Mint Simple Syrup

Fresh mint simple syrup will add a burst of flavor to cocktails, desserts, and more! With just 3 simple ingredients, you can easily learn how to make your own at home with our step-by-step guide. You’ll never need to buy simple syrup again!

about this mint simple syrup

Making homemade simple syrup is something we do regularly. When you only need two base ingredients that you have on hand at all times – equal parts water and sugar – there’s really no reason NOT to make it at home.

The fresh mint in this simple syrup gives the liquid a real refreshing, vibrant flavor. You can use it in cocktails, mocktails, coffee drinks, and even in desserts. Since it is so easy to make at home, you can whip it up whenever you have fresh mint on hand.

It’s a money-saving hack that is worth the short amount of time it takes to make!

ingredients

mint. Fresh mint is a must for this recipe. This is the only way to get the best flavor for the syrup. Do not use dried mint, as this will lead to a bitter tasting syrup.

sugar. Use granulated sugar for this recipe. You can also use light brown sugar, instead!

water. You can use filtered water or regular tap water for the recipe.

this recipe’s must-haves

To make this recipe, you will need a saucepan and a wooden spoon to stir the mixture.

Finally, you’ll need a fine mesh strainer to strain out the mint leaves.

To store, you can use a regular mason jar. There’s also these fun syrup dispenser bottles that are perfect for a home bar.

here’s how to make mint simple syrup

dissolve sugar

Add sugar, water and mint leaves to a small saucepan over medium heat. Make sure that you cut up the leaves to get the best fresh mint flavor out of the simple syrup!

Bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves.

steep

Once the sugar dissolves, remove the mixture from heat and cover. Allow the mint leaves to steep for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour. Taste it at the 30 minute mark and let steep for up to another 30 minutes until the flavor is to your liking.

cool completely

Use a fine mesh strainer to strain out the mint leaves.

Cool completely before using or storing.

tips for success

let the leaves steep. The longer you let the fresh mint leaves steep in the syrup, the stronger the syrup will taste. In addition, the syrup will get more of a green color the longer it sits.

cut up the leaves. Be sure to cut up the leaves before adding them to the mixture. This will get more of the minty flavor into the syrup!

use a lid. Cover the simple syrup with a lid to make sure nothing evaporates as the mixture steeps.

More herby simple syrup recipes to try out: Basil Simple Syrup | Rosemary Simple Syrup | Lavender Simple Syrup | Vanilla Simple Syrup

how much syrup does this make?

This recipe makes about 1 1/2 cups mint simple syrup from this recipe. The typical serving size is 1/2 ounce to 1 ounce for a drink, so you will have about 12 to 24 servings total.

how do you know if simple syrup has gone bad?

Simple syrup can go bad. The easiest way to tell if it has expired is if it looks cloudy in appearance instead of clear. This is an indicator that is started to grow mold and should be thrown out.

can mint simple syrup be frozen?

Yes, this simple syrup can easily be frozen! We like to add it to ice cube trays. Let it freeze until solid, then place in a freezer safe bag to store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

what should I store it in?

Store cooled syrup in an airtight storage container or sealable glass jar in the refrigerator. This will keep the simple syrup fresh for 3 to 4 weeks.

can I use mint extract instead of mint leaves?

You can use mint extract instead of mint leaves, if you prefer. Be sure to use mint extract instead of peppermint extract. Peppermint will give you a completely different flavor profile.

Use about 5 drops of mint extract, stirring it in after the sugar has dissolved. Taste and add additional drops as desired.

Need some inspiration for cocktail hour? Check out my cocktail recipes page!

how to use mint simple syrup

This minty simple syrup is an easy way to transform your favorite drinks, desserts, and more. Refreshing mint is easy to pair with tons of different flavors like strawberry, blackberry, blueberry, peach, cherry, and so much more.

If you are looking for creative ways to use this recipe, here are some of our favorite ideas:

• Swap out mint simple syrup for plain simple syrup in your favorite cocktails!
• Use it to sweeten lemonade or iced tea. It especially works well with fruity infused lemonades and teas!
• Brush the mint simple syrup on fruit tarts.
• Drizzle over a bowl of fresh strawberries and let the berries macerate for a sweet topping for a bowl of vanilla ice cream.
• Use it as a way to sweeten fruit salad.

minty cocktails to try

A fruity strawberry mint julep is a summery twist on the classic that’s downright refreshing!

If you love a moscow mule, you have to try this peach mint moscow mule. It’s a combination of ginger, mint, and fresh peach!

Fresh tart blackberries make this minty blackberry mojito the a refreshing patio sipper.

how to store

Store. Once the simple syrup reaches room temperature, pour it into a sealable jar or airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 weeks. Do not leave it at room temperature – simply syrups need to be refrigerated.

Freeze. Freezing mint syrup into ice cube trays is an easy way to portion the liquid out for future use. Let the cubes freeze completely, then remove from the tray and place in an airtight container or freezer resealable bag. Frozen simple syrup can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Thaw. Thaw as many cubes as you would like to use in a bowl in the refrigerator overnight, or until in liquid form again.

Finally, if you make this mint simple syrup recipe, please be sure to give this recipe a star rating on the recipe card and/or leave a comment! I love to hear when you all make recipes, and I do take the time to respond to every single comment.

Feel free to drop questions below too, if you have them!

Oh and be sure to tag me on Instagram if you make the recipe! I love being able to see these recipes come to life in your homes – it’s my favorite thing to look through those photos. It really means the world to me!