This deliciously sweet 15 minute homemade strawberry basil simple syrup recipe will be your new go-to for using up strawberry tops! A quick and easy simple syrup that will flavor drinks and desserts.

Strawberry basil simple syrup in a mason jar.

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What Is Simple Syrup?

If you’ve never made simple syrup, the definition is right in the name! Quite literally, it is a syrup made simply by dissolving sugar into water.

Corner of a kitchen decorated with flowers and food. — Kitchen Details Here

This method disperses the sweetness of the sugar into liquid form. It is a great option for when you want to infuse different flavors into a sweetener. Like this strawberry basil simple syrup!

What Do You Use Simple Syrup For?

Simple syrups are most well known for sweetening and flavoring drinks.

It can be used for any type of drink or cocktail.

15 Minute Strawberry Basil Simple Syrup — Pin for Later!

However, it can (and should) also be used for desserts!

Here are a few ways I like to use this strawberry basil simple syrup.

drizzled over strawberry shortcake
ice cream topping
top cobbler with whipped cream and this simple syrup
sprinkle on top of sweet breads
flavor for coffee or tea
extra sweetener for my strawberry rhubarb crisp
top these delicious fruit empanadas
extra sweetness for strawberry lemonade (perfect combination with my lemonade recipe!)
flavoring for my mock champagne punch

2 Ways to Use Cut Strawberry Tops

Here’s a quick tidbit for you in case you want to reduce waste in the kitchen! Don’t toss those cut strawberry tops. Instead, make these two recipes.

Simple Syrup

This article’s simple syrup recipe is the best way to use cut strawberry tops to reduce waste.

When I’m prepping strawberries, I simply place my cut strawberry tops into a mason jar and seal tightly until I’m ready to use them.

Using this method allows me to add to my jar until I have enough strawberry tops to make the simple syrup.

Strawberry tops will stay fresh in a tightly sealed (hand tightened) mason jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks! I like to use wide mouth jars to make them easier to get food in and out of.

Strawberry Infused Vinegar

The second way I like to use cut strawberry tops is strawberry infused vinegar.

Simply place white vinegar into a mason jar 3/4 full. Then fill the rest of the way with strawberry tops.

Strawberry infused vinegar in a mason jar.

Let it infuse on the countertop for 2 days. Strain the strawberry pieces, and you’ve made strawberry vinegar!

Strawberry vinegar is perfect for salad dressings and marinades.

How to Make Strawberry Basil Simple Syrup

The process of making strawberry basil simple syrup is extremely easy and fast!

First, cut your strawberry tops if you haven’t been collecting them, as suggested above.

Next, combine strawberry tops, sugar and water into a saucepan.

Bring this combination to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to break up any settling sugar.

After 10 minutes, add the basil and simmer 5 more minutes. Your mixture should be a dark red by now.

Note: If you prefer no basil flavoring, create a plain strawberry simple syrup using the same method and omit the basil.

Conversely, for a bolder basil flavor, add basil leaves with strawberry tops and simmer the full 15 minutes.

Turn off the heat and add the vanilla. Stir to combine and let cool.

Finally, place a strainer/funnel over a mason jar and pour in the liquid, straining out the strawberry tops.

Straining strawberry basil simple syrup.

Let cool completely on the counter. Then, seal tightly and store in the refrigerator up to 3 months.

I prefer to use these lids to make pouring easy and mess free.

Strawberry basil simple syrup cooling on a counter.

(If you’d rather use up whole strawberries, simply rough cut 3 cups of strawberries, including the tops, and substitute for the tops only.)

Strawberry Basil Simple Syrup Recipe

Strawberry Basil Simple Syrup

Name: Strawberry Basil Simple Syrup
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 36
Cuisine: Drinks
Ingredients: 3 cups cut strawberry tops (leaves on); 3 cups water; 1 3/4 cups sugar; 1/4 cup torn fresh basil leaves; 1 tsp vanilla extract

Yield: 36 oz

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

This deliciously sweet 15 minute homemade strawberry basil simple syrup recipe will be your new go-to for using up strawberry tops! A quick and easy simple syrup that will flavor drinks and desserts.

Ingredients

3 cups cut strawberry tops (leaves on)
3 cups water
1 3/4 cups sugar
1/4 cup torn fresh basil leaves
1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

First, cut your strawberry tops if you haven't been collecting them as suggested in the article.
Next, combine strawberry tops, sugar and water into a saucepan.
Bring this combination to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to break up any settling sugar.
After 10 minutes, add the basil and simmer 5 more minutes. Your mixture should be a dark red by now.
Turn off the heat and add the vanilla. Stir to combine and let cool.
Finally, place a strainer/funnel over a mason jar and pour in the liquid, straining out the strawberry tops.
Let cool completely on the counter. Then, seal tightly and store in the refrigerator up to 3 months.