How To Make Herb-Infused Simple Syrups
If you’re looking for a fun way to use or preserve herbs from your garden for year-round use, making your own herb simple syrup is the perfect start. While you can find herb-infused simple syrups to purchase, making your own is easy no matter what herbs you choose to work with.
With only 3 ingredients, water, sugar, and your favorite herbs, you can elevate and sweeten various drinks like teas, sparkling water, and of course, cocktails. You could even top desserts like seasonal fruit, cakes, or ice cream for a new twist on classic desserts.
Working with Seasonal Herbs
You might think of herbs as summertime plants. However, annual herbs can be harvested until frost. Plus, there are many herbs that can be planted in Autumn and are even hardy enough to withstand a mild winter. These include sage, rosemary, mint, cilantro, and lavender.
If you are harvesting fresh herbs, the best time of day is early in the morning after the dew dries. Herbs should be harvested before flowering and when the plant has enough foliage to maintain further growth. Following these tips will ensure peak flavor and aroma.
Herbs can also be preserved well using either freezing or drying methods.
Herbal Simple Syrup Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 handful of your favorite herb, well washed
Directions
Put water and sugar into a pot and heat over medium heat just until the sugar dissolves.
For Hard Herbs (like rosemary + thyme):
Add the herbs and let simmer, occasionally stirring, until fragrant, about 5-8 minutes.
For Soft Herbs (like mint + basil):
Remove pot from heat then add herbs. Let sit, occasionally stirring, until fragrant, about 4-6 minutes.
For All:
Strain out herbs and cool. Serve in an easy-to-pour bottle. While we love a cute mason jar, they are not best for pouring so we suggest skipping those for storage.
Syrups will keep in the fridge for 1 month. You can extend their shelf-life by splashing in high-proof vodka or pure grain alcohol.
How to Use Simple Syrups
Now that you see how easy it is to make your own simple syrups, you'll likely want to try out different herbs. Below are some ideas for how to use your herb-infused syrups.
- Making fun cocktails. We won't lie, this might be our favorite use. These will add instant flavor to any cocktail and is a great way to play with the flavor profile.
- Sweetening other drinks. If you've ever tried to sweeten an iced tea with granulated sugar, you'll know all too well that it doesn't quite do the trick. An herb-infused simple syrup makes adding additional sweetness to any cold drink easy. Try it in teas, sparkling water, and lemonade, but don't forget your hot coffees and teas!
- Leveling up your desserts or sweets. Drizzle herbal syrup over vanilla ice cream, fresh fruit, oatmeal, or pancakes. And if you want a true baker's secret to the moistest and most flavorful cake, it's applying simple syrup when your cake is cooling but still warm.
Love This Recipe?
If you are interested in more seasonal recipes or just using more of your favorite herbs in your meals and drinks, check out these recipes as well.
- Autumn Vodka Tonic with Tea-Infused Vodka
- Winter Hot Toddy
- Tulum Sunrise Cocktail
- Spring Beet Salad with Honey-Thyme Vinaigrette
Corinne is a creative and content creator who likes to stay curious about life. Her favorite season is Summer, when she can take up more outdoor adventures from hiking to motorcycle rides.
