Basil Simple Syrup Recipe
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Enhance your summer cocktails and desserts with the aromatic infusion of fresh basil flavor, perfectly blended into a sweet sugar syrup.
This Basil Simple Syrup recipe has the perfect balance of flavor, and is a wonderful addition to your favorite summer drinks like iced tea, lemonade, and club soda.
Flavored simple syrups are the perfect way to add a bit of sweetness and flavor to your drinks. Check out these recipes too! Cherry Simple Syrup, Peppermint Simple Syrup, and Blackberry Simple Syrup.
What is basil simple syrup?
Basil simple syrup is a flavored syrup made by infusing fresh basil leaves into a mixture of equal parts water and sugar. It’s used to add a hint of basil’s aromatic and herbaceous qualities to your favorite drink recipe.
Ingredients
You will only need three simple ingredients to make this delicious basil syrup recipe. Grab some fresh basil leaves off the basil plant growing in your garden, or purchase in the produce department at your local grocery store.
- Fresh basil leaves have a distinct and aromatic flavor profile that is often described as sweet, herbaceous, and slightly peppery. Its flavor can vary slightly based on the specific type of basil used.
- Filtered water will give you the purest taste and filter out impurities.
- Granulated white sugar will dissolve into a light, clear liquid without changing the color of your syrup.
Be sure to check out the detailed printable recipe card below
How to make basil simple syrup
Combine water and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Add fresh basil leaves, remove from heat to allow basil to steep and let the mixture cool to room temperature.
Strain out the basil leaves through a fine mesh sieve into a measuring cup or container, and your syrup is ready to use.
Different types of basil include:
- Genovese basil
- Thai basil
- Purple basil
- Cinnamon basil
- Lemon basil
This versatile herb has a strong aroma with a natural sweetness, and subtle floral undertones. Its ability to both enhance and complement other ingredients makes it a beloved herb in cuisines around the world.
Basil simple syrup is the perfect addition to this refreshing, summertime Watermelon Basil Lemonade cocktail!
FAQs
It can be used in a range of culinary creations. It’s commonly added to cocktails, mocktails, lemonades, and iced teas for a refreshing twist.
It can also be used to sweeten desserts, such as fruit salad, sorbets, and even drizzled over cakes before frosting.
Store syrup in an airtight container or mason jar in the refrigerator for up to one month. However, the flavor may gradually diminish over time.
Discard simple syrup if it becomes cloudy or smells off.
While fresh basil is recommended for the best flavor, you can use 2 to 3 teaspoons dried basil in a pinch. However, the flavor might not be as vibrant as when using fresh leaves.
Absolutely! You can experiment with variations by adding lemon peel for a hint of citrus, and fresh fruit like strawberry to the syrup for a unique flavor profile.
Yes, you can use alternative sweeteners like honey, agave syrup, or maple syrup instead of traditional granulated sugar. Keep in mind that this may alter the color and flavor. Substitute allulose for a keto simple syrup.
Sweet herbal syrup pairs well with various cocktails such as mojitos, frozen strawberry daiquiris, and gin and tonic. It can also add depth to a simple vodka soda or enhance the flavors of a classic Tom Collins.
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Recipes that use basil
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Enjoy!!
Basil Simple Syrup Recipe
Equipment
- Saucepan
Ingredients
- 1 cup filtered water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Combine water and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Add fresh basil leaves, remove from heat to allow basil to steep and let the mixture cool to room temperature.
- Strain out the basil leaves through a fine mesh sieve into a measuring cup or container, and your syrup is ready to use.
Notes
- Store syrup in an airtight container or mason jar in the refrigerator for up to one month.
- Substitute honey, agave syrup, or maple syrup instead of traditional granulated sugar.
- For keto simple syrup, substitute allulose sweetener.
- Approximate serving size 2 tablespoons.
