syrups?
More Delicious Recipes You’ll Love
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Easy Basil Simple Syrup

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.

Ingredients

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.

How to Make Basil Simple Syrup

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.

A hand holding a fork lifting dripping basil leaves out of the syrup.

Pour basil syrup into a glass, airtight container - like a bottle or mason jar.

Basil simple syrup being poured from a pot into a mason jar.

Cover and place in the refrigerator. Chill completely before using.

A jar of basil simple syrup on a small plate.

How to Use Basil Simple Syrup

Use in place of traditional simple syrup in my Frozen Strawberry Daiquiri mocktails.
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!
Make a Basil Gimlet - Combine 2 oz gin, 1 oz basil syrup, and 1 oz lime juice in a cocktail shaker with ice cubes. Shake well. Strain into a glass. Sip and enjoy.

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.

Looking down on an open mason jar of basil syrup.

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.