If you’ve ever wanted to capture the taste of a summer garden in a glass, basil simple syrup is the way to do it.
Fresh, herbaceous, and lightly sweet, this syrup adds an unexpected twist to cocktails, mocktails, lemonade, and even desserts.
It’s a little earthy, a little peppery, and completely refreshing.
Even better, it’s super easy to grow your own basil at home.
If I’m starting my herb garden from scratch I’ll buy a small basil plant and then plant basil seeds around it so that new basil starts to grow as I used up the older leaves.
The first time I made basil syrup, I used it in a strawberry gin smash, and let me tell you—it was love at first sip.
Now, I keep it on hand to stir into sparkling water, drizzle over fresh fruit, or elevate a mojito. It’s a quick, easy recipe that packs a big flavor punch.
Tips for Best Results
Use fresh basil
This recipe shines with just-picked leaves. Avoid wilted or bruised basil, which can make the syrup taste bitter.
Adjust the steeping time
For a lighter basil flavor, strain after 15 minutes. For a stronger herbal kick, let it steep the full 30 minutes.
Try different basil varieties
Sweet basil is classic, but Thai basil or lemon basil will give your syrup a fun twist, and all three work beautifully in cocktails.
How to Use Basil Syrup
- Mix with gin, vodka, or rum for herbal cocktails.
- Stir into lemonade or iced tea for a refreshing summer drink.
- Use in a strawberry basil mojito or smash.
- Drizzle over fresh fruit, sorbet, or even vanilla ice cream.
- Add to sparkling water for an easy alcohol-free spritz.
- Pairs great with peaches, lemon, figs, strawberries, watermelon, mango, pineapple, and of course, with other herbs in our Emerald Syrup.
Cocktail Recipes that Use Basil Simple Syrup
How to Make Basil Simple Syrup
Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
Instructions:
- In a small saucepan, combine the water and sugar. Bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- Reduce heat and add the basil leaves. Simmer for 1 minute.
- Remove from heat and let the syrup steep for 30 minutes.
- Strain through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a sterilized glass jar.
- Discard (or compost!) the basil leaves.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze it for later use.
Basil Simple Syrup
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine the water and sugar. Bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- Reduce heat and add the basil leaves. Simmer for 1 minute.
- Remove from heat and let the syrup steep for 30 minutes.
- Strain through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a sterilized glass jar.
- Discard (or compost!) the basil leaves.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze it for later use.
