Strawberry Basil Syrup for Perfect Summer Drinks

The beginning of summer marks a very important time of year: strawberry season. And that, my friends, is something worth celebrating.

June and July here in Ontario are peak strawberry season. Which means local berries are available practically everywhere from the big grocery chains to tiny roadside stands. You might find yourself picking up a few pints of these delicious red berries and in search of some berrylicious recipes to celebrate, so add this recipe to your list!

While my admiration of delicious strawberries has been lifelong, the addition of fragrant basil started when I discovered the strawberry basil martini. I’ve been hooked ever since.

And now you will be too! 

Fresh Local Strawberries + Garden Fresh Basil = ♡

Herbs and fruit might sound like a strange combination, but I assure you friends, it is spectacular. It gives the combination a subtle complexity that makes for easy but sophisticated drinks. A perfect way to impress guests.

Never have I muttered the words strawberry basil martini and not had the person gasp with intrigue. 

But the secret is that all those drinks start with this strawberry simple syrup with a few sprigs of basil. No muddling, no fuddling. 

This easy syrup can be added into all kinds of drinks, both alcoholic and non, like:

• Martinis
• Hibiscus iced tea
• Lemonade
• So many more 

Strawberry Basil Syrup

Course: CocktailsDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking time

15

minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup strawberries, hulled and chopped

• ½ cup sugar

• ½ cup water

• 8-10 fresh basil leaves (1 or 2 sprigs are best)

Directions

• Bring the water, sugar and chopped strawberries to a boil in a small saucepan. Lower heat and let the mixture simmer for 15 minutes, until strawberries are mushy.
• In the last 5 minutes of simmering, add the basil leaves and give the mixture a stir.
• Strain into a jar or bottle, but resist the urge to press the strawberries during the straining process. (This will make the mixture cloudy.) Discard or use the strawberries in another recipe.)
• Let cool and store remaining in a mason jar with a tightly closed lid.
• Strawberry basil syrup will keep in the fridge for 3-4 weeks. 

Notes

• For best results use fresh, local strawberries when in season.

What’s your favourite summer berry? Let me know in the comments below.

If you make this strawberry basil syrup, take a picture and tag me on Instagram @lilymuffinsblog. I’ll be sure to like and comment!