Lemon Verbena and Basil Simple Syrups

Lemon Verbena and Basil Simple Syrups – simple to make and delicious syrups add vibrancy to drinks, ice cream, cakes, all kinds of fun places!

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Lemon Verbena Lemongrass Soda with a garnish of fresh lemon verbena.. So refreshing!

The other day my husband brought home some lovely herbs. They had a farmers market right at his work (how cool is that!). So, my thoughtful husband brought me some basil and some lemongrass.

I used all the basil right away, but the lemongrass just sat in the fridge for a while. Until I decided that I would try to make it into some syrup. Oh, and I’d add in some lemon verbena from the garden. Perfect! And, well since I was experimenting with flavors, I’d try to make some basil syrup. I’ve made thyme and rosemary syrups before, so I thought basil would be fun. And, I planted the cutest basil this year; the leaves are tiny and it requires no chopping! It’s great!

ok, I’m a huge NFL fan, and can’t wait for the season to start! So, I threw my Seahawks apron into this picture!

So, here are my two new flavored syrups (here’s a past post on Plum Syrup and one on Raspberry Lime Syrup. I’ve been putting the syrups in club soda as a nice refreshing drink in this hot summer weather. It kind of reminds me of those dry sodas. And, the nice thing about making your own (besides the fact that it’s way cheaper!) is that you can put just the amount of sweetness in the soda that you want.

Lemongrass and lemon verbena leaves steeping to become simple syrup

I store the syrups in small canning jars with tight-fitting lids in my fridge until I’m ready to use ’em!

This is the basil I’m growing in the garden right now. Look at those cute little leaves! No chopping! I love it!

And, don’t feel limited to adding these syrups to club soda. Try them in lemonade, ice tea, even adult beverages. Or, drizzle them over fruit or pound cake, or over ice cream. Try making them into a Popsicle. The options are nearly endless. The little extra herby flavor can add so much to things.

Lemon Verbena and Basil Simple Syrups

Lemon Verbena Lemongrass Simple Syrup Recipe

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Lemon Verbena Lemongrass Syrup

Servings 16

Author Debi

Ingredients

• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water
• 3 stalks lemongrass
• 1/4 - 1/2 cup lemon verbena leaves washed

Instructions

1. Cut the lemongrass stalks in half lengthwise, and pound a little with a heavy mallet or meat tenderizer until they're fragrant.
2. Place all ingredients in a medium saucepan, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Let the sugar dissolve, and boil for one minute. Take off of the heat. Let steep for 20 minutes and strain out the solids.
3. The syrup will keep in the fridge in a tightly covered jar for a few weeks (if it lasts that long).

Recipe Notes

The servings will vary depending on how much syrup you put in your club soda. Start with 1 tablespoon and work up from there to see how sweet you like it. And, it may differ on different days.

Basil Simple Syrup Recipe

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Basil Syrup

Servings 16

Author Debi

Ingredients

• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup basil leaves washed

Instructions

1. Add all ingredients to a small saucepan, and bring to a boil. Let the sugar dissolve, and boil for one minute. Take off of the heat. Let steep for 10 minutes and strain out the solids.
2. The syrup will keep in the fridge for a few weeks (if it lasts that long).

Recipe Notes

The number of servings will vary depending on how sweet you like your sodas. Start by adding 1 tablespoon, and increase from there to see what you like.