This homemade rosemary simple syrup, infused with fresh rosemary, adds a gentle earthy aroma and herbal sweetness to cocktails, mocktails, and desserts.
Rosemary syrup is one of the easiest ways to carry the fresh, piney flavor of rosemary into your cooking. Made by infusing fresh rosemary in a simple blend of sugar and water, this fragrant syrup brings a sophisticated twist to any drink or dessert.
The inspiration came from my time in Greece, where I spent a few unforgettable weeks discovering how creative local bartenders were. Their cocktails were flavorful yet so simple and inexpensive to make. The secret? Fresh rosemary sprigs paired with homemade rosemary syrup.
The best part is that you don’t need to buy it from a fancy shop. Like rosehip, lilac, or elderberry, you can easily make this aromatic syrup right at home.
What Is Rosemary Simple Syrup?
A rosemary simple syrup is a sweet, herbal syrup made by infusing fresh rosemary sprigs in a mixture of equal parts sugar and water. Like all simple syrups, it’s an easy way to add sweetness and flavor to drinks and dishes without using granulated sugar. The result is a smooth, pourable liquid that carries the fresh, earthy rosemary flavor beautifully.
Unlike store-bought sugar syrups, a homemade rosemary simple syrup captures the essence of the herb. It lets you control its intensity, whether you want a subtle hint or a stronger herbal note.
Why Make Rosemary Syrup recipe at Home?
Making rosemary syrup at home is far simpler and cheaper than buying it.
With three ingredients and ten minutes, you can make rosemary simple syrup that tastes fresher without using any preservatives or artificial flavors.
I love this simple syrup for its versatility. I can use it to make fancy drinks, add it to marinades, or drizzle it over cheese.
Love rosemary? Here are other easy rosemary recipes you can try
What Are the Simple Syrup Ingredients You Need?
All you need are a few simple syrup ingredients you likely already have at home.
Fresh rosemary sprigs
Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) is a hardy, evergreen herb native to the Mediterranean region and loved for its intense aroma and flavor. Its needle-like leaves release a distinctive piney, slightly bitter fragrance that adds a warm, earthy depth to both sweet and savory dishes.
Brewing rosemary leaves into tea or making rosemary oil or salt are classic ways to enjoy this versatile herb, but preparing a rosemary simple syrup is one of the best ways to capture its essence for longer use.
If you’re not sure how to tell rosemary apart from similar herbs, check out this helpful guide on distinguishing rosemary and lavender – they look alike but taste very different!
Chop Rosemary or use the whole sprigs?
It might seem that cutting rosemary into small pieces would help the flavor infuse faster, but it’s actually better to keep the sprigs of fresh rosemary whole. When the leaves are chopped, they release more of their woody, resinous oils, which can make the rosemary simple syrup taste overly bitter. Instead, gently bruise the fresh rosemary sprigs between your fingers or with the back of a spoon before adding them. This helps release the essential oils while keeping the flavor balanced and aromatic.
Sugar
Most traditional recipes use white sugar for a clear, vibrant color, but you can easily substitute other sweeteners like brown sugar for a rich, caramel flavor (which I did) or honey.
Alternatively, you can also use Stevia or powdered sugar.
Remember that your choice of sweetener will influence both the syrup’s flavor and thickness – more sugar makes for a thicker syrup. I recommend tasting as you go and adjusting sweetness gradually before adding extra sugar to the syrup.
Lemon Juice (optional)
A small squeeze of lemon juice helps balance the sweetness and adds a hint of brightness. It also acts as a natural preservative, helping your homemade rosemary simple syrup stay fresh longer in the refrigerator.
This step is optional, but I strongly recommend.
Rosemary Simple Syrup Recipe (Step-by-Step)
First step: Combine the ingredients
In a small saucepan, combine equal parts water and sugar and bring it to a boil. Stir occasionally until the sugar dissolves completely.
