Discover the refreshing allure of homemade Citronella Plant Simple Syrup! This delightful herbal syrup not only adds a unique twist to your beverages but also brings the invigorating aroma of citronella right to your kitchen. Imagine infusing your cocktails, teas, or even desserts with this aromatic syrup that’s both easy to make and bursting with flavor. In just 20 minutes, you can create a deliciously fragrant syrup that will elevate your culinary creations and impress your guests. Ready to awaken your taste buds and elevate your drink game? Let’s dive into this simple yet enchanting recipe!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Herbal
Serves: 1 cup syrup
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup citronella leaves
Instructions
- Carefully wash the fresh citronella leaves under cool running water to remove any dirt or debris, gently patting them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
- Roughly chop or tear the citronella leaves to help release their essential oils and aromatic compounds, which will enhance the flavor of the syrup.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the water and sugar, stirring initially to help the sugar begin dissolving.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat, continuously stirring until the sugar completely dissolves and the mixture becomes clear and smooth.
- Once the sugar has dissolved, add the chopped citronella leaves to the simple syrup mixture.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, reducing heat to low and allowing it to steep for 10 minutes, which will extract the citronella's flavor and essential oils.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and let the syrup cool completely at room temperature, allowing the citronella leaves to continue infusing their flavor.
- Once cooled, strain the syrup through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove the citronella leaves, pressing gently to extract maximum flavor.
- Transfer the strained syrup to a clean glass jar or bottle with a tight-fitting lid for storage.
- Refrigerate the citronella simple syrup, which will keep for approximately 2 weeks when stored properly in the refrigerator.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Leaves: For the best flavor, use fresh citronella leaves. Look for vibrant green leaves without any browning or wilting.
- Chop Carefully: Roughly chopping or tearing the leaves not only helps release their essential oils but also enhances the syrup's aromatic profile.
- Watch the Heat: Keep the heat at medium to low while simmering to avoid burning the sugar. A gentle simmer allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Strain Well: Use a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth to ensure a smooth syrup. Press gently to extract all the delicious flavor from the leaves.
- Storage Tips: Store your syrup in a clean glass jar or bottle with a tight-fitting lid in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about two weeks, but trust us, it won’t last that long!
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to mix in other herbs or citrus zests during the steeping process for a unique twist on the classic citronella flavor!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 0g
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
