• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Cocktails
  • Dessert
  • Appetizers
  • Parties
  • Shop

Cupcakes and Cutlery logo

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Cocktails
  • Appetizers
  • Dessert
  • Recipes
  • Shop
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Cocktails
    • Appetizers
    • Dessert
    • Recipes
    • Shop
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Cocktails » Basil Simple Syrup Recipe for Cocktails

    Published: Mar 12, 2021 · Updated: Mar 12, 2021 by Sharon Garofalow | This post may contain affiliate links. See the privacy policy linked in my footer.

    Basil Simple Syrup Recipe for Cocktails

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    A close up of a jar of simple syrup with text and then another image of fresh basil.
    Close up of a jar with simple syrup on a counter with basil leaves to the right of it.
    Close up of a jar with simple syrup on a table with fresh basil leaves laying next to it.

    Yum! This Basil Simple Syrup recipe is a delicious way to flavor cocktails. Just three simple ingredients can take your cocktail from good to great! If you love herbs or creating new cocktail flavors, this is a must-try!

    jar full of basil simple syrup recipe with extra basil leaves

    Why this recipe works

    Basil simple syrup is an easy way to add the refreshing taste of basil to any cocktail that you already love, like a Strawberry Basil Margarita, or create something totally unique.

    Making one batch can flavor several drinks. Instead of making my Shaken Basil Iced Tea, you can easily add a tablespoon of this! Or add it to mocktails to elevate their flavors.

    Not a fan of overly sweet drinks? You can modify the amounts of everything in this recipe to make it fit your taste preferences. You could even make this more like my Lavender Tea and leave the sugar out completely!

    Making simple syrup can seem intimidating, but it's actually really easy! Once you make it, you'll find tons of delicious ways to use it.

    Basil simple syrup would be a great addition to Moscow Mules, or in most drinks that call for a little bit of sweetener.

    Ingredient Notes

    Fresh basil laying on a counter next to a jar of water and a small bowl with white sugar.

    Fresh basil is key for making that basil flavor stand out and pop. I love to buy fresh basil at the farmer's market on the weekend and enjoy that flavor all week long.

    White sugar is the classic sugar to use in this recipe. You could use demerara sugar or a sugar alternative with slightly different taste results.

    How to Make Simple Basil Syrup - Step-by-Step Instructions

    mixing in the sugar and water to the basil leaves on the stove
    1. Add water, sugar, and basil to a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve sugar.
    basil in sauce pan on the stove with wooden spoon

    2. Once the sugar is fully dissolved, allow to simmer for 1 minute. Then remove from heat.

    3. Let basil leaves steep in the syrup for 30 minutes, then remove with a slotted spoon. Let the basil simple syrup cool to room temperature.

    mason jar full of basil simple syrup on counter

    4. Store the flavored simple syrup in an air-tight container.

    This recipe makes a little less than a half a cup because some of the water evaporates. Many cocktail recipes call for 1 ounce or less of simple syrup so you'll get several servings out of one batch.

    If you don't want to take the time to make a batch of this simple syrup you can still make a tasty cocktail. Make a Cheater Simple Syrup with a Sugar Cube and muddle fresh basil. The flavor will be more subtle but still tasty!

    Tips and Tricks

    • If the basil flavor still isn't strong enough for you after making this simple syrup, muddle a few extra basil leaves directly to your cocktail.
    • This same base recipe can create different kinds of herb simple syrups. Swap out the basil for thyme, mint or rosemary.
    • If you are worried about any small pieces of leaves in your syrup, you can use a fine strainer to get them out before putting it in your storage container.
    • This recipe is easy to scale up and because it needs to be made ahead of time is great for a party bar!

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What's the difference between sugar syrup and simple syrup?

    They are the same thing. Since simple syrup is made from sugar that turns into a syrup, it's the same end result sometimes called by another name.

    Why does simple syrup turn yellow?

    Although in this case the basil leaves lend to the changing color of this simple syrup, it often turns yellow based on the type of sugar used and if it starts to caramelize while cooking.

    How do you store Simple Syrup?

    Store the completely cooked simple syrup in an air-tight container in the refrigerator.

    How long does simple syrup last?

