Name: Strawberry Basil Simple Syrup
Ingredients: 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup water; 1-1/2 cups sliced strawberries; 10 basil leaves

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

There’s something incredibly refreshing about a drizzle of Strawberry Basil Simple Syrup over pancakes or mixed into a sparkling drink. I still remember the first time I experimented with this delightful concoction. It was a sunny spring day, and I had an abundance of fresh strawberries and fragrant basil from my garden. The idea of combining these two unique flavors sparked a creative adventure in my kitchen. As I simmered the ingredients together, the sweet aroma filled the air, and I couldn’t wait to taste the magic. Not only was the result a beautiful rosy syrup, but the combination of sweet strawberries and aromatic basil created an unforgettable flavor experience. This syrup has since become a staple in my home, adding a burst of flavor to desserts, beverages, and more.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
60 mins

Prep Time:
0 mins

Cook Time:
0 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
180 kcal

Protein:
0 g

Diet:
Vegan, Gluten-Free, AIP

Fat:
0 g

Tools Used:
Chef’s Knife, Saucepan, Wooden Spoon

Why This Strawberry Basil Simple Syrup Is a Winner

Flavor Harmony

The pairing of strawberries and basil is a match made in culinary heaven. The sweetness of the strawberries beautifully complements the herbal notes of the basil, creating a syrup that’s both refreshing and complex. This balance of flavors makes the Strawberry Basil Simple Syrup not only versatile but also intriguing, elevating any dish it touches.

Versatility

One of the standout features of this syrup is its versatility. You can use it in cocktails, drizzle it over desserts like cheesecake or ice cream, or even mix it into yogurt for a delightful breakfast twist. No matter how you choose to use it, you’ll find that it adds an unexpected twist that delights your palate.

Easy to Make

Another reason to love this recipe is how simple it is to make. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a homemade syrup that’s far superior to anything store-bought. This DIY approach not only gives you control over the ingredients but also allows you to customize the flavor to your liking.

Seasonal Freshness

This recipe is a wonderful way to celebrate the flavors of spring. Using fresh strawberries and basil during their peak season makes the syrup burst with flavor. The freshness of the ingredients truly shines and makes every drop of syrup taste like sunshine.

Make Ahead

Preparing Strawberry Basil Simple Syrup in advance is a breeze. It keeps well in the refrigerator for about a week, allowing you to have this delightful treat on hand whenever the craving strikes. This means you can enjoy summer drinks and desserts all week long without any hassle.

Perfect Gift

This syrup makes for a fantastic homemade gift. Bottling it up in pretty jars and adding a personal label can turn it into a thoughtful present for friends or family. It’s a unique gift that showcases your culinary skills and is sure to be appreciated.

What’s In This Strawberry Basil Simple Syrup

Creating the perfect Strawberry Basil Simple Syrup starts with choosing the right ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving a sweet, flavorful, and aromatic syrup. The key players here are fresh strawberries, which bring natural sweetness and a beautiful color, and aromatic basil that adds an unexpected herbal note. Together, they meld beautifully in a simple syrup that enhances a variety of dishes and drinks.

1 cup granulated sugar: This is the sweet base of your syrup, dissolving easily in water to create that silky texture we love in syrups.
1 cup water: Essential for dissolving the sugar and creating the syrup’s body.
1-1/2 cups sliced strawberries: Fresh strawberries are the star here, imparting sweetness and flavor.
10 basil leaves: These add a fragrant and slightly peppery note that complements the sweetness of the strawberries wonderfully.

Instructions for Strawberry Basil Simple Syrup

Making your own Strawberry Basil Simple Syrup is a fun and rewarding process. Follow these steps to create your own delicious syrup! You’ll enjoy the experience and the delightful results.

