How to make a herb syrup

If you’re looking to get creative with herbs in the kitchen, making a herb syrup is a great way to do just that. These aromatic syrups are traditionally used as tonics to support seasonal health, and they can also be used in a variety of other ways – from sweetening drinks to adding a unique twist to desserts, or even as a glaze for roasted vegetables. Follow our step-by-step guide below to create your own herb syrup and ensure your home apothecary is well-stocked all year round.

What is a herb syrup?

Herb syrup is a sweet, fragrant liquid made by infusing herbs in a simple syrup made from sugar and water. This versatile concoction captures the essence and subtle flavour of the herbs, making it a delicious addition to various recipes. Whether used straight off the spoon, in a hot cup of water or drizzled over pancakes or stirred into cocktails, herb syrup offers a unique way to enjoy the aromatic and therapeutic benefits of fresh herbs.

What is a herb syrup used for?

Herb syrup has many uses thanks to its sweet nature and aromatic qualities. Common applications include:

• Soothe a cough or sore throat: thanks to the protective properties of herbs like thyme and sage, syrups are ideal to soothe a cough or sore throat. The sugar coats the mucous membranes, reducing irritation and stimulating saliva production. Combined with warm water or tea, it provides relief and can help heal the winter lurgy. 
• Drinks: Herb syrups can be added to teas, lemonades, cocktails, and mocktails to enhance their flavour with a sweet herbal note.
• Puddings: Drizzle herb syrup over cakes or ice cream for a delicious twist.
• Baking: Add some herb syrup in baking recipes to add a fragrant herbal touch.

What herbs can I use to make herb syrup?

Below is a list of herbs on our website that we recommend making into herbal syrup. Please note that each herb has its own unique flavor—some are delicious, while others are valued more for their health benefits.

These are our favourite herbs to make a herbal syrup:

Here are many more herbs you can make a herbal syrup with:

How do I make a herb syrup?

Ingredients

• 30-50g fresh herbs (choose from the herbs listed above)
• 100g sugar*
• 100ml water

If you don’t have fresh herbs you can also use dried herbs, in which case you will only need approximately half of the weight of fresh herbs as suggested above.

*You can use honey if you prefer not to use refined sugar, but syrups made from honey or with a low sugar content can ferment quickly and should be stored in the fridge. They will have a shorter shelf-life so, unless they are pasteurised, use within a month. 

Equipment

• A medium-sized saucepan
• A fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
• A sterilised glass jar or bottle for storage
• Labels & pen

Method

• Harvest fresh herbs: Pick fresh herbs from your garden. The best time to harvest is early in the morning, after the dew has evaporated but before the sun gets too hot. Gently wash the herbs to remove any dirt or insects.
• Prepare the simple syrup: In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the water and sugar. Stir over medium heat until the sugar is completely dissolved, creating a simple syrup.
• Infuse the herbs: Add the fresh herbs to the saucepan with the simple syrup. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat and let it steep for about 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavours and aromas of the herbs to infuse into the syrup.
• Strain the syrup: Once the syrup has reached the desired level of herb infusion, remove the saucepan from the heat. Using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth, strain the syrup into a clean glass jar or bottle to remove the herb leaves and any sediment.
• Cool and store: Let the herb syrup cool to room temperature. Seal the container tightly, label it, and store it in the refrigerator. Your herb syrup should last for up to 3 months. If there is any sign of the syrup going fizzy, or growing mould, it has gone off and shouldn’t be used.

Making herb syrup is a simple yet enchanting way to savour the beauty and fragrance of your herb garden. With just a handful of fresh herbs and a bit of time, you can create a delightful syrup that brings a touch of nature’s sweetness into your daily routine. Happy infusing!