If you've never heard of cilantro simple syrup before, I recommend trying it at least once. It has a fresh, clean flavor and a rich, smooth consistency, which comes from blending and straining the cilantro.
It's a perfect syrup to use for unique mocktails, cocktails, and my personal favorite - lemonade or limeade.
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Why this works
- It's FAST. It takes less than 5 minutes to make.
- The syrup is never heated, which preserves both the flavor and natural green color of fresh cilantro.
- Blending the cilantro extracts the maximum amount of flavor and color.
- Adding sugar after you blend and strain the cilantro ensures consistent results every time.
How to make it
In short, blend the water and cilantro on high, strain, add the sugar, and stir until the sugar is fully dissolved.
The recipe card at the bottom has full instructions and quantities.
Tip: If you want a stronger cilantro flavor, use as much of the stems as possible.
The majority of the cilantro flavor is in the stems!
Chop the cilantro, and add it and the water to a small blender.
Blend on high for 30-60 seconds or until the cilantro is fully blended and the liquid is an even consistency.
Once you stop blending, you can see the even consistency. Yes, it will look like a green smoothie.
Strain the cilantro, reserving the liquid in a small bowl. Pictured here is parsley, but this is what things should look like.
Add the strained liquid into the sugar and stir until fully dissolved, about 1-2 minutes. Store in an airtight container.
Ingredient Notes:
Cilantro: The majority of the cilantro flavor is in the stems!
Find fresh cilantro that doesn't have any brown or soggy leafy tops and whose stems are firm and crispy.
Note: DO NOT use dried cilantro. Epic disaster will ensue. Ask me how I know....
Granulated Sugar: Plain granulated sugar is recommended due to its consistent results. The cilantro flavor is strong enough that brown sugar is a suitable alternative.
I have not tested this with monkfruit, stevia, or alternative sweeteners. They will impact the consistency (which is often important for drinks), and the sweetness level will vary dramatically.
Related: SIMPLE SYRUPS FOR DRINKS: THE BASICS YOU NEED TO KNOW
Where to use cilantro simple syrup
Cilantro simple syrup is best suited for cold drinks, such as lemonades, limeades, and a variety of cocktails, mocktails, or other cool foods. Cilantro ice cream anyone?
It can be drizzled over a fresh fruit salad to add an extra layer of fresh herbal flavor.
Related - If you're interested in simple syrups made with other herbs, you can check out my Rosemary Simple Syrup and Sage Simple Syrup, and Parsley Simple Syrup.
Equipment
Small electric blender, such as a Magic Bullet. Blending the cilantro fully is key to extracting and maintaining the bright, fresh flavor.
Fine wire mesh strainer. This doesn't need to be an extra-fine strainer. Just make sure it's fine enough to remove all the cilantro.
Storage bottle.
Related: Check out the Tools and Tips for Simple Syrups article for product recommendations and explanations.
Tips
If you want a more intense cilantro flavor in your drink but don't want to increase the amount of sugar, you have two options.
First, use double the amount of cilantro that the recipe calls for.
Second, follow the recipe as written, except cut the amount of sugar in half. This will result in a thinner syrup consistency, which is generally fine for most drinks.
Transfer the syrup to a storage bottle using a funnel. To avoid sticky spills, do this in your sink.
Hosting Tips
If large batch of cilantro simple syrup to use in something like a cilantro lemonade, use a large blender to blend the cilantro instead of the small one.
Unlike drinks using rose simple syrup, where the flavor can break down quickly, cilantro simple syrup do well when added in advance. It can be added to a drink up to 24 hours in advance.
Cheers!
Susan
FAQ
Yes!
Cilantro's flavor is concentrated in the stems, while parsley's is concentrated in the leaves!
So, for this recipe, I recommend using all parts of the cilantro. 
In the United States, cilantro is a leafy green herb, whereas coriander is a spice sold either ground or whole.
Similarly, according to the MasterClass website, "...the word coriander can refer to either the herb or spice derived from the plant's seeds; the word cilantro only refers to the herbaceous leaves of the plant."
📖 Recipe
Cilantro Simple Syrup
Equipment
- Small high powered blender such as a Magic Bullet
- Small bowl
- Fine mesh strainer
- Storage bottle
Ingredients
- 1 cup cilantro leaves and stems, about one bunch
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Blend cilantro and waterAdd the cilantro and water to the blender and blend on high for 30-60 seconds or until the cilantro is fully blended.
- StrainUsing a fine mesh strainer, strain the cilantro, collecting the water in the small bowl. Discard the parsley.
- Add sugar and stirAdd the sugar to the small bowl and stir until the sugar is fully dissolved, about one minute.
- StoreTransfer to an airtight storage container. Store in the fridge for up 2 weeks.
Quynh
I tried this cilantro syrup with limeade. It’s so good and actually very easy to make! Will be making this again.