Rosemary Simple Syrup

This herbaceous rosemary simple syrup is such a breeze to whip up! It comes together with just 2 ingredients and water, and it’s as easy as simmering it all together. Use it to elevate your favorite mocktails, lemonades, desserts, and even sparkling water!

If you have some extra herbs you need to get rid of, rosemary syrup is just the thing to try! You’ll be amazed at how many ways you can use it. And for another infused sweetener, try my lavender simple syrup!

Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely love making simple syrups because they’re so easy and versatile, and this rosemary simple syrup is one of my favorites. It’s the perfect way to prevent food waste (no more throwing out herbs!). Plus, it makes your house smell amazing while it’s cooking!

The process couldn’t be simpler—just simmer granulated sugar, water, and fresh rosemary sprigs. In about 30 minutes, you’ll have a herbaceous infusion perfect for adding a gourmet touch to cocktails, desserts, or anything that needs a little extra flavor!

Ingredient Notes

Here is a full breakdown of the 3 ingredients you’ll need for this rosemary simple syrup.

• Rosemary: Provides a piney, slightly woody aroma and infuses the syrup with a subtle earthiness. Fresh rosemary is best here, but dried will work in a pinch.
• Sugar: For a light, delicate complement to the rosemary, I recommend using granulated sugar. You can also opt for cane sugar!
• Water: Makes up the base of this simple syrup, helping to dissolve the sugar and extract the rosemary’s flavor essence.

Substitutions

• Brown Sugar: You can use equal amounts of brown sugar or coconut sugar to impart a hint of caramel and molasses, which will deepen the syrup's overall flavor.
• Sugar-Free: If you prefer a sugar-free option, feel free to replace the sugar with stevia.  Use about one teaspoon for every cup of sugar, and remember that it may alter the consistency slightly.

How to Make

This rosemary simple syrup is so, well... simple to make! Just be sure to follow my tips and tricks for the best results.

Preparation

Rinse the rosemary sprigs thoroughly under running water to remove any debris. Then, grab out a small saucepan, sugar, and water.

Cooking

Step 1
Combine the rosemary sprigs, water, and sugar in the saucepan. Heat the mixture on low-medium heat and continuously stir until the sugar dissolves. Maintain a steady, low-medium heat to prevent the sugar from caramelizing too quickly and altering the flavor.

Step 2
Once the sugar has dissolved, lower the heat to a gentle simmer and allow it to cook for 10-15 minutes until the syrup thickens and the rosemary flavors infuse.

Step 3
After simmering, remove the saucepan from the heat and let the syrup steep for about 15 minutes as it cools. Then, strain the syrup through a mesh strainer into a mason jar to remove the rosemary sprigs. Store your rosemary syrup in the fridge for future use!

Expert Tip

Low heat is your best friend here—it helps preserve the fresh, herbal notes of the fresh rosemary sprigs without turning them bitter. Keep the syrup at a gentle simmer, watching it closely to prevent any unexpected boiling, which could throw off the flavor.

The steeping time is also just as important as the simmer, helping the flavors blend and intensify for that perfect simple syrup infusion. Don’t rush this step—let it steep for at least 10-15 extra minutes.

Serving Suggestions

This rosemary simple syrup can elevate all sorts of dishes and drinks. Here are some of my favorite ideas on how to use it.

• Mocktails: Add it to your favorite non-alcoholic beverages (like my cranberry mocktail) for a fresh twist.
• Tea & Lemonade: Drizzle it into iced tea or lemonade for a refreshing, herbal kick.
• Coffee: Stir some into your morning latte or iced coffee for a unique, envigorating flavor.
• Desserts: Use it to sweeten oat milk whipped cream, drizzle it over a vegan olive oil cake, or incorporate it into a fruit salad.
• Popsicles: Stir into homemade popsicle mixtures for a fresh note perfect for summer.

Cooking Tips

• Use the Right Cookware: Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to distribute the heat evenly and prevent burning the sugar.
• Steep Timing: Experiment with the steeping time to find your preferred strength (steep for longer than 15 minutes for a more intense flavor and less for a milder taste).
• Proper Storage: Store the syrup in a glass container to avoid any flavor absorption from plastic (remember to label your container with the date to keep track of its freshness!).

Frequently Asked Questions

Storing & Reheating

Let your rosemary simple syrup fully cool before storing it to preserve the flavor and prevent bacterial growth. Then, follow these guidelines:

• Fridge: This syrup can be stored in the fridge in a sealed mason jar for up to 2-3 weeks.
• Reheating: While not generally necessary, you can gently warm the desired amount of syrup in a small saucepan over low heat before serving again.

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