Rosemary Simple Syrup

Incorporating Rosemary Simple Syrup into your favorite beverages is a fantastic way to elevate those drinks to a whole new level. With just three ingredients, this recipe brings a lovely flavor of rosemary to every cocktail or mocktail you make. You can even use it in desserts!

about this rosemary simple syrup

I absolutely adore rosemary. The scent, the flavor, it’s all a comforting experience whenever I incorporate it into recipes.

That’s why using it in simple syrup is such a brilliant way to add it to recipes you might not have thought rosemary could be used in. It adds a unique herbal note to drinks and desserts that is something unexpected!

Simple syrups are the easiest way to change up flavors of your favorite recipes, or try something totally new. There’s no muddling involved, you can just let the syrup add the herbaceous flavor by itself.

Whether you are just starting to experiment with new simple syrup flavors, or you are already an expert mixologist, this easy recipe was made for you. It tastes absolutely delicious. But first…

what is simple syrup?

If you aren’t familiar with simple syrup, it is the typical sweetener used in many kinds of cocktails, nonalcoholic drinks, and more. It’s made with equal parts water and sugar. When you learn how to make simple syrup yourself, you end up saving yourself a lot of money versus constantly buying it in the store. I like to use it in a variety of drinks, but also desserts.

Simple syrup is preferred particularly for drinks because it evenly distributes sweetness without having to worry about dissolving sugar in a hot or cold beverage. The syrup helps you prevent those sugar crystals hanging out at the bottom of the glass. Simple syrup can also be used to flavor cakes, glaze pastries or even drizzle over fruit.

ingredients

rosemary. Fresh rosemary is a must for this recipe. This is the only way to get the best flavor in the syrup. Using dried rosemary will result in a bitter syrup.

sugar. Granulated white sugar is all you need for this recipe. You can also use brown sugar (light or dark) to change up the flavor of the syrup!

water. You can use tap or filtered water for this recipe. I generally use filtered water, but it’s ok to use tap water since you are bringing it to a boil (this will get rid of any odd flavors tap water can sometimes have).

this recipe’s must haves

All you need to make simple syrup is a saucepan and a wooden spoon to stir together the mixture until the sugar dissolves.

I strain my rosemary syrup through a colander or a fine mesh sieve.

Store the syrup in any airtight container, but I prefer a mason jar since it is easy to label.

here’s how to make homemade rosemary simple syrup

combine

Combine granulated sugar, water, and rosemary sprigs in a small saucepan over medium-high heat.

dissolve sugar

Stir until the sugar dissolves, which should happen as soon as it starts to simmer. Remove from heat.

steep

Cover and let the syrup steep for up to 30 minutes. I like to check the flavor after 10 minutes, and then check every 10 minutes until it is the flavor that I like. You might want the rosemary flavor stronger or lighter!

strain and store

Strain out the sprigs through a fine mesh strainer and discard them. Store the cooled syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.

tips and tricks

clean the rosemary. Make sure that you remove any dead leaves and give the sprigs of fresh rosemary a quick rinse with cold water to remove any dirt.

use fresh herbs. Fresh rosemary sprigs are best to use in this recipe. You can purchase them easily at any grocery store, but you can also grow a hardy rosemary plant without too much effort!

More simple syrup variations to try: Basil Simple Syrup | Lemon Simple Syrup | Cherry Simple Syrup | Lavender Simple Syrup | Mint Simple Syrup

how long does rosemary simple syrup last?

Fresh rosemary simple syrup lasts in the refrigerator for up to 1 month. Make sure that you store it in a sealed jar or other airtight container!

how much syrup does this make?

This recipe makes 1 1/2 cups rosemary simple syrup. To give you some context, typically a serving size is about 1/2 ounce to 1 ounce per drink. You will have about 12 to 24 servings in total when you finish the recipe.

can I use dried rosemary for this recipe?

Do not use dried rosemary for this recipe. The flavor of the syrup will end up being bitter. Fresh rosemary is key to making a flavorful simple syrup.

do I need to chop the rosemary?

Nope! Just add the sprigs in. No chopping necessary!

Need more inspiration for cocktail hour? Check out my cocktail recipes page!

how to use rosemary simple syrup

A simple syrup packed with fresh herb flavor is an easy way to elevate your favorite cocktails, desserts, and so much more. I really like to pair it with flavors like grapefruit, lavender, lemon, olive oil, ginger, honey, and blueberries.

If you need more ideas, here are some of our favorites:

• Use this simple syrup in cocktails and mocktails. You can swap it in anytime simple syrup is called for.
• Brush a lemon or olive oil cake with this rosemary simple syrup before frosting them!
• Incorporate it in your favorite fruit salad recipe.
• Stir 1/2 ounce to 1 ounce into your next glass of sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon juice and fresh blueberries or peaches.
• Glaze the top of a peach tart with it!
• Stir into your favorite iced tea recipe.
• Use it as the sweetener in your lemonade for a tasty rosemary lemonade.

how to store and reheat

Store. Once cooled to room temperature, store simple syrup in a sealed jar or airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.

Freeze. Simple syrup is such an easy recipe to freeze. Pour into ice cube trays and freeze until solid. Remove from the trays and store in an airtight container of resealable bag. The cubes will last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Thaw. Place as many cubes as you’d like to thaw in a bowl and place in the fridge. Let thaw overnight and use as desired.

rosemary cocktails to try

A rosemary grapefruit gin fizz is a citrusy version of the classic gin fizz, using this simple syrup.

Add it to a sparkling rosemary peach mocktail which is bubbly and perfect for late summer days.

Incorporate freshly chopped pear into the syrup when you make it to use in this pear rosemary gin and tonic.

Smoky, sweet, and herbaceous, this clementine mezcal margarita is a whole new kind of margarita.

Finally, if you make this herbal rosemary simple syrup recipe, please be sure to give this recipe a rating and/or leave a comment! I love to hear when you all make recipes, and I do take the time to respond to every single comment.

Feel free to drop questions below too, if you have them!

Oh and be sure to tag me on Instagram if you make the recipe! I love being able to see these recipes come to life in your homes – it’s my favorite thing to look through those photos. It really means the world to me!