As the wonders of the summer season begin to unfold, so too do the delights of our gardens, local farms, farmer’s markets, and neighbourhood trails. Among the seasonal berries and veggies, you’ll find a lovely range of aromatic and floral herbs making their appearance. One of the ways we love to capture this summer magic is by infusing herbal wonders into a simple syrup (learn more about Making Simple Herbal Infusions ➤).
Making a simple herbal syrup is incredibly easy and can serve as a great foundation for incorporating the seasonal bounty into our kitchens. Infused with herbs, simple syrup can be used to add delight of flavour and sweetness to anything you add it to.
How to Make an Herbal Syrup
INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup organic cane sugar
- 1 cup water
- 2 tbsp dried herb or ½ cup fresh herb
DIRECTIONS
To make the Simple Syrup
- Add the water and sugar to a small saucepan.
- Heat over a medium heat to dissolve the sugar completely in the water.
- Continue to heat to a simmer for a few more minutes.
To make the Herbal Syrup
- Add the herbs to a 2-cup mason jar.
- Pour the warm Simple Syrup over the herbs, stirring to combine.
- Place a lid on the jar and allow the herbs to steep in the mixture for several hours or overnight (please note the difference in steeping times for flowers, leaves, roots, bark in Making Simple Herbal Infusions ➤)
- Strain mixture, discarding the herbs, into a clean jar.
- Your Flavoured Syrup will keep in the refrigerator for a few weeks.
Herbal syrups have a long history of uses, from the delights of flavouring to the benefits of medicinal healing. This simple herb-infused syrup is a great place to start. And with time you can allow your creativity to expand as your confidence grows!
Our Favourite Herbal Syrups
Lavender Syrup
Be sure you use culinary grade dried lavender buds
- Add a tbsp or two of lavender syrup to freshly squeezed lemonade to refresh and cool you on a warm summer afternoon.
- You could also try it as a sweetener for your evening cup of warm milk to calm and invite sweet dreams.
Mint Syrup
You can use fresh or dried mint for this recipe – and it’s a lovely way to make use of the abundance of mint in your garden!
- Mint syrup is a wonderful addition to a refreshing hibiscus lemonade – a cool hibiscus infusion, a good squeeze of lemon and a tablespoon or two of mint syrup – YUM
- Adding a spoonful or two of mint syrup is a great way to sweeten your homemade hot chocolate!! (milk, cocoa powder and mint syrup). #familyfavourite
Your Herbal Creativity
The variations and uses for herbal syrups are endless…. why not try ginger, lavender, basil, rosemary or lemon balm too?
Making an herbal syrup is an easy and fun way to incorporate seasonal, aromatic herbs into your life all year round! Try your hand at one of our favourites or discover your own! They are lovely to have on hand and make a delightful gift ?❤️
Join the Herb Club ➤ for a delightful guided journey to experience the specific therapeutic and culinary magic of herbs!
