Fresh Basil Syrup Recipe

Fresh basil syrup is bright, aromatic, and quietly useful. It adds that green herbal note to cocktails, sparkling water, lemonade, tea, fruit, and even the occasional smoothie.

Simple ingredients. Strong payoff.

If basil is thriving on the counter or in the garden, this is where some of it should go. And in pasta dishes, of course.

Less aggressive than mint. More elegant than vanilla. Don’t tell vanilla. Unexpected in the right way.

Basil Syrup

Ingredients:

1 cup water

1 cup sugar

6–10 medium basil sprigs (mostly leaves + tops)

Method:

Add water and sugar to a saucepan. Heat gently, stirring until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat. Add basil sprigs and lightly press into syrup. A wooden spoon works best. Start with 8 sprigs of those 6-10, add more if desired. Cover and steep 20–30 minutes. Taste after 20 minutes. Remove basil when flavor is where you want it. Strain and cool. Store refrigerated.

How to Use It

Toast

Add to gin and soda. Shake with vodka, lemon, and ice. Build into a tequila spritz. Add a touch to sparkling wine.

Taste

Spoon over berries. Brush onto cake layers. Add to fruit salad. Matcha latte. Goji tea.

Train

Stir into sparkling water with lemon and lime. Add a small amount to mango orange smoothies.

Shop the Post

This may be commissionable.

Toast. Taste. Train.