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!
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
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.
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.