Basil Simple Syrup

Basil Simple Syrup is an easy to make and delicious syrup that adds summer vibrancy to drinks, ice cream, cakes, all kinds of fun places!

I first posted this recipe back in 2013 along with a recipe for lemon verbena simple syrup. I was using fresh herbs from the garden in lots of fun and unusual ways. And I love this recipe so much, I wanted to bring it back.

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Please let me know if you have any questions about this recipe. I read all the comments myself and I try to help as soon as I can. I have readers from all levels of comfort and experience in the kitchen on my site, and I’ve tried to answer some of your questions already in the post. But if I’ve missed anything, please feel free to leave a comment and ask.

Fresh herbs

I love using herbs from the garden or from the farmer’s market during the summer. And making simple syrups out of them is a great way to get that fresh summer basil flavor into all kinds of foods and drinks.

For this basil syrup recipe, fresh basil is steeped in sugar and water to create a sweet herbal syrup to add refreshing summer flavor to lemonade, cocktails, mocktails, frozen treats, and desserts.

What is simple syrup?

Simple syrup lives up to its name, being simply made with equal parts granulated white sugar and water. From there, flavor variations are nearly endless with fresh herbs and fruits. It’s a staple in any well-equipped bar, and are a great way to add flavor to any.

Can Simple Syrups go bad?

Yes, simple syrup can go bad if stored for too long or in the wrong place.

Store syrup in a tightly covered container, like a mason jar, in the fridge for up to a month. Because this syrup is made with fresh basil, I like to use it within a week to have the basil flavor as fresh and bold as possible.

Can I freeze this syrup?

Want to serve fresh basil flavor in the winter? This can absolutely be frozen.

Try freezing it in {affiliate link} old-school ice cube trays so that you can take a little out at a time. Pop those frozen cubes in a ziptop bag. When you’re ready to use them, take out a few at a time and place them in a jar in the fridge to defrost overnight.

Can I use different kinds of basil?

Basil is so easy to grow in the garden and there are so many wonderful varieties of this pungent herb that taste great in syrup. Feel free to experiment with the different flavor profiles.

Thai basil is one of my favorites to use in recipes, and it has a nice licorice flavor, which will make for some fun Asian flavored cocktails.

Lemon basil is one of my other favorites to grow. It adds a hint of citrus to syrup.

Purple basil will make a pretty pink colored syrup.

Cinnamon basil is another variety I see often, and would work well in syrup for a fun fall flavor.

Have you seen these tiny leaf basils? It’s so cute, and requires no chopping. Perfect for syrup.

Also, you might see living basil plants at the grocery store, definitely grab one of those to keep some basil handy on your kitchen counter. I almost always have one of those around.

How much syrup should I use?

The number of servings you get from this recipe will vary depending on how sweet you like your drinks.

I suggest that you start by adding 1 tablespoon to a beverage, and increase from there to see what you like.

As for drizzling over cakes, again, start smaller, and taste. You can always add more, but you can’t take it out.

Basil syrup uses

Oh, there are so many ways to use this syrup.

This summer I’m really enjoying these refreshing Strawberry Basil Lemonades. I take 3 ripe strawberries and smash them in a glass. Add in some ice cubes, and 1-2 tablespoons of basil syrup. Then, fill with lemonade. Garnish with an additional strawberry and basil spring for a fancy presentation. SO GOOD!

Stir the syrup into club soda as a nice refreshing drink in this hot summer weather. And, the nice thing about making your own flavored soda (besides the fact that it’s way cheaper!) is that you can put just the amount of sweetness in the soda that you want.

Try them in lemonade, limeade, or ice tea for a delicious mocktail, like my Basil Lime Sparkling Green Tea.  

Drizzle the syrups over fresh fruit or pound cake for a light summer dessert.

Use it in a granita or sorbet, or over ice cream. Use my Lemon Thyme Sorbet as inspiration.

Take cocktails to a new level with fresh herb flavors; this garden-fresh syrup will add a hint of basil to your favorite cocktails. It pairs nicely with gin and ice for a great summer refresher!

Try adding the syrup into a Popsicle.

Just think about all the great summer flavors that basil will go with: watermelon, lime, pineapple.  

How to make basil simple syrup

Please see below for detailed recipe card with amounts and times.

Rinse off the basil leaves in a small colander, like this one from Amazon with my affiliate link.

Combine water, sugar, and basil leaves in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally, until sugar has dissolved.

Remove from heat, and let the basil steep in the syrup. Pour through a fine sieve into a jar for storage or use.

Other Simple Syrups

I love experimenting with flavorings of simple syrup.

Lavender Simple Syrup
Lemon Verbena Simple Syrup
Cinnamon Simple Syrup
Plum Syrup
Cinnamon Dolce Latte Syrup
Raspberry Lime Syrup
Grenadine Syrup

Basil handling notes

I want to make sure you know how to store basil. For best quality, store fresh basil in a cool place (50-55 F) do not refrigerate.

If the basil is cooked for too long, the syrup can become bitter, so be sure to keep an eye on the timer and don’t just walk away from it.

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Basil Simple Syrup Recipe