Looking for a way to add a fresh, herbal twist to your favorite drinks and desserts? This basil simple syrup is the perfect blend of sweetness and aromatic basil flavor, making it a must-have for cocktails, mocktails, lemonades and desserts. With just three ingredients and a few minutes of prep, you’ll have a versatile, homemade syrup that brings a touch of Italian-inspired freshness to every sip and bite!
What is Basil Simple Syrup?
Basil simple syrup is a sweet and herbaceous syrup made by infusing fresh basil into sugar and water. With its slight green hue and delicate aroma, this syrup elevates both sweet and savory recipes.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Only 3 ingredients. Water, sugar, and basil - simple yet flavorful.
- Versatile. Use it in drinks, drizzle over fruit, or sweeten desserts.
- Quick and easy. Ready in under 15 minutes!
Ingredients You'll Need
- Water. The base of the syrup.
- Granulated sugar. To sweeten the syrup.
- Fresh basil leaves. The main ingredient! Also adds an aromatic, slightly peppery depth.
Scroll to the recipe card below to find the remaining ingredients and quantities!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat the water and sugar. In a small saucepan, combine water and sugar over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the sugar fully dissolves (about 3-4 minutes).
- Infuse with basil. Once the sugar has dissolved, add the basil leaves. Stir and let them steep in the hot syrup for 5 minutes, ensuring they’re fully submerged.
- Strain and store. Remove from heat and strain out the basil leaves, pressing them gently to extract all the flavor. Let the syrup cool before transferring it to a glass jar or bottle.
Tips and Tricks
- Use fresh, vibrant basil for the best flavor and color.
- Cool completely before storing to prevent condensation and bacteria growth.
- Pair it with Italian-inspired cocktails like a basil limoncello spritz or a basil-infused Negroni.
- If you have leftover fresh basil, try your hand at making homemade basil-infused oil for a savory kick on salads, pastas and more.
- Package and share with friends for a thoughtful, homemade holiday gift.
Substitutions
- No fresh basil? Use ½ teaspoon dried basil, but fresh gives the best flavor.
- Sweet like honey. Swap sugar for ¾ cup honey for a richer taste.
- A tad less sweet. Use ¾ cup sugar instead of a full cup.
Variations
- Lemon Basil Syrup. Add ½ teaspoon lemon zest for a citrusy brightness.
- Vanilla Basil Syrup. Stir in ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract after straining for a warm, sweet twist.
- Spicy Basil Syrup. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat.
Storing and Freezing
- Fridge. Store in a sealed glass jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezer. For longer storage, freeze in an ice cube tray for up to 3 months and thaw as needed.
Top tip
For maximum basil flavor, rub or gently bruise the basil leaves before adding them to the syrup. This releases the essential oils, making the syrup even more fragrant!
FAQ
Yes! It’s great in hot tea, lattes or even drizzled over warm desserts.
Overheating the basil can cause discoloration. Try adding basil after removing the syrup from heat to keep it vibrant green.
Yes! Use a sugar substitute like monk fruit sweetener or erythritol, but the texture may be slightly thinner.
Did you try out this recipe? I'd love to know how it went! Leave me a comment and rating below or tag me on Instagram at @AFabulousBite!
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Easy Basil Simple Syrup
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine water and sugar over medium heat. Stir for about 3-4 minutes until the sugar fully dissolves and creates a syrup.
- Once the sugar has dissolved, add the basil leaves. Stir and let them steep in the hot syrup for 5 minutes, ensuring they’re fully submerged.
- Remove the syrup from heat and strain out the basil leaves, pressing them gently to extract all the flavor. Let the syrup cool before transferring it to a glass jar or bottle.
Notes
- Use fresh, vibrant basil for the best flavor and color.
- Cool completely before storing to prevent condensation and bacteria growth.
- Pair it with Italian-inspired cocktails like a basil limoncello spritz or a basil-infused Negroni.
- If you have leftover fresh basil, try your hand at making homemade basil-infused oil for a savory kick on salads, pastas and more.
- Package and share with friends for a thoughtful, homemade holiday gift.
- Fridge. Store in a sealed glass jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezer. For longer storage, freeze in an ice cube tray for up to 3 months and thaw as needed.
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