Bay Leaf Simple Syrup Recipe

Bay leaves aren't just for soups and stews - and yes, they do, in fact, have a flavor! The very under-appreciated leaves of the European bay laurel tree deserve a lot more credit than they get for their unique flavor and aroma.

If you already enjoy the flavor of bay leaf, or even if you aren't sure what it actually tastes like, I think you'll love this delicious simple syrup recipe for cocktails and mocktails!

What is bay leaf and what does it taste like?

European bay laurel leaves (Laurus nobilis), are aromatic, evergreen leaves that have been prized since ancient times. In Ancient Greece and Rome, they were associated with victory and honor because they were used to create laurel wreaths worn by military leaders or successful athletes.

Archaeological evidence suggests that the use of bay leaves in cooking can be traced back at least 2000 years. Bay leaves have been most commonly used as a seasoning for soups and stews. A leaf or two is left in the pot while it simmers and then removed before serving the dish. Bay leaves are said to add depth and enhance the other flavors of the dish. Many say that bay leaf tastes sort of like oregano or thyme, but I don't know if I agree.

Granted, the majority of my experiences with bay have been not in savory dishes, but in sweet ones! And when you combine the unique flavor of bay with sugar, it opens up a very different (and lovely!) side to this aromatic leaf.

Bay leaf flavors: floral, fruity, minty, spice

Before we dive into the wonderful flavors and aromas of the bay leaf, it's important to note that there are a couple of different types of bay leaves and there are also differences between dried and fresh leaves. I have always found dried leaves to be a bit more subdued initially, but also more peppery and perhaps more bitter.

My love is for fresh bay leaves, with their fresher, mintier, eucalyptus notes.

Fresh bay leaf is incredibly aromatic, and it sometimes just needs a little heat to wake it up. In this simple syrup recipe, I simmer the leaves in sugar and water for five to ten minutes and it makes the whole kitchen smell amazing!

The aroma opens with a bit spice, reminiscent of soft allspice or cloves. There's a very fresh minty sort of fragrance that leans floral, like lavender, but then also a bit towards eucalyptus or pine. Then there are some very surprising fruity notes that become more pronounced when you taste the bay syrup.

It's like cherry or plum, maybe blackberry - deep stone fruit or dark berry notes that pop right out with the presence of sugar. Then there's a slightly bitter aftertaste that works especially well in cocktails. When you combine all of these aromas and flavors, it's like a refreshing spiced, fruity, lavender, and it's delicious!

Why some people think bay leaf has no flavor

There's a fascinating paper called Why Cook with Bay Leaves? that touches on the reasons why some people believe that bay leaves have no flavor. And the bottom line is that there are a lot of variables across bay leaf varieties, fresh versus dried, and just how the particular leaves were grown and stored.

There can be quite a bit of variety but I think that if you buy fresh leaves, you may likely have a more potent product. Then again, there are many who say that it is the dried herbs that are more pungent!

In my experience, fresh European bay leaves are wonderfully flavorful and perfect for this syrup. I've heard that California bay leaves are stronger in flavor, but to the best of my knowledge, I've only ever found the European bay laurel leaves in the fresh herbs section of my grocery store. So these are the leaves I use for this syrup recipe.

What flavors pair well with bay leaf for drinks

My first and foremost favorite bay flavor pairing is bay leaf with pineapple like in my Pineapple Bay Leaf Daiquiri. The sweet, sour, tropical fruit is the prefect counterpoint to the spice, mint, and floral notes. In addition to most tropical fruit, bay leaf pairs well with berries like strawberry, stone fruits like plums, apricots and peaches, and citrus fruits of all kinds. Figs and currants are also said to be tasty with bay leaf. Here's a lovely recipe for poached summer fruits in bay syrup.

Making the simple syrup

Basic simple syrup couldn't be easier - combine equal parts sugar and water and stir. A little heat helps to speed things up, but isn't a requirement. For some flavored simple syrups, however, some heat is necessary.

To release the fragrant oils of the bay leaf, we need to bring the simple syrup to a boil and then simmer the leaves in the syrup. It only takes about five minutes for a richly flavored syrup, but you can leave it for up to ten minutes if your leaves seem less flavorful.

Combine one cup of sugar with one cup of water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add 5-6 fresh bay leaves (more or less to taste, remember, the potency can vary wildly!) and bring the liquid to a boil. Stir regularly to help the sugar dissolve.

Once the liquid is bubbling, reduce the heat a bit and simmer for five to ten minutes. The liquid will be a pale shade of the color of the leaves. Remove the pan from the heat and all the syrup to cool for at least twenty minutes before removing the leaves and bottling the syrup. Store your bay leaf simple syrup in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Bay leaf drink recipes

There are many classic and contemporary drinks that work well with this bay leaf syrup. Here's a quick list of favorites:

Bay Lemonade

Bay leaf and lemon are a wonderful pair. This ultra refreshing lemonade has a lightly spiced, herbal, floral flavor that's hard to describe but easy to love. Combine 1 oz of bay leaf simple syrup with 1 oz of fresh lemon juice in a highball glass filled with ice and top with several ounces of cold still or sparkling water.

Bay Leaf Daiquiri

This cocktail was the original inspiration for this simple syrup. It doesn't get better than a classic three-ingredient cocktail like the Daiquiri, and the bay syrup added a delicious new dimension. Combine 2 oz white rum with ¾ oz bay leaf syrup and 1 oz lime juice in a cocktail shaker. Fill the shaker with ice and shake until chilled, about 12 seconds. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with a lime wheel. Try my Pineapple Bay Leaf Daiquiri recipe!

Bay Leaf Old Fashioned

If you enjoy the flavor of this leaf as much as I do, you'll love a Bay Old Fashioned. Combine 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey in a mixing glass with ¼ oz bay leaf simple syrup and 2-4 dashes of bitters of your choice. Tropical or tiki-style bitters are a nice choice as are citrus bitters like orange, lemon, or grapefruit. Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir until very cold, about 30 seconds. Strain the liquid into a rocks glass over a large cube and garnish with an expressed orange or grapefruit peel.

This gives you a starting point, but there are actually so many more great drinks you can make with this syrup! Any classic tiki cocktail could potentially work with a splash of bay syrup in place of another spiced ingredient. And like any other syrup, it's also perfect mixed with simple club soda and a squeeze of lemon or lime. Try it in peach iced tea or in a strawberry margarita riff!

More syrup recipes to enjoy:

• Easy Pineapple Ginger Syrup Recipe
• Coconut Simple Syrup Recipe
• Spiced Simple Syrup Recipe
• Quick Orgeat Syrup Recipe