Make your own mint syrup to sweeten coffee, tea, lemonade, soda, and more! It’s excellent for cocktails, too, like mint juleps and mojitos! It’s easy to make with just 2 ingredients and takes only 5 minutes.
It’s about time we’re talking mint syrup around here! I’ve been making it for ages – for watermelon mint cocktails, fruit salads, and iced lattes because it’s the most wonderful balance of sweet and cooling and herby.
With how super duper easy is to make, in less than 5 minutes, too, you’ll be making it for all sorts of drinks and desserts, too! Even better is that it lasts for weeks, so you can make a big batch and enjoy it time and time again.
What is Mint Simple Syrup?
First, the basics of what ‘simple syrup’ is: simple syrup is a sweetened liquid, made by dissolving equal parts of water and sugar together…resulting in…you guessed it, a syrup consistency.
Mint syrup is a simple syrup that has been infused with fresh mint for a vibrant, slight-sweet, slightly cooling, herbal kick. Making a simple syrup, infused or not, is an easy gritty-free way to sweeten drinks, yet there are many other uses too.
The Ingredients
You’ll just need three ingredients! Well, two if we’re not counting water.
- Fresh Mint: you can use spearmint or peppermint, or the little clamshell of mint that I believe is just labeled ‘mint’ at the grocery store.
- Can I use mint extract? You can use a little mint extract instead of mint leaves, just be sure to start with a little and add more to taste.
- Granulated Sugar: for a simple, straightforward sweetener.
- Can you use brown sugar? Yes, it will make a richer, more caramelly mint syrup, so be sure it’s going to be used for a recipe that will benefit from that (like a mojito).
- Water: good ol’ water! Use filtered if you have it.
How to Make Mint Syrup
Making homemade simple syrup truly is one of the easiest ways to add flavor to DIY beverages. It requires only a saucepan and a little simmering before you have a wonderful sweet syrup.
Combine water, sugar, and fresh mint sprigs or leaves in a saucepan. Bring the saucepan to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is dissolved. Let it simmer for about two to three minutes; it doesn’t need to be at a rolling boil.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the simple syrup cool slightly with the mint in the syrup. Taste-test it to see how strong the mint flavor is. The longer the mint steeps in the syrup, the more flavor will infuse, so let it sit until your taste buds are happy.
Strain the mint leaves from the syrup using a fine mesh sieve. If any smaller pieces remain, you may need to use a cheesecloth or nut milk bag to remove them.
What to Do with Mint Syrup
You can experiment with many different ways to use this fragrant syrup. While simple syrups are often added to cocktails for a little sweetness and flavor, they are not exclusively for cocktails! They’re for coffee, tea, and so much more.
- Add it to a latte for a peppermint latte, or to a mocha for a peppermint mocha!
- Make an iced mint latte (so refreshing!)
- Have it on hand to add in hot or iced tea.
- Add it to lemonade.
- Make a minty hot chocolate.
- Cocktails! Mint juleps, mojitos, vodka cocktails, or try it in strawberry sangria.
- Toss it with fresh berries.
- Drizzle on top of ice cream.
- Make a fun kids’ drink or mocktail with club soda.
- Use it in place of maple syrup on these broiled grapefruits.
Use approximately 2 tablespoons of mint syrup per drink.
Storage & Extra Tips
Store mint syrup in an airtight container like a mason jar in the fridge. You can also store it in a squeeze bottle for easy use. It will last for about 2-3 weeks as long as it’s not contaminated, like additional water, which will make it spoil more quickly.
If you notice any cloudiness in the syrup, it’s time to pitch it and make a new batch.
If you know you won’t use it within a few weeks, you can freeze mint syrup, too! Use an ice cube tray or silicone tray (preferred, easy removal), then you can have mint syrup to add to your drinks whenever you need it!
Did you make this recipe? Please leave a star rating and review in the form below. I appreciate your feedback, and it helps others, too!
Mint Simple Syrup
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup fresh mint leaves loosely packed
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, bring sugar, water, and fresh mint to a simmer until sugar is dissolved, then simmer for 2-3 additional minutes until the syrup begins to get a slight tint to it. Remove from heat, and taste test. Let sit to further infuse for a more intense flavor.
- Strain the liquid into an airtight container to remove any particles and the leaves. Store in an airtight container – like a glass jar – in the fridge. It should last for 2-3 weeks if stored properly.
Notes
- This ratio makes approximately 3/4 cups of simple syrup. Feel free to double the recipe.
- The strength of different mint leaves may vary, be sure to taste test.
Nutrition
More Simple Syrup Recipes to Try
- Herb-based syrups like rosemary syrup or ginger syrup
- Lavender or Honey Lavender Syrup
- Berry–based syrups: blackberry, strawberry, or raspberry syrups
- Autumn Spice Syrup
- Vanilla Bean Syrup
- Caramel Simple Syrup
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