Cinnamon Basil Simple Syrup (Microwave Method + Uses)
Sneak Preview: Cinnamon basil, sugar, water, and a cinnamon stick make a fragrant simple syrup in the microwave. Total time: about 10 minutes. Especially good over berries, homemade yogurt, or warm shortcake.
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
I planted cinnamon basil on a whim one Texas spring and then stared at it for weeks wondering what on earth to do with it. The answer came during strawberry shortcake season—one quick microwave syrup, a handful of leaves, and suddenly those berries tasted like company was coming.
What To Do with Cinnamon Basil
• Drizzle over homemade Greek yogurt with berries
• Stir into iced tea or lemonade
• Brush over baked shortcakes for shine
• Chop into fruit salad with peaches or berries
• Add to tomato sandwiches or caprese
• Sweeten a bowl of cold-start yogurt
Ingredients & Substitutions
SUGAR: Use regular granulated sugar—it dissolves quickly in hot water.
FRESH CINNAMON BASIL LEAVES: Use about 1 cup loosely packed. Substitute with ½ cup of sweet basil or Thai basil if needed.
CINNAMON STICK: Adds warm flavor and visual charm. You can use cinnamon extract in a pinch, but skip ground cinnamon—it clouds the syrup and looks gritty.
WATER: Just enough to dissolve the sugar and carry the flavor—don’t use too much or it’ll dilute the taste.
Cinnamon Basil Simple Syrup (Microwave Method)
Ingredients
- ½ cup (100 g) sugar
- ¼ cup (57 g) water
- 1 cup (24 g) fresh cinnamon basil leaves
- 1 cinnamon stick
Instructions
- Microwave the base: Combine 1/2 cup (100 g) sugar and 1/4 cup (57 g) water into a 2-cup microwave-safe bowl. Heat until boiling (about 1½–2 minutes). Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.Tip: Use at least a 2-cup microwave-safe glass bowl so the syrup doesn’t bubble over.
- Add flavorings: Submerge 1 cup (24 g) fresh cinnamon basil leaves and 1 cinnamon stick in the hot syrup. Let steep at room temperature for 30 minutes to provide maximum flavor.Tip: Add herbs after heating—boiling basil dulls its flavor and color.
- Strain and store: Remove the basil and cinnamon. Strain if desired. Tip: Strain through a fine-mesh sieve for a clear syrup. Store in a glass jar in the refrigerator up to 2 weeks.
Equipment
Nutrition
All images and text ©️ Paula Rhodes for Salad in a Jar.com
Microwave Simple Syrup with Cinnamon and Basil FAQ
Yes. Sweet basil, Thai basil, or even lemon basil work nicely. Mint is another fun option for a fresher flavor profile.
Absolutely. Simmer the sugar and water in a small saucepan until dissolved, then remove from heat and steep the basil and cinnamon as directed.
Final Thoughts
The trickiest part of this recipe might be finding cinnamon basil—but don’t let that stop you. Regular basil plus a cinnamon stick makes a lovely syrup, too. If you have lots of basil, try Tomato Basil Bread Mixed in a Bread Machine, and Oprah’s favorite, Smoked Turkey, Pepper Jack Cheese, and Basil Panini.
— Paula, Home Economist
Homemade Food Worth Sharing
Need help troubleshooting?
Email me: Paula at saladinajar.com — photos help!
I’m so happy to find a recipe using cinnamon basil. It is my very favorite fragrance. One flower spike in a bouquet makes the whole room smell so wonderful! Do you personally use cinnamon basil in any other recipes? I’m eager to learn!
That is the only recipe I have for cinnamon basil. Love the idea of putting it into a flower arrangement.
So I made this last year and it was fabulous!!! =) I just made my first batch of the year while eating a pear. I drizzled a few drops of the simple syrup on my pear and and it was over the top. Now, I am inspired to use this recipe for a pear sorbet or poached pears. =) By the way, this recipe is one of my (home) bar favorites. 1 part vodka, 1 part apple juice, 1 part cranberry juice and a good splash of this simple syrup shaken and served in a martini glass. Oh my!!!
Angelique,
With pear season coming on, I can’t wait to try this.
Awesome recipe. I am pulling out my cinnamon basil plant tomorrow. I am definitely going to try your recipe. Just curious, do you know the shelf life of this type of simple syrup?
That sounds delicious and the photo of the shortcakes with those berries looks wonderful. I am going to have to get some berries from the local berry farm.
Thanks for stopping by and and leaving your kind words. It’s nice to know I am not alone. 🙂
I’ve never heard of cinnamon basil, what a great combo. Gorgeous, yummy looking shortcake!
Nice combination….I have never heard of cinnamon basil. What is the more dominant flavor? IS it hot/spicy?
I would love to try this brushed on a cake ..thanks for the tips!
It is part of the basil/mint family but not as strong as sweet basil. And of course, it has a cinnamon smell/flavor although not terribly intense.
Cinnamon basil syrup sounds so interesting, and I’m sure it tastes great with your shortcakes!
That looks great, lovely photos too. Another idea I have done with herbs is to infuse them into the jelly I make, same idea as above. It really gives a depth of flavor that is delicious.
That sounds so good. May be an excuse to make some jelly or jam.
Cinnamon basil… I grew that one year, but just have sweet (regular, boring) basil this year. Still… I have numerous cinnamon sticks – so I should be set! What a great recipe for summer!
Wow, really great flavor ideas!
Everything looks wonderful but your syrup put it over the top. This is my first visit to your blog but your wonderful recipes will keep me coming back. I hope you are having a wonderful day. Blessings…Mary
You are so clever with the syrup. I would love to try using this. Basil is more versaitile than I gave it credit for and I have some growing a few feet away. Beautiful shortcakes.
Wow your cakes look so good. The yummy cinnamon basil syrup really gives the fruit some sparkle!