Turn ordinary drinks into refreshing masterpieces with this effortlessly chic mint simple syrup.

Cool, crisp mint flavor that elevates everything – from lemonades to cocktails. Even iced coffee. Made with just 3 ingredients and ready in minutes, it’s the secret weapon your summer sips have been missing.

Why I make mint simple syrup

You know that song by Seals and Crofts? (I’m going to have to admit, I originally thought it was by Simon and Garfunkel. I’m the go-to regarding music at trivia nights and I just blew this one.) You know the line, “summer breeze makes me feel fine”. That song comes to mind if I had to associate a song to adding mint simple syrup to lemonade. Carefree and breezy. Ahh.

I know it’s just a mint flavored syrup, but honestly, it is so delicious once you try it. It really is fresh and pleasant as opposed to the artificial taste of a premade flavored syrup. I’m all about removing artificial stuff from my food and this is a great swap to make. So simple, so refreshing. You’ll be blowing through the jasmine in your mind. –Seals and Crofts, not Simon and Garfunkel.

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Equipment

• Saucepan (medium)
• Large spoon (for stirring)
• Mesh strainer (medium)
• Jar or bottle with lid (8 oz)

You’ll only need very minimal equipment to create mint simple syrup. The mesh strainer helps to keep the leaves and stems out of the syrup.

Ingredients

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup sugar (refined)
• 1 cup mint leaves (fresh)

Mint simple syrup is bursting with vibrancy thanks to gently steeped fresh mint leaves.

Instructions

Step 1

Combine 1 cup water, 1 cup sugar, and 1 cup mint leaves in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil.

Step 2

Stir until the sugar is dissolved into the water. Turn off the heat and allow mint to steep for 30 minutes.

Step 3

Remove mint leaves by pouring the syrup through a mesh strainer directly into a clean jar with lid for later use, or into glasses for immediate use.

Notes

This recipe creates about 8 oz of mint simple syrup.

Some of the water will evaporate during the boiling process, creating a syrup. The longer the sugar dissolved water is boiled, the thicker the syrup will become. Typically, boiling long enough to dissolve the sugar is just enough to get the desired classic simple syrup consistency. Adjust for your desired consistency.

Allowing the mint leaves to steep for 30 minutes ensures a stronger mint flavor in the syrup. The less time the mint leaves are allowed to steep, the weaker the mint flavor.

Serving Suggestion

Serve as a refreshing sweetener in summer beverages: iced tea, lemonade, or in a mint mojito, or cozy up by adding it to hot chocolate with marshmallows. Drizzle over fruit salads for a gourmet touch. Freeze into ice cubes to fancy-up plain water. Feeling adventurous? Try pairing mint simple syrup with this Coconut Chia Lemonade with Mint Syrup recipe.

How to Store

Funnel the cooled syrup into an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Common Questions

I use raw sugar in my home, can I substitute this instead?

Yes. You can absolutely use raw sugar instead of refined sugar. The boiling/cook time will need to be extended a bit for the sugar crystals to be broken down. Please note: there might be a grittier texture and the color won’t be as clear as opposed to using refined sugar.

It’s too thick, I may have boiled it for too long. What should I do to fix it?

It’s an easy fix. The sugar should already be dissolved at this point, so you are safe to add a little bit more water without having to bring it back up to a boil again. Slowly add water and keep mixing until you like the consistency of the syrup.

I want a subtle mint flavor, is this going to be too strong?

Maybe, depending on your preference. If you want a hint of mint in your homemade syrup, start by allowing the mint leaves to steep for less time. Try 10-15 minutes and giving it a quick taste test. If it’s not minty enough, allow more time for it to steep.