Cucumber-Basil Syrup

4.5
(2)
2 Reviews
2 Photos

If your garden produces more cucumbers than you can eat, try this cucumber-basil syrup. It's great with seltzer water, in a gin and tonic, or with vodka on ice.

Submitted by nch
Updated on September 24, 2024
Prep Time:
10 mins
Cook Time:
20 mins
Additional Time:
2 hrs 10 mins
Total Time:
2 hrs 40 mins
Servings:
32
Yield:
1 pint
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 32 servings

  • 2 large cucumbers

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • 12 large basil leaves

  • 1 cup white sugar

  • 1 large lemon, juiced

Directions

  1. Remove and discard ends from cucumbers. Very finely slice cucumbers; toss in a bowl with salt and set aside until salt has drawn out a good amount of liquid, about 3 minutes.

  2. Drain cucumbers in a fine-mesh sieve set over a bowl, squeezing cucumbers a little but not too much. Reserve 1 cup cucumber liquid; discard remaining.

  3. Muddle basil in a bowl; add to cucumber liquid. Steep in the refrigerator for 2 hours.

  4. Strain cucumber liquid into a saucepan, squeezing basil well to extract any liquid. Stir in sugar; bring to a boil, then add lemon juice and reduce heat. Simmer until reaches 212 degrees F (100 degrees C) with a candy thermometer, stirring occasionally, about 15 minutes.

  5. Cool slightly, then strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a glass bottle, then cool completely. Seal tightly and refrigerate.

Cook's Note:

This is really a recipe for gardeners — it will taste so much better. Use 2 to 3 garden-fresh cucumbers and basil from your garden.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

28 Calories
7g Carbs
0g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 32
Calories 28
% Daily Value *
Sodium 37mg 2%
Total Carbohydrate 7g 3%
Dietary Fiber 0g 1%
Total Sugars 7g
Protein 0g 0%
Vitamin C 3mg 4%
Calcium 6mg 0%
Iron 0mg 1%
Potassium 32mg 1%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.