Basil Simple Syrup
This 3-ingredient Basil Simple Syrup is an unexpected and delicious combination of basil, sugar, and water. Easy to prepare, the subtle herbaceous notes add a fresh, elevated touch to your cocktail game. It can be used in a variety of ways, from this refreshing Watermelon Margarita to lemonade and sparkling drinks, making it a versatile flavored simple syrup to keep on hand.
This recipe has been kitchen-tested to ensure consistent, reliable results.
Good To Know
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 5 minutes | Inactive Time: 15 minutes
Makes: 1/2 cup
Use: In cocktails, over ice cream, to sweeten lemonade, or to moisten cake layers
Quick Tip: Store for up to 1 month in the refrigerator
What Is Basil Simple Syrup?
Basil simple syrup is a flavored simple syrup made with sugar, water, and fresh basil. It adds a subtle, herbaceous note that elevates cocktails and desserts without overpowering them.
To make it, combine equal parts sugar and water over low heat until dissolved, then add fresh basil leaves to steep and infuse the syrup with flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Basil Simple Syrup
- Just 3-ingredients: This recipe only needs 3 ingredients.
- Quick & easy: It only takes 25 minutes to prepare; 15 minutes of which are hands-off.
- Make-ahead friendly: You can make this up to 1 month in advance, which makes it perfect for entertaining
- Many uses: Enjoy it in cocktails such as this Watermelon Margarita or non-alcoholic drinks, to sweeten lemonade or iced tea, over ice cream, or to moisten cake layers.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
Refer to the printable recipe card below for ingredient quantities and detailed instructions.
- Granulated sugar: Use white granulated sugar for a clean, neutral sweetness. Raw, natural, or brown sugar can darken the syrup and alter the flavor of your basil simple syrup.
- Basil leaves: Choose fresh, vibrant leaves from a plant that has not started to flower. Younger basil has a brighter, more aromatic flavor, which is key for making the best basil simple syrup cocktails.
How To Make Basil Simple Syrup
1. Combine sugar and water in a small saucepan.
2. Heat over low, stirring until the sugar has dissolved.
3. Remove from heat and add fresh basil. Clap the leaves between your hands first; this helps release their natural oils and boosts the flavor.
4. Gently muddle the basil into the syrup, then let it steep for 15 minutes to fully infuse.
5. Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a glass measuring cup or jar.
6. If needed, line the sieve with cheesecloth and strain again for a clearer basil syrup.
7. Pour the basil simple syrup into a clean, airtight bottle or jar and refrigerate until ready to use. It will keep for up to 1 month.
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How To Choose the Best Basil for Simple Syrup
For the best basil simple syrup, look for:
– Bright green, vibrant leaves
– Soft, tender texture
– Strong, fresh aroma when gently rubbed
Since basil syrup gets its flavor entirely from fresh basil leaves, choosing the right basil makes a noticeable difference. Younger leaves are rich in aromatic oils that create a more vibrant herb flavor in your finished syrup.
What to Avoid
If you see small white or purple flowers or buds forming at the top of the plant, this is a sign that all its energy is being directed to producing seeds. This, in turn, makes the leaves:
– More bitter
– Less aromatic
– More rubbery in texture
While flowering basil can still be used, it won’t deliver the same fresh, herbaceous flavor you want in creating high-quality flavored simple syrup for drinks.
Expert Tips
- Clap the basil before using: Clap the leaves between your hands before adding them to the syrup. Doing so helps release the natural oils and boosts the herbaceous flavor in your basil simple syrup.
- Avoid basil that is flowering: If the basil has started to flower, the leaves will taste less aromatic, which can affect the overall flavor of the basil syrup.
- Don’t boil the syrup: Keep the heat low and avoid boiling the sugar mixture. Gentle heat preserves the delicate basil flavor and prevents the syrup from tasting cooked instead of fresh.
- Strain well: If the syrup has sediment after the initial strain, line the fine-mesh sieve with cheesecloth and strain the syrup a second time.
Recipe Testing Notes (What Worked Best)
Initially, I combined the basil leaves with the sugar and water, and brought the mixture to a boil, but found the basil flavor was not as pronounced.
In the end, heating the sugar water mixture on low until dissolved, then adding the leaves to the syrup and allowing them to steep while the syrup cooled, provided a nice basil flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage Info
Make-Ahead: You can make this basil simple syrup up to 1 month in advance, making it perfect for prepping cocktails or drinks ahead of time.
Refrigerator: Store cooled syrup in a sterilized airtight bottle or jar in the refrigerator. Properly stored, this flavored simple syrup will stay fresh for up to 1 month.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, homemade simple syrup does expire. However, when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, basil simple syrup will typically last up to 1 month. If it becomes cloudy, develops an off smell, or shows signs of mold, it should be discarded.
You can use this basil simple syrup recipe in a variety of ways. Besides cocktails, you can make a basil lemonade or add it to iced tea or sparkling water with citrus for a slightly herbal flavor. It can be drizzled over ice cream, added to berries or melon, and brushed onto cake layers to keep your cake moist.
Clapping basil leaves releases their natural oils, which creates a stronger, more pronounced flavor in your basil syrup. Light muddling as the leaves steep can further enhance the infusion.
Delicious Starts Here
If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Please leave a rating and a comment below; your feedback helps other home cooks decide if this recipe is right for them. And if you share it on Instagram, tag me @aspicedlifeblog so I can see your beautiful creations.🧡
Basil Simple Syrup
Ingredients
- ½ cup (99g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (125ml) water
- 1 cup (28g) packed fresh basil leaves (about 25)
Equipment
Instructions
- Place sugar and water in a small saucepan. Set over low heat and stir until the sugar has fully dissolved.
- Remove from heat and add the basil leaves, clapping them between your hands first to release their oils. Gently muddle them into the syrup.
- Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes to allow the basil to fully infuse.
- Once cooled, pour the simple syrup through a fine-mesh sieve set over a glass measuring cup.
- Discard the basil leaves, then transfer the syrup to a jar with a tight-fitting lid and refrigerate until needed.
Notes:
Nutrition
Now that you have basil simple syrup on hand, you can add it to just about anything. It’s perfect for cocktails, lemonade, and sparkling drinks, adding a fresh, herbaceous twist.
My favorite way to use it? This Basil Watermelon Margarita, the combination of basil, watermelon, and lime, is unexpectedly refreshing and absolutely delicious.
For more fresh, from-scratch drink ideas, check out my other cocktail and homemade syrup recipes.