Second step: Infuse with rosemary
Remove from heat add the rosemary sprigs to the hot syrup. Let it steep for about 30 minutes to infuse the syrup with flavor.
Third step: Strain the mixture
Once cooled to room temperature, remove the springs, add lemon juice, and use a small strainer or sieve to strain the mixture to avoid small leaves floating in your final bottle. Pour it into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator.
This easy recipe yields about one and a half cups of homemade syrup that keeps for up to two weeks. Always store the syrup in a clean container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
What’s the Secret to Perfect Rosemary Syrup?
The perfect rosemary syrup recipe depends on balance and timing. You want to infuse just long enough for the herb to release its aroma without turning bitter. Usually, steeping for 30 minutes after you remove it from the heat works best.
If you love stronger herbal notes, leave the rosemary leaves in longer before straining. For a thicker syrup, simmer slightly longer before you remove from heat and add the herbs.
Can You Make the Syrup with Dried Rosemary?
Yes, you can use dried rosemary, but fresh rosemary will give a cleaner and more vibrant rosemary flavor. Dried rosemary tends to be stronger, so use half the amount.
Ways to Use Rosemary Simple Syrup in Cocktails and Mocktails
One of the best ways to use this rosemary simple syrup recipe is in drinks. You can use it in cocktails like a rosemary old-fashioned, gin fizz, or even a rosemary cocktail with lemon and soda water.
You can use this syrup for a non-alcoholic mocktail by mixing a spoonful of syrup with sparkling water, ice, and citrus slices. It also adds depth to hot tea, cold drinks, or lemonade—especially a rosemary lemonade on warm days.
Can You Use Rosemary Syrup in Cooking?
Absolutely. Beyond drinks, use this infused simple syrup to glaze roasted vegetables, drizzle over desserts, or add depth to savory dishes. A little bit brushed over baked chicken or root vegetables gives a subtle rosemary flavor and a glossy finish.
You can also substitute honey for sugar in your syrup recipe to create a rosemary honey syrup, perfect for marinades or drizzling over cheese and fruit.
How to Store Rosemary Infused simple Syrup Properly
Once cooled, pour your cooled syrup into an airtight container or mason jar and store it in the fridge. Properly sealed, it lasts up to two weeks.
If you want to keep it longer, freeze it in an ice cube tray. Each cube equals roughly one tablespoon, so you can thaw just what you need for cocktail recipes or desserts.
Tips for Making the Best Rosemary Simple Syrup
- Always use fresh rosemary for the brightest flavor.
- Heat and let the mixture come to a gentle boil, but don’t boil the herbs—remove from heat and add them after the sugar dissolves. Adding rosemary after removing the syrup from the heat preserves its delicate essential oils and prevents the syrup from turning bitter.
- Let the syrup steep, but not too long; oversteeping can cause bitterness.
- Keep your airtight container clean to avoid spoilage.
- Adjust sweetness or thickness to taste by changing the equal parts sugar and water ratio.
Rosemary Simple Syrup
This homemade rosemary simple syrup, infused with fresh rosemary, adds a gentle earthy aroma and herbal sweetness to cocktails, mocktails, and desserts.
Ingredients
- 3-4 rosemary sprigs
- 1 cup (128 g, 4,5 oz) raw sugar
- 1 cup (240 ml, 8 oz)) water
- juice from 1/2 lemon (optional)
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine equal parts water and sugar and bring it to a boil. Stir occasionally until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Remove from heat add the rosemary sprigs to the hot syrup. Let it steep for about 30 minutes to infuse the syrup with flavor.
- Once cooled to room temperature, remove the springs, add lemon juice, and use a small strainer or sieve to strain the mixture to avoid small leaves floating in your final bottle. Pour it into an airtight container, and store it in the refrigerator.
Notes
Always store the syrup in a clean container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
15Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 57Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gSodium: 14mgCarbohydrates: 14gFiber: 0gSugar: 14gProtein: 0g
