Basil simple syrup is one of those things that I never thought to make before. I’m not sure why, because I make plenty of basil infused cocktails and love fresh basil. I also have found myself in the grocery store buying bottles of simple syrup. Simple syrup happens to be the easiest thing to make, and I bet you didn’t know that. Once you make it yourself, there is no turning back. Since last weekend when I made this, I have already made 2 more types; Blueberry Basil Simple Syrup and Rosemary Simple Syrup. Pretty much any fruit or herb can be turned into an infused simple syrup. It’s marvelous! Now that summer is here, I bet you or someone you know is growing fresh basil. It’s plentiful and really grows well and there are so many things to use it for in the summer!
So what you have to do is pretty simple (just like the name states, ha!): take 1 cup of granulated sugar and mix it with 1 cup of water in a small sauce-pot. Then add a handful (about 1/2 cup or more) of clean basil leaves to the pot. Over medium heat, bring it up to a simmer while you stir it to dissolve the sugar, then lower the heat and simmer for at least 15 minutes on low low heat.
*Trust me, you do not want this stuff boiling or simmering too high. I made that mistake with a batch and it hardened as it cooled. Basically it turned into basil sugar candy. Learn from my mistakes…*
After about 15 minutes, remove the pot from the heat and let it cool off completely. Once you do that, use a fine strainer and pour the syrup into an airtight container. Discard the leaves. You can store this stuff in a jar in the fridge for a long time (I’ve read 6 months…), but I’m not sure it will actually last that long.
You might be wondering what you can use this simple syrup in? Well there are lots of stuff….lots of stuff I don’t have recipes for, and a couple things I do. How about a bowl of fresh fruit? Watermelon, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, pineapple…they would all be delicious topped with a couple tablespoons of this basil simple syrup. Or how about whatever cocktail you are whipping up over the weekend? I think it would be great on desserts too- strawberry shortcake? Yes please!
Strawberry Basil Margaritas, check. Blueberry Basil Margaritas? Check. How about just adding some to a regular margarita? Delicious.
This would be perfect in a mojito as well. You could easily substitute the basil for mint leaves when making, and you would have a delicious simple syrup to use in those summery mojitos. In fact, I think I will make that soon and post about it…stay tuned.
What would you use Basil Simple Syrup for?
Recipe inspired from Bon Appetit
Like summer cocktails as much as I do? Check out these other drinks from Domestic Superhero:
Thanks for visiting!
– Allyson
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