Mint juleps, hot chocolate with mint, Irish whiskey smash, and more - the list of mint drinks is long and glorious! Fortunately, making a simple mint syrup is so easy that even we did it right on the first try. Mint thrives in a variety of conditions, so whether you're farming or have a pot on a patio, you can grow your own mint and enjoy it!
Here's our simple recipe for Mint Syrup -
Note: We use raw sugar, which gives the syrup a darker, caramel color. If you want a clearer syrup, use white sugar.
Ingredients:
1 1/2 - 2 cups chopped fresh mint
1 1/2 cups raw sugar
1 1/2 cups water
Directions:
- Rinse the mint, chop it up roughly (include the stems) and set it aside in a large saucepan.
- Combine the water and sugar in a small saucepan on medium heat and stir occasionally to help sugar dissolve. When the syrup begins to boil, turn the heat to low and simmer for about 5 minutes, making sure all sugar is dissolved.
- Pour the hot syrup directly over the chopped mint in the large saucepan. Stir and press down the mint to make sure it is covered in syrup. Then cover the saucepan and let it sit until the liquid reaches room temperature.
- When it has cooled, strain the syrup and pour into a bottle. Make sure to squeeze or press the mint to get every last bit of flavor!
- Refrigerate the mint syrup - it can last for a few weeks, but we generally use it up long before then.
- Add to any drink or recipe you like!
This worked great for me! It's excellent in hot chocolate or as an iced drink.