Herb Simple Syrups

Last weekend I attended a bridal shower for a dear friend of mine.  I don't tend to be the type who buys things off of registries, so I racked my brain for what to get her (or more likely, make her).  I stumbled across a recipe for Basil Mint Mojitos, so I decided to put together a basket of all the ingredients and tools to make this recipe (a jigger, a muddler, limes, potted mint from my garden, mason jars, rum, basil simple syrup and the recipe itself).  It turned out really cute and I hope she and her fiancee enjoy it.

But that isn't what this post is about.  Let's rewind the tape to the part where I typed basil simple syrup. Yes, I was a little skeptical at first and then I realized-I love basil and I love sugar-so I should try a little myself.

H-O-L-Y Crap!

I put a little of the basil simple syrup in a glass, added some ice and little soda water, and voila!  My very own basil soda (you could add vodka and have a nice little cocktail).  Once my husband tried it, between the both of us we drained that little mason jar of every drip of that delicious simple syrup.

So today I decided to try making simple syrup out of most of the herbs in my garden: mint, basil, rosemary, sage, tarragon, and marjoram.

I haven't tried any but the basil yet, but will keep you updated on which ones are hits and which, if any are misses!  I'm the most excited to try the tarragon and the most nervous for the marjoram and sage (I'm pretty confident that rosemary and mint will be successes).

Don't be put off by the fact that they look a little like jars of urine!