Learn how to make herbal simple syrup and see how this easy herbal infusion adds summery flavor to lemonade, cocktails and cakes all year long!
ingredients for herbal simple syrup
You’ll need:
Sugar. Regular granulated sugar.
Water. If your water doesn’t taste good on its own you may use bottled or distilled water. Otherwise, out of the tap is fine.
Herbs. See the list below.
You’ll also need:
Saucepan.
Measuring Cup.
Fine Mesh Strainer.
Glass Jar + Lid. You can recycle a cute jelly/sauce jar or use a mason jar. Just be sure to use one that has a lid so the syrup doesn’t crystallize too much in the fridge (or spill out!) AND to sterilize it first.
how to make herbal simple syrup
There are a few important things to keep in mind:
- Use organic herbs if possible.
- Make sure to wash all herbs thoroughly, both to rinse off soil AND to get rid of any bugs that might be lurking about. To give the insects a chance to save themselves, I shake the herbs well before bringing in the house.
- Sterilize jars and lids. Here’s a great article with multiple ways to get your recycled jars ready for use.
It’s a little embarrassing how easy this is…
- Wash herbs well, making sure to get in the crannies where tiny bugs like to hide.
- In a saucepan bring sugar, water and herbs to a boil, stirring as the sugar dissolves. Let the mixture simmer for 1 minute. Turn off the heat and let the syrup steep for about 30 minutes.
- Pour through a fine strainer into a sterilized glass jar, pop on a lid and let cool.
- Keeps well in the fridge for up to one month.
Recipe Notes
What is simple syrup?
Simple syrup is basically a combination of sugar dissolved in water. Simple, right? : )
What is it used for?
- Sweetening cold drinks. You know how hard it is to stir sugar into cold iced tea? Well, simple syrup takes care of that since the sugar is already dissolved! Just stir it into any cold drink for instant sweetness. Iced tea and lemonade are good choices or try adding to sparkling water!
- Keeping cakes moist. Brushing cake layers with simple syrup will seal them and help keep them moist. Plus if you’re using an herbal simple syrup it will flavor the cake as well.
- Making interesting cocktails. Flavored simple syrups are an easy way to add instant flavor to your Drinks at 5 routine. My favorite is cranberry juice with vodka and rosemary syrup — especially nice for a festive Christmas drink!
My favorite herbs for making herbal simple syrup
- Amounts are for 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water.
- Organic pesticide-free herbs are preferred.
Basil. 1 cup
Bay Leaves. 5-7 fresh leaves
Chamomile. 1/4 cup flowers
Lavender. 1 tablespoon flowers
Lemon Verbena. 1/4 cup
Mint. 1 cup
Rosemary. 1/4 cup
Herbal Simple Syrup
Equipment
- Saucepan
- Measuring cups
- Fine mesh strainer
- Glass jar with lid
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- edible pesticide-free herbs, washed amount will vary, see chart
Instructions
- Wash herbs well, making sure to get in the crannies where tiny bugs like to hide.
- In a saucepan bring sugar, water and herbs to a boil, stirring as the sugar dissolves. Let the mixture simmer for 1 minute. Turn off the heat and let the syrup steep for about 30 minutes.
- Pour through a fine strainer into a sterilized glass jar, pop on a lid and let cool.
- Keeps well in the fridge for up to one month.
Notes
- Use organic herbs if possible.
- Make sure to wash all herbs thoroughly, both to rinse off soil AND to get rid of any bugs that might be lurking about. To give the insects a chance to save themselves, I shake the herbs well before bringing in the house.
- Sterilize jars and lids before use.