Basil simple syrup is the perfect way to use any spare basil you might have leftover from a recipe. And if you grow your own basil, well, you can make your own basil syrup all summer long! I like experimenting with different varieties of basil–Thai basil imparts the licorice-y flavor of anise, while lemon basil adds just a hint of citrus to the syrup.
The best part about making basil simple syrup is that it’s as easy as making a regular simple syrup–you just add a handful of basil leaves to the sugar and water. Here’s how you do it:
Combine 1 cup of sugar, 1/2 cup of water, and 1/2 cup of washed basil leaves in a small saucepan.
Bring to a simmer on medium heat, stirring occasionally, until sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat. Let the syrup cool completely, then pour through a fine sieve into a jar or resealable container.
Although basic simple syrup lasts several weeks in the fridge, since this syrup has basil added to it, I try to use it within a week. So how can you use your basil simple syrup? Lots of ways! Here are some ideas:
- My favorite way to use it is in drinks. Try adding it to iced tea, lemonade (and limeade!), or cocktails instead of sugar.
- Sweeten popsicles with it. Here’s a recipe for Basil-Infused Lychee Lime Ice Pops.
- Drizzle a little bit on fresh fruit. It’s great on strawberries, blueberries, melon, and pineapple.
- Use it in a granita or sorbet, like my Meyer Lemon & Basil Sorbet.
Basil simple syrup adds a sweet, herbal note to any drink or dish. And if you’re not a fan of basil, you can use this same method to make simple syrups flavored with other herbs–try it with mint for the best homemade mojitos you’ve ever had!
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How can someone not be a fan of basil! I am all over this. Definitely planning on making some popsicles once it gets a little warmer and I have a working fridge
Well, everyone’s a fan of basil, but some people might be weirded out by basil syrup!
Hmm..i may need to give this a try this summer! I really must get more foodie!
It’s not that foodie though! It’s so easy!
What a fabulous idea. I’m feeling the itch to buy a couple of basil plants now that summer is almost here. And the mint idea is perfect for Derby Mint Juleps!
I bought a mint plant that’s supposedly the “official” mint used to make an authentic Kentucky mint julep.
I can’t wait until it’s big enough to try it!
This is such an awesome idea. I always have left over basil and feel so horrible throwing it away. I’m def going to try this in a summer cocktail.
That’s why I hate buying herbs at the grocery store–it’s so expensive and you only need a little bit and unless you have other recipes planned with them, the leftovers just go to waste. Grumble! But basil and mint both make really good syrup. I think I might experiment with a rosemary one for lemonade too…
Mmmmmm,.. We have basil growing in our garden right now. I really want to try this but our plant is so small, yet! Maybe further in the summer, I’ll be able to use this recipe.
Basil seems to always be slow to start, and then once it starts growing, it really starts growing!
Whoa! I bet this is delicious!!
Now I’m even more excited for my basil to grow.
I had problems with my seeds, so while I wait for a new batch to get started, I cheated and bought some transplants from HerbFest. So I am going to have a TON of basil this summer…
This is a great idea. Thanks for the instructions.
What a great idea and post.
My mint and basil are thriving, now I have some ideas on how to use it!
Try putting it in fruit salad too! Even just a little bit of chopped mint or basil on fresh watermelon is SO good.
First off, your blog looks terrific! I had no idea that you changed your name. Second, the basil syrup looks delicious. Basil is by far my favorite herb. I love the idea of keeping it in the fridge and using it as needed.
Thank you! And yes, basil is one of my favorite herbs too. I’m growing four different kinds this year!
I’m a huge fan of basil, but I’ve never used it in a sweet application. I love all the uses!
I will always love basil for pesto more than anything else, but it’s so good mixed into a fruit salad or in a simple syrup like this.
I LOVE me some basil! I could eat it on everything… well maybe not but still. lol
Me too! I’m growing a ton of it, so I’m hoping I don’t get burned out on it.
That sounds amazing! &Thank you for including how to use it because I wanted to make the syrup but would never know what to do with it otherwise
You can’t go wrong with lemonade or limeade! The last time I made it, I made a huge pitcher of limeade and it was so good.
My friend’s make this and we have grapefruit basil martini’s. YUM! Fresh squeezed ruby red grapefruit juice, vodka, basil simple syrup and a basil leaf…….we are the happiest people around!
I’m going to have to try that too! Love the combination of grapefruit and basil…
Kiersten, I made this yesterday and it’s divine! I had seen the recipe before on your blog and thought that I’d like to try it but delayed it. Last weekend I went to a café and they served homemade basil lemonade. I loved it and thought about your recipe. So last night I made it and it’s so much better than the one I had on the weekend
I used one cup of basil (but very tightly packed into the cup), 1 1/2 cups of water and 2 cups of golden caster sugar. It’s sweet enough for me and I had it with sparkling water – mmmmhhhh. Will try with iced tea and fruit this weekend. Thank you!
I’m so glad you liked it–thanks for letting me know! I’m going to have to try making my next batch of basil lemonade with sparkling water–that sounds perfect!