I always avoided recipes calling for simple syrups considering them to be complicated and mysterious, reserved only for top chefs and mixologists. After attending an herb gardening class at Redenta’s Garden in Lakewood, I discovered these aromatic syrups are called simple for a reason. With only three ingredients, how could they be anything but?
Ingredients
1 cup water
1 cup sugar
1 cup loosely packed basil (or other herb)
Method
Heat sugar, water and basil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. (No need to chop basil, just wash and remove stems.) Stir 1 to 2 minutes until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and let stand for 30 minutes. Pour syrup through a wire mesh strainer into an airtight container. Discard basil. Chill. Makes 1 ½ cups and will store in the refrigerator up to a month. 
Jazz up your plain or green iced tea with a teaspoon (or more) of simple syrup and garnish with a sprig of fresh basil. (1 tablespoon = approximately 45 calories)
Flavorful infused syrups can be made with vanilla bean, citrus zest or other herbs such as lavender, rosemary, lemon balm and mint.
Mint syrup is the key ingredient to fantastic mojitos, fresh-squeezed lemonade and limeade (without gritty sugar in the bottom of your glass) and even goes well with your morning coffee.
For an easy summer dessert, drizzle basil syrup over sliced bananas and strawberries.
Get creative!
Click here for information regarding the health benefits of basil.
Click here for delicious basil recipes from Whole Story, the official Whole Foods Blog.