To begin, take a medium-sized saucepot and add 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1 cup of water, 1-1/2 cups of sliced strawberries, and 10 basil leaves. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients.
Next, place the saucepot over medium heat. This is where the magic starts to happen! You’ll want to keep an eye on it as the mixture heats up.
Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing it to bubble gently. As it heats, the strawberries will become mushy, and their juices will infuse the syrup with flavor.
Continue to cook the syrup for about 15 minutes. You’ll notice the syrup thickening slightly, which is just what you want. It should have a nice, pourable consistency.
Once the time is up, remove the saucepot from the heat. This step is crucial as it allows the flavors to deepen and develop further.
Let the mixture cool down for a bit. It’s tempting to dive right in, but allowing it to cool will enhance the flavors even more.
Now it’s time to strain the syrup. Use a fine mesh strainer to separate the liquid from the solid strawberries and basil leaves. This step ensures your syrup has a smooth texture.
After straining, transfer the syrup to an airtight container or a jar. This will help keep it fresh for later use.
Finally, store your Strawberry Basil Simple Syrup in the refrigerator, where it can be kept for up to a week. Enjoy it in your favorite beverages or desserts during that time!

Things Worth Knowing

Use fresh ingredients: Fresh strawberries and basil will yield the best flavor. Avoid frozen or dried options for this recipe.
Watch the simmer: Keep an eye on the simmering syrup to prevent it from boiling over. A gentle simmer helps the strawberries break down without burning.
Experiment with flavors: Feel free to experiment with different herbs or fruits. You can try adding mint or even lemon zest for a twist!
Safety first: Ensure your storage container is clean to keep the syrup fresh and safe for consumption.

Pro Tips and Tweaks

Here are some essential tips and tweaks to ensure your Strawberry Basil Simple Syrup turns out perfectly every time. From storage ideas to flavor variations, these suggestions will enhance your syrup-making experience.

Storage: Store your syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Make sure to label it with the date to keep track of freshness.
Freezing: You can freeze this syrup in ice cube trays for easy portioning. Just pop out a cube when you need a splash of flavor!
Pairing: Use this syrup in sparkling water or lemonade for a refreshing drink. It also pairs wonderfully with desserts like cheesecake.
Flavor variations: Try adding a touch of lemon juice to brighten the flavor or experiment with other fruits like raspberries.
Presentation: When serving, drizzle the syrup over your dish for an elegant touch. It not only tastes great but looks beautiful too!

How to Enjoy Strawberry Basil Simple Syrup

Enjoying your homemade Strawberry Basil Simple Syrup opens up a world of possibilities. Here are some delightful ways to serve it:

Pancakes or Waffles: Drizzle it over fluffy pancakes or waffles for a sweet morning treat.
Ice Cream Topping: Use it as a topping for vanilla ice cream or yogurt for a delicious dessert.
In Cocktails: Incorporate it into cocktails for a fruity twist, such as in a mojito or a spritz.
Salad Dressings: Use it as a base for salad dressings, adding a unique sweetness to salads.
Gifting: Package it nicely in a jar and give it as a thoughtful gift for friends who love to cook.
Seasonal Celebrations: Perfect for spring gatherings, use it in drinks at brunches or parties.

FAQ

While fresh strawberries are recommended for the best flavor, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones aren’t available. Just remember that frozen strawberries may contain more water, which could affect the syrup’s consistency. Thaw them before using, and you may need to adjust the sugar to maintain the desired sweetness.

Your Strawberry Basil Simple Syrup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness. If you notice any changes in color or smell, it’s best to discard it to ensure safety.

This syrup is incredibly versatile! You can use it to sweeten sparkling water or lemonade, drizzle it over pancakes or waffles, or add it to ice cream and yogurt. It’s also great in cocktails, making it a wonderful addition to summer gatherings!

Absolutely! If you prefer a less sweet syrup, you can reduce the amount of sugar you use. Just keep in mind that it might alter the syrup’s consistency slightly. Experimenting with the ratios will help you find the perfect balance for your taste.

Conclusion

The Strawberry Basil Simple Syrup is not just a treat; it’s a celebration of flavors that brightens any dish or drink. I encourage you to try making this syrup at home. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is and how much it enhances your culinary creations. Enjoy the delightful experience of tasting this unique blend, and let it inspire your next kitchen adventure.