What Can You Make With Purple Basil

You can make a surprising number of delicious things with purple basil, from vibrant pestos and infused syrups to fruity salads and elegant cocktails.
 
If you’ve ever grown this striking herb with its deep violet leaves and wondered what to do with it beyond a simple garnish, you’re in for a treat.
 
Purple basil isn’t just a pretty face; it brings a slightly spicier, clove-like flavor compared to its green cousin, making it a fantastic ingredient for both sweet and savory dishes.
 
In this post, we’ll explore the many ways you can use purple basil, answer the question of what can you make with purple basil, and give you plenty of inspiration to get cooking.
 
Let’s dive into the colorful world of this amazing herb.
 

Why You Should Cook With Purple Basil

The first thing to understand is that purple basil is more than just a colorful substitute for sweet basil.
 
Its flavor profile is a bit more robust and peppery, with a hint of anise or cinnamon that makes it stand out in any dish.
 
What can you make with purple basil that takes advantage of this unique taste?
 
The answer is almost everything you’d make with regular basil, plus a few creative twists that celebrate its vivid color.
 
You can use purple basil to make stunning pestos, flavorful oils, and even beautiful vinegars that will impress your dinner guests.
 
The anthocyanins that give the leaves their purple hue are also water-soluble, which means you can use purple basil to infuse liquids with a gorgeous pink or lavender tint.
 
This makes it perfect for drinks, syrups, and even homemade sodas.
 

1. Purple Basil Pesto Is a Must-Try

The most classic answer to what can you make with purple basil is, of course, pesto.
 
While traditional pesto uses green basil, swapping in purple basil creates a stunning deep magenta sauce that tastes incredible.
 
The flavor is richer and slightly more complex, so you might want to balance it with a bit extra lemon juice and parmesan.
 
You can use purple basil pesto on pasta, spread it on sandwiches, or drizzle it over grilled vegetables for an instant flavor boost.
 
To make it, simply blend purple basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, parmesan, olive oil, and salt until smooth.
 
The result is a vibrant, herbaceous sauce that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
 

2. Infused Vinegars and Oils

Making infused oils and vinegars is another excellent way to answer what can you make with purple basil.
 
These infusions capture the herb’s essence and beautiful color, making them perfect for salad dressings and marinades.
 
To make a purple basil vinegar, simply add fresh, clean leaves to a bottle of white wine vinegar or champagne vinegar.
 
Let it sit for about two weeks in a cool, dark place, and you’ll have a beautifully tinted, tangy vinegar.
 
For oil, warm some olive oil gently with purple basil leaves (without frying them) and let it cool before straining.
 
The result is a fragrant oil that’s amazing for dipping bread or finishing dishes.
 
Both of these are fantastic gifts and a great way to preserve the harvest.
 

Sweet Treats and Drinks Featuring Purple Basil

Purple basil isn’t just for savory cooking; it shines in desserts and beverages too.
 
Its slightly spicy, sweet notes pair beautifully with fruits like strawberries, blackberries, and peaches.
 
When you ask what can you make with purple basil, don’t forget about the sweeter side of things.
 

1. Purple Basil Simple Syrup

This is one of the easiest and most versatile things you can make with purple basil.
 
A simple syrup is just equal parts sugar and water, heated until the sugar dissolves, then steeped with herbs.
 
When you use purple basil, the syrup turns a beautiful pale pink or lavender color.
 
You can use this syrup to sweeten iced tea, lemonade, or cocktails like a basil smash or a mojito riff.
 
It also makes a fantastic topping for pancakes, waffles, or vanilla ice cream.
 
To make it, just simmer water and sugar, add a big handful of purple basil leaves, and let it steep for about 30 minutes.
 
Strain and store in the fridge for up to two weeks.
 

2. Purple Basil Lemonade and Cocktails

You can make an incredibly refreshing purple basil lemonade that will be the star of any summer gathering.
 
Combine fresh lemon juice, water, and your purple basil simple syrup for a drink that’s both tart and slightly herbal.
 
The syrup will give your lemonade a lovely pink hue, making it extra special.
 
What can you make with purple basil for a boozy twist?
 
Try muddling fresh purple basil leaves in a glass with some gin and lime juice.
 
Add some simple syrup and ice, then top with club soda for a fragrant, beautiful cocktail.
 
The purple basil adds a unique depth of flavor that you just don’t get with regular mint or basil.
 

3. Purple Basil Fruit Salad

For a simple yet elegant dessert, chop some purple basil and toss it with fresh berries, melon, or citrus fruits.
 
The herb’s anise-like flavor will elevate the fruit’s natural sweetness.
 
You can also add a splash of balsamic vinegar and a drizzle of honey for a more complex flavor.
 
What can you make with purple basil that’s quick?
 
This fruit salad takes less than five minutes to prepare but tastes like it came from a fancy restaurant.
 
Try it with sliced strawberries and a bit of cracked black pepper for a surprising, delicious combination.
 

Savory Dishes That Highlight Purple Basil

You can also use purple basil as a key ingredient in many savory dishes where its bold flavor and color can shine.
 
It’s a great way to add beauty and taste to your weeknight dinners.
 

1. Purple Basil Butter

Making a compound butter is a fantastic way to use a large bunch of purple basil at once.
 
Simply blend softened butter with finely chopped purple basil, a clove of garlic, and a pinch of salt.
 
Roll it into a log using plastic wrap and chill it until firm.
 
You can then slice off rounds to melt over grilled steak, corn on the cob, or baked potatoes.
 
This purple basil butter adds a rich, herby flavor to anything it touches, making it one of the best answers to what can you make with purple basil.
 

2. As a Final Topping on Pizza and Pasta

While you can cook purple basil into your sauces, it’s actually best to add it fresh at the very end.
 
By adding the whole leaves as a final topping, you preserve its color and intense flavor.
 
After baking a pizza, scatter fresh purple basil leaves over the top just before serving.
 
The heat from the pizza will slightly wilt the leaves and release their aromatic oils.
 
Similarly, toss a handful of shredded purple basil into hot pasta right before you plate it.
 
You’ll get a pop of color and a burst of flavor that’s far better than if you had cooked it all the way through.
 

So, What Can You Make With Purple Basil?

You can make so many things with purple basil that it’s hard to list them all, but we’ve covered some fantastic starting points.
 
You can make vibrant pestos, infused oils and vinegars, sweet syrups, refreshing drinks, and beautiful fruit salads.
 
You can also make a savory herbed butter, use it as a fresh topping for pizza and pasta, and even add it to baked goods for a unique twist.
 
The answer to what can you make with purple basil is simply that you can make a wide array of colorful, flavorful dishes.
 
Treat it just like you would green basil, but be ready for a more intense, spicier flavor and a stunning visual impact on your plate.
 
So the next time you see purple basil at the market, grab a bunch and get creative.
 
Your taste buds will thank you.