Basil Simple Syrup

Last week I shared a recipe for simple syrup that you can add to drinks, cocktails and use in other recipes.

This week we are going to step our game up a few notches and make a simple syrup that is infused with basil.

I was visiting my sister Alli and her family a few weeks back and her husband Andy showed me a few drink recipes that you can make with this simple syrup.

Alli and I whipped up some basil simple syrup and stuck it in the fridge.  And when I say “Alli and I” I mean she did all the work and I took pictures. 😉

Andy, used the syrup to make drinks the next few nights and I was surprised at how versatile it was!  I will share the drink recipe soon but there are plenty of other ways that you can use basil simple syrup.

It pairs great with tequila drinks like this Basil Lime Margarita, but also less flavorful liquors such as white rum drinks and vodka drinks

Think of all the summer drinks that you want a fresh take on, such as ice tea or lemonade. You can use basil simple syrup to sweeten them, or just drizzle the syrup over fruit or berries. The possibilities are endless!

You can also use this method to make other herb simple syrups such as mint, rosemary or whatever you think sounds yummy for your next get-together or just a fun evening at home.

For now, here is what you will need to whip up some basil simple syrup.

fresh basil leaves
sugar
water

To start off chop up about 30-40 fresh basil leaves.

Basil Simple Syrup chopping basil

The basil plant in the yard didn’t really have enough leaves yet, so we had to pick some up at the store. You dont need to separate them from the stem unless you want. I think that we used about a package and a half.

Basil Simple Syrup Basil

Add the basil leaves, 2 and a half cups of water and 2 cups of sugar to a pot and bring to a low simmer.

Basil Simple Syrup sugar

Simmer 15-20 minutes staring occasionally to make sure that the sugar is dissolved.

Basil Simple Syrup simmering

Note – you are using a little more water than sugar in this recipe because you are going to simmer it for a while and that water will reduce.

Turn off the heat and allow to cool for 10-15 minutes. Transfer the mixture to a blender and process for 15-20 seconds.

Basil Simple Syrup blending

Using a fine mesh strainer, strain out the larger chunks of basil, and discard.

Basil Simple Syrup straining

Transfer the liquid to a container and store in the refrigerator.

Basil Simple Syrup pouring into jar

This can be kept in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

How are you going to use an infused simple syrup this summer to spice up your recipes?

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  1. […] am going to share this recipe today and then another one in a week or two that both use the Basil Simple Syrup we made here on the blog a few weeks back. Check out that post and whip up a batch. Today we are […]

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