Basil Simple Syrup
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup water
1 cup fresh basil leaves
Put sugar and water in a small saucepan, stir and heat until it boils; sugar will dissolve and the syrup will be clear. Add basil leaves, stir to submerge all leaves, and turn heat off. Allow leaves to steep until liquid cools, 30-45 minutes or so. Strain leaves out using a mesh strainer; discard leaves. Syrup will be tinged with pale green. Store syrup in a labeled jar in the refrigerator.
Makes about 3/4 cup syrup — enough to play with in several different ways!
Strawberries with Basil Simple Syrup
Other Fresh Fruits with Basil Simple Syrup
As with strawberries, you may use this syrup to sweeten and flavor sliced mangos, nectarines or peaches, chunked watermelon, or berries, if you like.
Basil Lemonade
Sweet Tea with Basil Simple Syrup
For each glass of plain iced tea, add 1-3 tablespoons of Basil Simple Syrup (depending on how sweet you like your tea). Adjust sweetener to your liking.
Other uses for Basil Simple Syrup
–Drizzled over lemon poundcake
–Drizzled over cottage cheese, for breakfast. (Try it before you make fun of it!)
–Use it to sweeten a smoothie
–Use it to sweeten a cocktail