Rosemary Simple Syrup Recipe & Cocktail Guide (2023 Edition)

July 1, 2023 7:28 pmJuly 3, 2023 6:42 am Lydia Martin 193 Views 0 Comments

Last Updated on July 3, 2023 by Lydia Martin

Is the concept of rosemary-flavored simple syrup unfamiliar to you? I get it. It initially seemed weird to me, as rosemary is associated with savory dishes such as soups, stews, vegetables, and seasoning blends.

However, when I tried the Rosemary Simple Syrup, it surprisingly (and amazingly) brought delight when incorporated (in small quantities) to sweeten cold drinks.

If you want to know how to make a homemade Rosemary Simple Syrup, you’ve come to the right place. Let me share my perfect Rosemary Simple Syrup recipe. Read on.

Table of Contents

Easy Rosemary Simple Syrup Recipe

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

1-cup white sugar (alternatives: granulated sugar or brown sugar)
1-cup water
Large fresh rosemary sprig/s

Instructions: Combine sugar and water, then add fresh rosemary sprigs in your small saucepan (or medium saucepan). Simmer over medium heat and wait to boil. Stirring occasionally is required until the sugar dissolves.

Remove from heat and let the syrup steep for 15 minutes to one hour. Strain the rosemary (or any solids) from the syrup (using a fine mesh strainer or wire mesh strainer), and let the mixture cool.

Store your cooled syrup in a glass jar, mason jar, or other airtight container in your refrigerator.

Serving: 12

What’s A Rosemary Simple Syrup?

Rosemary Simple Syrup is a liquid sweetener you can purchase in-store or can be effortlessly made at home. Combine water, sugar, and rosemary sprigs, simmer, and boil over medium-high heat.

Basically, it’s just a rosemary-flavored simple syrup (more like a rosemary seasoning in a liquid form).

What Does It Taste Like?

This rosemary-flavored syrup tastes lemony and mildly peppery. The woodsy flavor is there, but the overall profile is fresh and potent.

“Simple syrup doesn’t taste like anything.” – Christina Tosi, Cookbook Author & Chef

It contains abundant essential oils, and its resinous leaves may leave a fragrant, thicker syrup residue on your hands.

The sweetness depends on your preference. If you add sugar than the recommended measurement, it tends to be too sweet, overpowering the lemony and peppery notes.

Rosemary Simple Syrup Uses

Making sorbet: Enhance the flavor of sorbet recipes with rosemary flavor, perfect for citrus or berry sorbets.
Macerate berries: Drizzle a tablespoon or two of rosemary-infused simple syrup onto fresh berries and let them rest. The berries will soften and become syrupy. It pairs well with vanilla ice cream.
For limeade or lemonade: Enhance your lemonade or limeade with this syrup for added depth. Trust me, it works wonderfully in berry-infused variations, specifically.
For cocktails and mocktails: Elevate your mocktail/cocktail recipes with this syrup to bring warmth and depth. Try this in Moscow Mule [1], cranberry lime, grapefruit mocktails (my favorites), or rosemary cocktails (like rosemary lemonade).
Hot Tea or Iced Tea: Enhance your mug of tea with a dash of this sweet liquid and a squeeze of fresh lemon or grapefruit juice.

How To Store It

Store your simple homemade syrup in an airtight container or bottle, then refrigerate it to prolong its shelf life. When a bottle of rosemary syrup is stored correctly, you can maintain its quality for about 2-4 weeks.

Note: If stored at room temperature, this syrup may be prone to bacteria, leading to spoilage quickly.

Should You Freeze Rosemary Simple Syrup?

You don’t have to freeze Rosemary Simple Syrups. But if you plan to preserve it for a more extended period, you can freeze it. In my case, I always freeze it in 1oz quantities, and I use an ice cube tray with a lid.

If there’s no lid, try freezing the cubes until they’re completely solid. Then, transfer them to a spacious freezer bag.

For optimal results, store this syrup [2] in the freezer for up to three months.

Variations & Substitutions

You can incorporate various flavors into your rosemary syrup for more simple syrup recipes or variations. Here are several methods I can recommend to achieve that.

Substitute honey in place of sugar in equal parts.
You can use rosemary syrups as a base recipe for other fresh herbs and replace sprigs of fresh rosemary with basil, thyme, sage, or mint.
Add grapefruit juice, lemon juice, or grated lemon zest for citrus flavors.

You can try these variations to make rosemary syrup with a twist, or you can create your own unique flavors.

Can Rosemary Simple Syrup Go Bad?

Yes, Rosemary Simple Syrups can go bad, especially if not stored properly. It may be prone to bacteria buildup, so I always advise storing it in the fridge in an airtight container.

What Is The Shelf Life Of Rosemary Simple Syrup?

The shelf life of a bottle of Rosemary Simple Syrup lasts for about two weeks up to a month if kept appropriately stored and refrigerated.

But if you notice any changes in texture, smell, and taste, I suggest discarding your homemade syrup immediately.

Expert Tips & Perfect Pairing

To make the most of your homemade Simple Syrup recipe, here are some tips:

Make sure to steep the simple syrup if you want better results. This will brighten up the rosemary flavor.
Only use on fresh rosemary sprigs (no brown spots, please!). If you’re buying from supermarkets, inspect the rosemary leaves carefully—also, no dried rosemary leaves. I highly recommend growing your own rosemary plant at home.

“Infuse sweetness with Rosemary’s aromatic essence, a syrup to savor.” – Liquor Laboratory

For a perfect pairing, I always like the pairing of rosemary cocktails with a substantial meat roast, such as a smoked leg of lamb or smoked prime rib, alongside potatoes.

These roasts are expertly seasoned with rosemary and other herbs, then smoked to achieve perfection. Your rosemary cocktail will beautifully complement the herbal flavor notes of these tasty dishes.

FAQs

Can you use Rosemary Syrup in coffee?

Yes, you can use Rosemary Syrup in coffee. It can add a unique and aromatic flavor to your coffee, providing a delightful twist.

Where can you buy Rosemary Simple Syrup?

You can buy Rosemary Simple Syrup at gourmet food stores, specialty beverage shops, or online retailers offering a wide range of cocktail syrups and flavorings.

Final Say

You don’t need to be a fancy bartender to make various simple syrup recipes, like this homemade Rosemary Simple Syrup recipe.

With just three ingredients and an easy fresh rosemary cook mode process, you can easily make rosemary syrup at home.

Just add sugar to fresh rosemary and water, simmer (in medium heat), boil, strain, and let it cool; then, you have your own simple syrup recipe. Enjoy!

References:

https://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/20/dining/moscow-mule.html#:~:text=Invented%20in%201941%2C%20the%20drink,served%20in%20a%20copper%20mug.
https://www.encyclopedia.com/food/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/syrups