Rosemary Simple Syrup

If you want to add a warm, herbal flavor to your drinks, try Rosemary Simple Syrup. This unique syrup combines the sweetness of sugar with the earthy, pine-like flavor of fresh rosemary. It’s a versatile ingredient that brings depth and balance to mocktails and other drinks.

What is Rosemary Simple Syrup

Rosemary Simple Syrup is easy to make at home with just three ingredients. Start by combining fresh rosemary sprigs with equal parts sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. When the sugar is completely dissolved, remove the saucepan from the heat and let the fresh rosemary steep in the syrup.

This syrup is a staple in my kitchen because its bright herbal flavor enhances a variety of beverages. Add it to mocktails, iced tea, lemonade, sparkling water and more.

How to Use Rosemary Simple Syrup

Here are a few of my favorite ways to use this syrup:

Rosemary Simple Syrup in Mocktails:

This syrup can elevate a basic mocktail into something special. For example, I enjoy adding it to citrus-based mocktails or a non-alcoholic gin and tonic for a fresh, herbal twist.

Rosemary Simple Syrup in Iced Tea & Lemonade:

Stir a tablespoon or two of this syrup into a glass of iced tea or lemonade. The herbal notes of rosemary complement the refreshing taste of lemon and the subtle sweetness of the tea.

Rosemary Simple Syrup in Sparkling Water:

For an easy and refreshing drink, try adding this syrup to sparkling water. It’s a simple way to make hydration feel a little more exciting.

Rosemary Simple Syrup in Coffee & Tea:

This syrup adds an unexpected twist to freshly brewed coffee or afternoon tea. Its herbal flavors pair nicely with the richness of coffee and adds extra depth to spiced teas. I especially love adding a splash to a cup of Lemon Zinger.

Seasonal Versatility

Rosemary Simple Syrup is a delicious addition to beverages year-round. Here are some ways I use it throughout the seasons:

Spring:

This syrup is a great substitute for other sweeteners in drinks with bright spring flavors like lemon and strawberries. For example, mix it with lemon juice and sparkling water for an easy and delicious spring beverage.

Summer:

Juicy summer fruits such as watermelon and peaches pair well with this syrup. It also adds depth to drinks made with fresh summer cucumbers.

Fall:

This syrup complements fall produce like apples, pears, and pumpkin. It works well with warm fall spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg. Add a tablespoon to warm apple cider for an easy and delicious drink to enjoy alongside pumpkin pie.

Winter:

During the holidays, this syrup pairs beautifully with the flavors of the season. It balances the sweet and tart notes in drinks made with cranberries, pomegranates, or citrus fruits. Try Rosemary Simple Syrup as a substitution for agave syrup in grapefruit mocktails.

Tips For Making Rosemary Simple Syrup:

Making Rosemary Simple Syrup is quick and easy. Here are some tips to help you:

Use Fresh Rosemary: Fresh rosemary imparts a much more vibrant flavor than dried rosemary and is easier to strain.

Strain With a Fine Mesh Strainer: This will ensure your syrup is free of small particles of rosemary. If you don’t have a fine mesh strainer, you can use cheesecloth instead.

Try Brown Sugar: Substitute the same amount of brown sugar for white sugar to create a richer, darker syrup that is perfect for coffee drinks.

Storage Tips: Rosemary Simple Syrup lasts up to two weeks in the refrigerator. Store the syrup in a clean container with a tight-fitting lid. It’s also helpful to add a removable label indicating the type of syrup and the best-by date.

Make Smaller Batches: This recipe yields about 1½ cups of syrup. If you don’t think you’ll use that amount within two weeks, consider halving or quartering the recipe to make a smaller batch. If you have leftover syrup nearing the best-by date, try adding a tablespoon to sparkling water or freshly brewed coffee for a delicious treat.

Experiment With Infusion Time: Steeping the fresh rosemary in the syrup for about 30 minutes results in a rich, flavorful syrup ideal for most drinks. If you prefer a milder flavor, steep for 15 minutes. For a stronger, more intense flavor, you can steep the rosemary for up to one hour.

Give Rosemary Simple Syrup a Try

Rosemary Simple Syrup is easy to make and can transform even the simplest drinks into something special. Give it a try, and you may find that it becomes a staple in your kitchen, just like mine.

Have you tried Rosemary Simple Syrup? Please share how you used it in the comments below!