What Can You Do With Purple Basil

You can cook with purple basil in so many ways, from vibrant pestos and infused syrups to fruity salads and tangy pickles.

It’s the showstopper of the herb garden, with those deep violet leaves and that sweet, slightly spicy, anise-like flavor that sets it apart from the usual green Genovese basil.
 
If you have a bunch sitting on your counter and you’re wondering exactly what you can do with purple basil, you’re in the right place.
 
This stunning herb isn’t just for garnishing, it’s a versatile ingredient that can transform everything from drinks to desserts.
 
In this post, we’ll dive into the best culinary uses for purple basil, explore how to store it so it lasts, and share some creative ideas you might not have thought of.
 
Let’s get inspired by this beautiful, flavorful herb.
 

Why You Should Cook With Purple Basil

The first thing you need to know is that what you can do with purple basil often starts with understanding its unique flavor profile.
 
Unlike the sweeter, more peppery green basil, purple basil tends to have a bolder, spicier kick with hints of cinnamon, clove, and anise, depending on the specific variety you have.
 
This makes it a fantastic choice for dishes where you want a little more complexity and visual drama.
 
And because it’s so striking, purple basil is a natural fit for raw applications where its color can really shine.
 
Let’s look at some specific, delicious ways to put it to work.
 

1. Make a Vibrant Purple Basil Pesto

One of the best things you can do with purple basil is blend it into a classic pesto.
 
The color might turn a slightly deeper, less vibrant shade once you add olive oil and cheese, but the flavor is absolutely phenomenal.
 
Just swap out your regular green basil in your favorite pesto recipe and use purple basil instead.
 
The anise notes in the purple leaves pair beautifully with garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan.
 
You can also use this pesto as a marinade for chicken or fish, or swirl it into a bowl of creamy risotto for a stunning finish.
 

2. Infuse Vinegars and Oils

Purple basil is perfect for infusing liquids because it releases its essential oils and that gorgeous magenta hue into whatever it touches.
 
You can easily make a purple basil vinegar by gently warming white wine vinegar and pouring it over fresh, clean leaves in a sterilized jar.
 
Let it sit for a week or two, and you’ll have a beautifully flavored and tinted vinegar that’s amazing in salad dressings.
 
Similarly, you can create an herbed olive oil with purple basil, which is fantastic for drizzling over grilled vegetables or crusty bread.
 
This is one of the more elegant things you can do with purple basil for gifting, too.
 

3. Elevate Summer Salads and Fruits

Because purple basil is so visually stunning, it’s an incredible addition to fresh salads.
 
Tear the leaves and toss them with mixed greens, sliced peaches, or juicy watermelon.
 
The peppery, sweet flavor of purple basil cuts through the sweetness of the fruit beautifully, creating a balanced and refreshing bite.
 
You can even add a handful of leaves to a classic Caprese salad, but instead of green basil, use deep purple leaves for a dramatic twist.
 
This is one of the simplest and most rewarding ways to enjoy what purple basil can do, highlighting its freshness without any cooking involved.
 

4. Craft Unique Cocktails and Mocktails

Mixologists love using purple basil because it’s a feast for the eyes and the palate.
 
You can muddle the leaves at the bottom of a glass with a little sugar and lime juice to make a stunning base for mojitos or gin cocktails.
 
The purple leaves will turn the drink a beautiful lavender-pink color as the ice melts and you stir.
 
You can also make a simple syrup by simmering equal parts sugar and water with a large handful of purple basil, then straining it out.
 
This syrup is a fantastic way to use purple basil in drinks, sodas, and lemonades, giving them a gentle spice and gorgeous color.
 

Beyond The Leaves: Other Creative Uses For Purple Basil

Beyond the obvious, there are some seriously creative things you can do with purple basil that go beyond dinner.
 
Think about ways to preserve the color and flavor for months to come.
 

1. Make a Purple Basil Syrup

We touched on this for cocktails, but a concentrated purple basil syrup is a game-changer in the kitchen.
 
This isn’t just for drinks, you can drizzle it over vanilla ice cream, pancakes, or even use it to sweeten iced tea.
 
The syrup captures the essence of the herb, and the color is simply breathtaking.
 
To keep the color as vivid as possible, avoid boiling the leaves too hard, a gentle simmer is all you need.
 
This is a lovely way to use a large harvest of purple basil all at once.
 

2. Freeze It in Ice Cubes

The fastest way to preserve purple basil for later is to chop it finely and pack it into ice cube trays.
 
Cover the chopped leaves with water, olive oil, or even chicken stock and freeze.
 
Once frozen, pop the cubes out and store them in a freezer bag.
 
You can drop these directly into soups, stews, sauces, or braises all winter long.
 
This is one of the most practical things you can do with purple basil if you have an abundance from your garden.
 

3. Add a Punch to Pickles and Ferments

Don’t overlook purple basil when you’re making pickles.
 
Add a few fresh sprigs to a jar of pickling cucumbers or carrots.
 
Not only will it add a subtle spicy-sweet flavor, but it will also impart a beautiful pinkish tint to the pickling brine.
 
This works wonderfully with quick pickles or even fermented vegetables like sauerkraut.
 

4. Bake It Into Quick Breads or Scones

What can you do with purple basil in the world of baking?
 
Surprisingly, quite a lot.
 
Chop it finely and fold it into a basic scone or quick bread batter along with some lemon zest and dried cranberries.
 
The herbal notes pair beautifully with the tangy fruit and bright citrus.
 
Purple basil can also be used to make a unique shortbread cookie, giving it a subtle savory twist that’s perfect with a cup of tea.
 
It’s a sophisticated flavor combination that will definitely impress your friends.
 

How To Store Purple Basil For Maximum Life

When you bring purple basil home, you want to make sure it lasts long enough for you to use it in all these creative ways.
 
The best method for storing fresh purple basil is to treat it like a bouquet of flowers.
 
Trim the ends of the stems and place the bunch in a jar with about an inch of water, just like you would with cut flowers.
 
Loosely cover the leaves with a plastic bag and store it on the countertop, not in the fridge, as cold temperatures can cause the leaves to darken and wilt.
 
Change the water every other day and it should stay fresh for up to a week.
 
If you need to store it in the fridge, wrap the leaves in a slightly damp paper towel inside a zip-top bag, but be prepared for them to be a little less vibrant.
 

So, What Can You Do With Purple Basil?

So, what can you do with purple basil?
 
You can do endless things with purple basil, but it all comes down to embracing its bold, anise-like flavor and its stunning visual appeal.
 
You can make purple basil pesto, infuse purple basil into vinegars and oils, add purple basil to salads, create purple basil syrups, and even use purple basil in pickles and baked goods.
 
The possibilities are truly limited only by your imagination.
 
You can use purple basil to elevate a simple weeknight dinner or to create a show-stopping dessert.
 
We hope this guide has given you plenty of delicious ideas for using purple basil in your own kitchen.
 
Now go grab a bunch and start experimenting with all the wonderful things purple basil has to offer.