This basil simple syrup is simple, delicious, and easy to make with just three ingredients.
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Basil simple syrup is the perfect way to use any spare basil you might have leftover from another recipe. And if you grow your own basil, well, you can make your own basil syrup all summer long!
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 mixture. Here's how you do it:
How to Make Basil Simple Syrup
Combine 1 cup of sugar, ½ cup of water, and ½ 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.
Tips & Variations
Although basic simple syrup lasts several weeks in the fridge, since this syrup has fresh basil added to it, I try to use it within a week.
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.
Ways to Use Basil Syrup
So how can you use your basil simple syrup? Lots of ways! Here are some ideas to get you started:
My favorite way to use this syrup is in drinks! Try adding it to iced tea, lemonade (and limeade!), or mix into cocktails instead of sugar.
Sweeten popsicles with it- like these Basil-Infused Lychee Lime Ice Pops.
Drizzle it over fresh fruit. It's delicious 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!
More Tasty Ideas
If you love this basil simple syrup, be sure to check out these other delicious ideas too:
📖 Recipe
Equipment
- small saucepan
Ingredients
- 1 cup white sugar (organic for vegan-friendly)
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Combine the sugar, water, and basil leaves in a small saucepan and heat over medium heat.
- Bring mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves into the water. Remove from heat and let the syrup cool.
- Pour the basil syrup through a sieve or strainer to remove the basil leaves. Store in the fridge for up to a week.
Adrienne @ How to Ice a Cake says
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 😛
Kiersten says
Well, everyone's a fan of basil, but some people might be weirded out by basil syrup! 😉
orangeheromama says
Hmm..i may need to give this a try this summer! I really must get more foodie! 😀
Kiersten says
It's not that foodie though! It's so easy! 😀
Stephanie @ henry happened says
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!
Kiersten says
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!
Julie at Burnt Carrots says
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. 🙂
Kiersten says
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...
Allison says
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. 😀
Kiersten says
Basil seems to always be slow to start, and then once it starts growing, it really starts growing!
Smedette says
Whoa! I bet this is delicious!!
Now I'm even more excited for my basil to grow.
Kiersten says
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...
Brenda Williams says
This is a great idea. Thanks for the instructions.
Stefani says
What a great idea and post.
Rachel @ Rachel's Giveaways says
My mint and basil are thriving, now I have some ideas on how to use it!
Kiersten says
Try putting it in fruit salad too! Even just a little bit of chopped mint or basil on fresh watermelon is SO good.
Lori Popkewitz Alper says
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.
Kiersten says
Thank you! And yes, basil is one of my favorite herbs too. I'm growing four different kinds this year!
Shirley says
I'm a huge fan of basil, but I've never used it in a sweet application. I love all the uses!
Kiersten says
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.
Jennifer says
I LOVE me some basil! I could eat it on everything... well maybe not but still. lol
Kiersten says
Me too! I'm growing a ton of it, so I'm hoping I don't get burned out on it. 🙂
Shell Fruscione says
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 🙂
Kiersten says
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. 🙂
Maria says
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!
Kiersten says
I'm going to have to try that too! Love the combination of grapefruit and basil...
Kerstin says
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!
Kiersten says
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!
susan says
I tasted the syrup with seltzer water and loved it. It wasn't as strong a flavor so I'm glad to see ,from another article, you can let the basil infuse for as much as an hour. I was wondering if overnight might make it bitter. I noticed that you boiled the basil along with the syrup. I bet that makes it stronger in flavor too. I'll try that next time. Thanks for the info.
Kiersten says
I haven't tried letting the basil sit overnight, so I'm not sure how that would work out.
Izzy says
Hi! Just wondering roughly how much this makes? I'm looking to add this to some lemonade for a lovely drink and just wanted to know if this would be enough for me 🙂
Best wishes,
Izzy
Kiersten Frase says
It makes about 1/2 to 3/4 cup of syrup. It should be enough for a big pitcher of lemonade, although it depends on how sweet you want it to be!
Sandy says
At the local Hard Rock they have a Strawberry Basil Lemonade that is DELICIOUS. You can substitute mint which my boyfriend prefers but I really do love it with basil more.
joanne davis says
Basil is also a natural remedy for colds and coughs
Faith Ukwuomah says
It sounds interesting. I have been looking into making my own syrup as I am watching my sugar intake. Can basil syrup be used for baking bread?