Create unique, restaurant-quality cocktails at home with this Oregano Simple Syrup! This recipe is super easy, but pays off in delicious, herby flavor. It’s the perfect syrup to use in seasonal spring cocktails or sangrias!
Spring for me means herbs. As the seasons change I find myself reaching for fresh, bright flavors — and herbs are at the top of that list. Making flavored simple syrups is an easy way to layer real, seasonal flavor into cocktails. You can infuse syrups with fruits, vegetables, or herbs to create drinks that taste like the season. Think heirloom tomato margaritas in summer or a rhubarb syrup for a Lillet spritz in spring.
Oregano might not be the first herb you imagine for drinks, but its savory, slightly peppery profile brings complexity and interest to cocktails and sangrias. This oregano simple syrup is versatile and pairs beautifully with spirits like gin, mezcal, and rum, or can be used to brighten a fruity spritz.
- Use it in a garden sangria for an herbal twist.
- Add it to a margarita with mezcal and a strip of orange peel.
- Combine it with mint in a mojito for layered herb notes.
- Stir it into gin and top with a fruity soda for a light, botanical spritz.
- Swap it for plain syrup in a Lillet spritz to add savory balance to the sweetness.
The syrup is simple to make and stores well, so you can batch it ahead for a party or keep it on hand for impromptu cocktails.
For more spring cocktails, try a Rhubarb Lillet Spritz, Nectarine Gin Smash, or a Garden Sangria.
Oregano Simple Syrup
Ingredients
- 1/2 Cup Water
- 1/2 Cup Sugar
- 1/2 Cup Fresh Oregano loosely packed
Instructions
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Wash and dry the oregano before using.
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Combine the water, sugar, and oregano in a small saucepan and bring to a gentle boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar.
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Once bubbling, reduce the heat and simmer for about 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally to keep the sugar fully incorporated.
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Remove from heat and allow the syrup to cool to room temperature so the oregano continues to infuse.
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Strain through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing gently to extract the syrup. Discard or compost the herbs.
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Transfer to a clean jar and refrigerate until needed.
Notes
- Store refrigerated for 3–4 days, or freeze for 2–3 months in an airtight container.
- This syrup works especially well in herb-forward cocktails like garden sangria, or as a subtle savory counterpoint in citrus drinks.
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Oregano Simple Syrup FAQs
What is the formula of simple syrup?
Simple syrup is typically equal parts sugar and water, heated until the sugar dissolves. To flavor it, add herbs, fruit, or other aromatics while the syrup is warm so they infuse their flavor.
What is the ratio of sugar to water for soda syrup?
Most simple syrups use a 1:1 ratio of sugar to water. If you prefer a thicker syrup, use 2 parts sugar to 1 part water for a richer, longer-lasting syrup.
What is simple syrup used for?
Beyond cocktails, simple syrup sweetens iced coffee, cocktails, desserts, and more. Oregano syrup is more savory, so while it’s excellent in drinks, it may not suit sweet breakfast toppings like pancakes.
Should simple syrup be made by weight or volume?
Measurements by volume are common in the U.S. and are used in this recipe (1/2 cup increments). For precision, especially when scaling, consider switching to weight measurements since sugar and water differ in density.
P.S.
For more plant-forward recipes, dinner-party ideas, and seasonal inspiration, follow Well and Full on social platforms and tag #wellandfull when you try a recipe — it’s always a pleasure to see your photos and variations.