    Traditional simple syrup make with 1:1 parts sugar and water can usually last for about a month if store in the fridge. Because this recipe has fresh herbs, I would only keep it for about a week. As the basil breaks down it may create mold or bacteria.

    jar full of basil syrup for cocktails sitting on white marble counter

    Related Recipes

    • A delicious basil cucumber soda to make at home.
      Make Your Own Basil Cucumber Soda
    • Close up of a copper mug on a table.
      Strawberry Moscow Mule Recipe With Mint
    • lavender lemonade in a pitcher
      Easy Lavender Lemonade Recipe
    • Overhead view of a Cucumber Vodka Gimlet in a stemless cocktail glass.
      Cucumber Gimlet Cocktail with Vodka

    Or see my collections of: Easy Cocktails, Moscow Mule Variations, Vodka Cocktails, and Wine Cocktails.

    jar of basil syrup with extra basil leaves on counter

    Basil Simple Syrup

    With just 3 ingredients, this Basil Simple Syrup is easy to make and a great way to add herbal flavor and sweetness to any drink or cocktail recipe.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate Save Saved!
    Course: cocktails, Drinks
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 2 minutes
    Cook Time: 11 minutes
    Steeping Time: 20 minutes
    Total Time: 33 minutes
    Servings: 4 1 ounce servings
    Calories: 97kcal
    Author: Sharon Garofalow

    Ingredients

    • ½ cup water
    • ½ cup white sugar
    • ½ cup basil, fresh packed

    Instructions

    • Add water, sugar, and basil to a small saucepan.
    • Bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve sugar completely.
    • Simmer for 1 minute longer.
    • Remove from heat.
    • Let basil steep in the syrup for 30 minutes, then remove.
    • Let cool to room temperature.
    • Store in an air-tight container in the fridge for about a week.

    Notes

    • If the basil flavor still isn't strong enough for you after making this simple syrup, muddle a few extra basil leaves directly to your cocktail.
    • This same base recipe can create different kinds of herb simple syrups. Swap out the basil for thyme, mint or rosemary.
    • If you are worried about any small pieces of leaves in your syrup, you can use a fine strainer to get them out before putting it in your storage container.
    • This recipe is easy to scale up and because it needs to be made ahead of time is great for a party bar!

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1ounce | Calories: 97kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Sodium: 2mg | Potassium: 9mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 25g | Vitamin A: 158IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @CupcakesCutlery or tag #cupcakescutlery!

    More Classic Cocktail Recipes

    • An Aperol summer cocktail in a glass on top of a white plate surrounded by fresh limes and topped with a lime slice.
      Tropical Spiced Rum Aperol Cocktail Recipe
    • A martini glass filled with a French gimlet cocktail.
      A Simple French Gimlet Recipe for Spring (St Germain Gin Gimlet)
    • 6 Great Cocktails with Jam and Marmalade
    • A glass filled with a white wine spritzer made with St. Germain liqueur and topped with a rosemary sprig.
      Refreshingly Simple St Germain Spritzer Recipe

    Click to share!

    • Share
    • Tweet

    About Sharon Garofalow

    Sharon lives in Southern California with her adorable family. She loves to share ideas to make mom life easier and encourage busy gals to make time for themselves too! Sharon's "me" time often includes watching Hallmark Channel movies, sipping sauvignon blanc, trying not to eat Salt and Pepper potato chips, and planning girlfriend getaways.

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    Welcome!
    Based in Southern California, I am the mom to two amazing boys and married to the raddest man in all the land. Cupcakes and Cutlery is your resource for simple solutions to help you be an awesome wife and mother and not lose yourself in the process. Email me at [email protected]

    More about Sharon →

    Posts about wine, liquor and/or cocktail recipes are expressly for people 21 years of age and older. Drink responsibly.

    Winter Favorites

    • A microwave bread pudding in a white ramekin.
      Microwave Bread Pudding in a Mug Recipe
    • Woman holding a coupe glass with a Spiced Rum Daiquiri in it.
      Spiced Rum Daiquiri
    • Close up of a cocktail in a copper mug on a table.
      Fireball Mule Recipe To Try Right Now
    • Close up of dried beef cheese ball next to crackers
      Dried Beef Cheese Ball Recipe For Your Next Party

    Reader Favorites

    • Close up of frosting in a bowl.
      The Best Quick and Easy Cool Whip Frosting Recipe
    • Close up of a cupcakes infused with Fireball Whiskey and topped with red buttercream.
      Flavorful Fireball Cupcakes Recipe with Cinnamon Whisky
    • Close up of a cup holding coke with a lime garnish next to a bottle of Coke on the table.
      Stupid Easy Vodka and Coke Cocktail Idea
    • A dish of pasta with some text over it.
      50 Birthday Dinner Ideas {Delicious Recipes for Celebrating at Home}
    Text - Shop Now, Shop my Amazon! with food in serving dishes on a counter in a kitchen.

    Affiliate Link Disclosure

    Cupcakes and Cutlery is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Read my full disclosure policy.

    This site generates income via ads.

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Accessibility Policy
    • CCPA
    • Privacy Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Work With Me

    © 2008-2022 CUPCAKES & CUTLERY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.