This sage simple syrup is earthy, herbal, and so easy to make. It adds a lovely savory depth to cocktails and pairs beautifully with sweet flavors like fresh berries, citrus, and pineapple.
About this recipe
Sage simple syrup is a sweetener infused with fresh sage, made with just sugar, water, and sage leaves. It’s one of the easiest homemade syrups to put together, and it adds a wonderful earthy, herbal note to anything you add it to.
A basic simple syrup is just equal parts sugar and water, heated until the sugar dissolves. For this version, you add fresh sage leaves after the heat is off and let them steep while the syrup cools.
Sage pairs surprisingly well with fruit. I love using this in a blueberry sage cocktail where the earthy sage really complements the sweet berries. It also works beautifully with citrus, pineapple, or blackberries. If you enjoy herbal syrups, also try my rosemary simple syrup for a more piney, aromatic alternative.
Key ingredients and why
- Granulated sugar: White sugar gives you a clean sweetness that lets the sage flavor come through clearly. You can use brown sugar or raw sugar for a deeper, more molasses-like flavor, but it will change the taste and darken the syrup.
- Water: Combined with sugar in equal parts (1:1 ratio) to create the syrup base.
- Fresh sage leaves: The star ingredient. Fresh sage has a warm, earthy, slightly peppery flavor that works beautifully in drinks. Use about 10 leaves per 3/4 cup of syrup. Don’t use dried sage, as the flavor is quite different and won’t give you the same result.
Method
- In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Place over medium heat and stir until the sugar dissolves. Let it come to a gentle simmer.
- Let the sage steep for at least an hour while the syrup cools to room temperature. The longer you steep, the stronger the sage flavor.
- Strain the syrup through a fine mesh strainer into a bowl to remove the sage leaves. For extra clear syrup, strain again through a cheesecloth or coffee filter.
Tips
Ways to use sage simple syrup
- Cocktails: Use it in a blueberry sage cocktail, or add it to whiskey sours, gin fizzes, or any cocktail where you want an earthy, herbal note.
- Mocktails: Stir into club soda or lemonade for a simple, refreshing herbal drink.
- Iced tea: Add a splash to your favorite iced tea for a savory twist.
- Baking: Brush on cake layers to keep them moist and add subtle flavor.
More simple syrup recipes
If you love making flavored syrups, check out more of my simple syrup recipes. Here are a few favorites:
- Rosemary Simple Syrup
- Cinnamon Simple Syrup
- Blueberry Simple Syrup
- Raspberry Simple Syrup
- Ginger Simple Syrup
Sage Simple Syrup
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 12 fresh sage leaves
Instructions
- In a small saucepan combine sugar and water and place it over medium heat. Let it come to a simmer, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- Once the sugar has dissolved, turn off the heat and add in the sage leaves. Let the sage steep for at least an hour and cool down to room temperature.
- Balance a fine mesh strainer over a bowl and pour through the syrup to remove the sage. To get the syrup extra clear, next pour it through a cheesecloth of coffee filter.
- Let it cool down to room temperature, then pour it into an airtight container. Store the simple syrup in the fridge for up to 2 weeks
Notes
- Use fresh sage only. Dried sage has a very different flavor and won’t work as well in this recipe.
- For a stronger sage flavor, steep the leaves for several hours or overnight.
- The syrup pairs beautifully with berries, citrus, and pineapple.
- Try it in a blueberry sage cocktail for a delicious combination.
