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Purple basil is one of the most versatile herbs you can grow, and you can do a surprising amount with its stunning leaves.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener with a bounty of this deep magenta herb or a curious cook who just spotted it at the farmers’ market, you might be wondering what can you do with purple basil beyond the obvious.
The answer is a lot, ranging from vibrant pestos and infused vinegars to striking cocktails and even natural dyes.
In this post, we’ll explore the many culinary and creative uses for purple basil, break down how its flavor differs from the classic green variety, and share practical tips for storing and preserving it.
Let’s dig in and discover everything you can do with purple basil.
What Can You Do With Purple Basil? The Core Culinary Uses
So, what can you do with purple basil in the kitchen?
Honestly, the list is long, but the main rule is to treat it like a more dramatic, slightly spicier cousin of sweet basil.
The deep purple color comes from anthocyanins, which give it a slightly peppery, clove-like flavor that stands up beautifully to bold ingredients.
Here are the best ways to use it.
1. Make a Show-Stopping Purple Pesto
One of the most popular things you can do with purple basil is blend it into a vibrant, eye-catching pesto.
Swap out the traditional green basil for purple leaves, and you’ll get a gorgeous magenta sauce that tastes just as fresh and garlicky as the original.
The color might turn a bit darker or even brownish when exposed to air and heat, so add a squeeze of lemon juice to keep it bright.
This pesto is fantastic on pasta, spread over grilled chicken, or dolloped onto roasted vegetables.
You can also freeze the pesto in ice cube trays for a quick flavor boost all winter long.
2. Infuse Vinegar and Oil
Purple basil makes incredible infused vinegars, and this is another stellar answer to what can you do with purple basil that preserves it for months.
Simply stuff a clean glass bottle with fresh purple basil leaves, add a few whole black peppercorns and a garlic clove, then top it off with white wine vinegar or champagne vinegar.
The vinegar will slowly turn a beautiful pinkish-purple and take on the basil’s aromatic, slightly spicy notes.
Use this infused vinegar in salad dressings, marinades, or even as a finishing splash over fresh tomatoes.
Similarly, you can make a purple basil oil by gently warming olive oil with the leaves, letting it cool, and straining it for a fragrant drizzle.
3. Elevate Salads and Fresh Dishes
The simplest thing you can do with purple basil is toss whole or torn leaves straight into salads.
The color alone elevates a simple green salad into something restaurant-worthy.
Pair it with ripe peaches, mozzarella, and a balsamic glaze for a summer salad that’s both sweet and savory.
You can also chiffonade the leaves and sprinkle them over caprese salads, grilled corn, or fresh fruit bowls.
Since purple basil has a stronger flavor than its green counterpart, use it a bit more sparingly so it doesn’t overpower the other ingredients.
It’s also a gorgeous garnish for soups, flatbreads, and even morning scrambled eggs.
Creative Drinks and Desserts You Can Do With Purple Basil
Beyond savory dishes, there are some unexpected ways to answer what can you do with purple basil that involve cocktails and sweets.
The spicy, anise-like undertones of purple basil pair wonderfully with citrus and berries.
This makes it a bartender’s secret weapon for fancy summer drinks.
1. Make Purple Basil Simple Syrup
A simple syrup infused with purple basil is a game-changer for cocktails and lemonades.
To make it, simmer equal parts water and sugar with a generous handful of purple basil leaves for about ten minutes, then let it steep for another thirty minutes.
The resulting syrup will be a beautiful rose-purple color with a bright, herbal sweetness.
Use it to sweeten iced tea, mix into a gin and tonic, or add a splash to sparkling water for a refreshing mocktail.
This syrup also works wonders drizzled over vanilla ice cream or fresh berries.
2. Blend It Into Smoothies and Sorbets
You can definitely use purple basil in smoothies, and trust me, it’s better than it sounds.
The peppery kick cuts through the sweetness of fruits like strawberries, pineapple, or mango.
Add a handful of leaves to your favorite smoothie recipe for an antioxidant boost and a lovely lavender tint.
For a more adventurous dessert, blend purple basil with simple syrup and lemon juice, then churn it in an ice cream maker to make a floral, herbaceous sorbet.
It’s a unique and refreshing palate cleanser after a heavy meal.
3. Infuse Honey or Sugar
Another creative answer to what can you do with purple basil is to infuse honey.
Gently warm a cup of mild honey with a handful of purple basil leaves, then let it sit for a day or two before straining.
This basil honey is divine drizzled over goat cheese, mixed into tea, or spread on warm biscuits.
You can also make purple basil sugar by pulsing dried leaves with granulated sugar in a food processor.
Use this sugar to rim cocktail glasses, sweeten coffee, or top shortbread cookies before baking.
Preserving and Storing Purple Basil
If you’ve grown a big crop, you might be asking what can you do with purple basil to keep it from wilting.
The same preservation methods that work for green basil work for purple, but with a few color-specific caveats.
1. Freeze the Leaves in Oil or Water
Freezing is one of the easiest ways to keep purple basil for later.
Chop the leaves and pack them into ice cube trays, then cover with a little olive oil or water.
Once frozen, pop the cubes into a zip-top bag and use them directly in soups, stews, or sauces.
The color will fade somewhat during freezing, but the flavor will remain vibrant.
This is perfect for when the harvest outweighs your immediate cooking needs.
2. Dry It for Tea and Seasoning
You can also dry purple basil, though the deep purple hue will inevitably turn brownish-green as it dries.
Despite losing its showy color, dried purple basil still has a lovely flavor that works well in spice rubs and herbal teas.
To dry it, tie small bunches upside down in a warm, dry, dark place for about two weeks.
Once fully dry, crumble the leaves and store them in an airtight jar.
Or, use a dehydrator at a low temperature to speed up the process.
This is a simple answer to what can you do with purple basil if you prefer a savory, less perishable shelf staple.
So, What Can You Do With Purple Basil? A Final Recap
So, what can you do with purple basil and why should you bother growing it?
Ultimately, you can do far more with purple basil than you might initially think.
You can make stunning purple pesto, tangy infused vinegars, sweet syrups for drinks, and even use it to tint homemade honey or sugar.
Its bold flavor and striking appearance make it a favorite for gourmet sandwiches, fruit salads, and creative cocktails.
The preservation options are also excellent, allowing you to freeze, dry, or infuse the leaves so you can enjoy their unique taste long after the growing season ends.
Whether you choose to blend it, steep it, or chop it fresh, purple basil is a delightful herb that deserves a permanent spot in your garden and your kitchen.
So go ahead and experiment, your taste buds and your dinner guests will thank you.