Basil Simple Syrup

By Amy Flanigan

Published Apr 22, 2024

Write a Review

Prep 5

Servings 8

By Amy Flanigan

Published Apr 22, 2024

Jump to Recipe

This Basil Simple Syrup is a great way to add sweet, earthy flavor to any cocktail, drink, or fruit salad. It stores in the fridge for up to a month and is made with just 3 ingredients!

We love this used in our Ski Ya Later cocktail. It’s also great in a strawberry margarita or non-alcoholic homemade lemonade.

A glass jar of basil infused simple syrup

Pin this now to find it later

Pin It

This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on one and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we genuinely love.

Easy Basil Simple Syrup Recipe

Simple syrup is a wonderful way to sweeten cocktails or nonalcoholic drinks, as regular sugar won’t dissolve in cold drinks. And when you infuse the simple syrup with herbs, it also becomes an excellent way to add flavor to not only drinks, but also popsicles and fruit.

This basil simple syrup recipe first came to be when I was making my Ski Ya Later cocktail. It adds the earthy undertones that makes that cocktail pop. But it’s perfect for other drinks too – think a basil strawberry margarita or even a basil lemonade.

Overhead view of ingredients needed for basil infused simple syrup

Why You’ll Love This Basil Infused Simple Syrup

Only 3 ingredients. All you need to make this flavored simple syrup is water, sugar, and basil leaves.
Endless uses. Add this basil infused simple syrup to your cocktails, non-alcoholic drinks, popsicles, fruit, and more.
Stores well. The one great thing about basil simple syrup is that once you make it, you can store it for up to a month. I love to keep some on hand to make cocktails throughout the summer.

Ingredients Needed

You’ll need just 3 basic ingredients to make this basil infused simple syrup.
(Scroll below to the printable recipe card for complete details.)

Water
Sugar – Just regular granulated sugar
Basil – Fresh basil leaves infuse this simple syrup with the best flavor.

Basil leaves in simple syrup in a saucepan

How To Make Basil Simple Syrup

Once you realize how easy making your own simple syrup is, you’ll never need to grab the bottled kind at the store.
(Scroll below to the printable recipe card for complete details.)

Combine ingredients and dissolve the sugar. Combine water, sugar, and basil leaves in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring until sugar dissolves. Reduce heat and simmer for 1 minute.
Steep. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let steep for 30 minutes.
Strain. Strain the simple syrup through a mesh strainer into a glass jar. Let cool before using.

Can I Make This With Other Flavors?

Yes! You can make simple syrup with pretty much any herb. The process is the same. I love using fresh mint simple syrup in my mojitos and rosemary simple syrup is wonderful as well.

Basil simple syrup being strained into a glass jar

Ways To Use Basil Simple Syrup

There are many ways to use basil simple syrup. While cocktails are probably the obvious choice, you can actually use this in so many other ways too. It adds a sweet yet earthy note that pairs well with lots of fruity flavors. Here are my favorite ways to use this basil infused simple syrup:

In cocktails (like my Ski Ya Later cocktail or strawberry margarita)
In other drinks, like homemade lemonade and iced tea
In fresh watermelon popsicles and granita
Drizzled over fruit or fruit salad

Proper Storage

Store your basil infused simple syrup in a glass jar sealed with a lid in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.

More All-Purpose Recipes

I hope you love this delicious and easy recipe – be sure to give it a review below! Also don’t forget to follow Belly Full on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube!