This mint simple syrup recipe punches up the flavor and can be added to recipes like fruit salad, lemonade, and iced tea. Simple syrup is great to have on hand for making beverages and cocktails because it mixes more readily than granulated sugar.
This recipe was inspired by a recipe I found I an old cookbook. As I developed the recipe, I kept thinking of more ways to use the syrup. Mint is abundant in the summer, especially if you have your own garden. Turning your bumper crop of mint into this mint simple syrup recipe is a great way to have that fresh mint flavor year round.
Try adding some to a hot cup of cocoa in the winter.
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🛒What Is Mint Syrup Made of?
You only need three ingredients to make mint syrup.
- water
- mint
- granulated sugar
See recipe card for quantities and the full instructions.
📋How do you make mint syrup from fresh mint leaves?
Using a medium sized pot, add the mint. Then pour in the water and sugar.
Let the mixture simmer, them remove the mint with tongs or a little strainer.
After the syrup has been infused with the mint flavor, pour the cooled syrup in an airtight container.
I used a swing top bottle and added a clean sprig of mint to the bottle. You can use a mason jar with a lid and label it for storage.
Gift Idea: These cute little bottles would be great to give as gifts along with a recipe for minty hot cocoa.
🥬Variations
While this mint syrup is pretty basic, you can add extra kick to your cocktails and mocktails with these variations.
- Spicy - add 1 teaspoon of chili pepper flakes, a sliced jalapeno, or even a scotch bonnet (if you like it devilishly spicy) to the syrup while it's cooking
- Ginger - add a Tablespoon of freshly grated ginger to the syrup while it cooks and be sure to strain the ginger along with the mint leaves.
⏲️How long can you keep mint simple syrup?
Store the finished simple syrup for up to 2 weeks under refrigeration. The fresh flavors of the syrup will fade with time, so be sure to make only what you will use within that time frame.
👩🏽🍳Chefs tip
Any variety of mint will work well in this recipe. I have successfully used spearmint from the grocery store as well as homegrown chocolate mint.
📖Printable Recipe Card
Mint Simple Syrup
Equipment
- 1 medium pot
- 1 strainer
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh mint leaves approximately 30-35 leaves
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- In a medium sized pot, add the mint leaves.
- Pour in the water and sugar.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce to a simmer and let simmer for 5 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool completely before removing the mint leaves with a strainer.
- Poyur the mint syrup into a ja with an airtight lid, then refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
Nancy Saenz
We have a ton of fresh mint that grows in with my gladiolus to keep the squirrels away. I love mint with lamb too.