Strawberry Basil Simple Syrup
Experience the refreshing taste of summer with this Strawberry Basil Simple Syrup. Perfect for drizzling over pancakes, mixing into drinks, or enhancing desserts, this syrup is easy to make and incredibly versatile. Treat yourself tonight with this delightful homemade syrup!
Equipment
- Chef's Knife
- Saucepan
- Wooden Spoon
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1-1/2 cups sliced strawberries
- 10 basil leaves
Instructions
- 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!
Notes
- 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!