A glass container of basil simple syrup.

Basil infused simple syrup is a delightful and versatile ingredient that can elevate your beverages and desserts to new heights. This aromatic syrup is easy to make and adds a unique herbal note to cocktails, mocktails, teas, and more. Follow this simple recipe to create your own basil infused simple syrup, and discover how you can customize it with other aromatics.

How to Use :

Basil infused simple syrup is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of ways to enhance your culinary creations. Here are some ideas:

Cocktails: Add a splash of basil infused simple syrup to your favorite cocktails for a fresh, herbal twist. It works wonderfully in a Basil Limoncello Spritz, mojitos, or gin and tonics.
Mocktails: Create delicious non-alcoholic drinks by mixing basil syrup with sparkling water, lemon juice, and fresh fruit.
Teas: Sweeten your iced tea or hot tea with basil infused simple syrup for a refreshing change.
Lemonades: Elevate your homemade lemonade with a hint of basil for a sophisticated and refreshing beverage.
Desserts: Drizzle basil syrup over fresh fruit, use it to sweeten whipped cream, or incorporate it into sorbets and ice creams.

Don’t like Basil?

A photo of different aromatics, such as rosemary, ginger, sage, thyme.

Customize Your Infused Simple Syrup:

One of the best things about making your own infused simple syrup is the ability to customize it with different flavors. If basil isn’t your favorite, you can easily replace it with other herbs or aromatics. Here are some alternative ideas:

Mint Simple Syrup: Brings a refreshing, cool flavor, perfect for summer drinks like mojitos, iced tea, or adding a fresh twist to fruit salads.
Lavender Simple Syrup: Offers a delicate, floral sweetness that pairs beautifully with lemonades, iced teas, or desserts for a touch of elegance and tranquility.
Rosemary Simple Syrup: Imparts a savory, earthy flavor with a hint of pine, making it an excellent addition to gin cocktails or savory dishes.
Thyme Simple Syrup: Adds a subtle earthy and lemony flavor, great for enhancing both sweet and savory dishes, as well as cocktails and teas.
Vanilla Bean Simple Syrup: Adds a rich, creamy sweetness with the warm, comforting aroma of vanilla. Perfect for enhancing coffee, lattes, or baked goods.
Cinnamon Simple Syrup: Infuses a spicy, sweet warmth reminiscent of cinnamon sticks, ideal for autumn and winter beverages like spiced teas or mulled cider.
Ginger Simple Syrup: Provides a zesty, slightly spicy kick with the fresh, invigorating flavor of ginger. Great for cocktails like Moscow Mules or adding a zing to lemonade.
Orange Simple Syrup: Offers a bright, citrusy sweetness that pairs wonderfully with iced tea, cocktails, or as a drizzle over desserts.
Cardamom Simple Syrup: Adds a warm, aromatic spice with citrusy notes, ideal for enhancing chai tea, coffee, or exotic desserts.

Simply follow the same steps as above, substituting your chosen aromatic for the basil.

How to :

A bushel of basil being put into a pot of water

Ingredients:

1 cup water
1 cup sugar (I used cane)
1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed

Instructions:

1. Boil the Basil: In a small saucepan, bring 1 cup of water to a boil. Add 1 cup of fresh basil leaves to the boiling water and let them boil for about 5 minutes. This helps to extract a stronger basil flavor.

2. Add Sugar: After boiling the basil, add 1 cup of granulated sugar to the saucepan. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.

3. Steep and Cool: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the basil steep in the syrup for about 30 minutes. Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean container to remove the basil leaves. Allow the syrup to cool completely before using.

4. Store the Syrup: Pour the cooled basil infused simple syrup into a glass jar or bottle and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to two weeks.

Give it a Try

Making basil infused simple syrup is a simple and rewarding process that opens up a world of culinary possibilities. Whether you’re mixing up cocktails for a summer party or adding a unique touch to your desserts, this aromatic syrup is sure to impress. Experiment with different herbs and flavors to create your own custom syrups and enjoy the endless creative potential they offer.

Enjoy your homemade basil infused simple syrup and let your creativity flow as you explore all the delicious ways to use it! Cheers!

Basil Simple Syrup

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 2

Cook Time 15

Course Drinks

Equipment

1 mediu sauce pan
1 glass mason jar or container

Ingredients

1 cup water
1 cup sugar I used cane
1 cup fresh basil leaves packed

Instructions

Boil the Basil: In a small saucepan, bring 1 cup of water to a boil. Add 1 cup of fresh basil leaves to the boiling water and let them boil for about 5 minutes. This helps to extract a stronger basil flavor.
Add Sugar: After boiling the basil, add 1 cup of granulated sugar to the saucepan. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Steep and Cool: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the basil steep in the syrup for about 30 minutes. Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean container to remove the basil leaves. Allow the syrup to cool completely before using.
Store the Syrup: Pour the cooled basil infused simple syrup into a glass jar or bottle and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to two weeks.

Notes

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