Mint Simple Syrup

Mint simple syrup is key to making a number of cocktails, from mojitos to juleps. Learn how to make this easy, peppermint-infused simple syrup.

There’s nothing like a fresh, minty cocktail.

From the popular mint julep to the classic mojito, mint cocktails can be so refreshing in the spring and summer months.

Usually, these recipes require mint to be muddled into the bottom of the glass with pure sugar, but the process is slow.

If you’ve ever struggled to stir granulated sugar into a chilled drink, then you’ll know how long the sugar takes to dissolve. If you don’t power through, your drink will have lots of crunchy sugar granules in the bottom.

The solution to these problems is to make mint simple syrup, which mixes into drinks much more easily.

What is simple syrup?

Plain simple syrup is an easy way to sweeten drinks. It combines sugar and water together into a sweet syrupy substance that you can mix into cold drinks with ease.

It’s important in tons of cocktails, from the old-fashioned to the margarita, but it has lots of delicious uses.

It’s also delicious in warm drinks, like hot cocoa and lattes, because it doesn’t take as much stirring to blend into the drink. You can even serve it over ice cream.

Cake decorators will often use simple syrup to flavor and moisten cakes before decorating.

Mint simple syrup recipe

You can use simple syrup to infuse flavor into your favorite drinks as well as sweetness.

But simple syrup infused with fresh mint? It brings the bright taste of springtime into the mix.

This recipe takes regular simple syrup and infuses it with a hint of mint, similar to how my cinnamon simple syrup infuses with real cinnamon sticks.

Like the name implies, minty simple syrup is easy to make — all you need is as many cups of sugar as you use water.

Ingredients

To make your own peppermint simple syrup, you’ll need just three ingredients. Be sure you use quality ingredients to make the best-tasting syrup.

Sugar

I use cane sugar or granulated white sugar because I prefer to use clear syrup for clear cocktails like mojitos. You may use brown sugar, but it will give the syrup a dark, caramel color.

You can also use maple syrup or honey — just follow my instructions for honey simple syrup and then come back when you remove from heat for the infusion with fresh mint.

Water

Tap water works just fine, but if you happen to have access to filtered water or bottled water, I recommend using that for an even purer taste. At our house, we use this Soma water pitcher because it is faster (and tastes better) than the water that comes from the fridge.

Fresh mint sprigs

If you have your own mint growing in your herb garden, you can use that! Otherwise, fresh mint is available in the produce section of the grocery store.

You can usually buy it in larger bundles or you can find fresh mint leaves in plastic clamshells. You will need about 3 to 5 sprigs, but more or less is okay. I store mine in this herb keeper in the fridge until I’m ready to use it.

Feel free to use other varieties of mint if you like — this will bring in some really interesting flavor combinations!

In a pinch, you can use peppermint extract, but the freshest flavor is going to come from real mint.

How to make mint simple syrup

Homemade mint syrup can be made in a few simple steps:

1. Measure equal parts sugar and water. (I use a cup water and a cup sugar.)
2. Combine sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat.
3. Stir them together until the sugar dissolves.
4. Remove from heat and let cool a bit before using.
5. Add your mint leaves.
6. Let the leaves steep for 15 minutes, or until the syrup has the mint flavor you love.
7. Let it cool down fully to room temperature, then pour it into a mason jar (or other airtight container) and store it in the fridge or use it in cocktails, iced tea, hot chocolate and coffee immediately!

Simple syrup can also be made in a blender, but I recommend using the heat method to extract more of the flavorful oils from the mint leaves.

I’m obsessed with these mason jar pour spouts — they are so handy for mixing lots of cocktails with homemade syrups.

Variations and substitutions

There are a number of ways to adapt this peppermint syrup recipe and make it your own, while still letting that fresh mint flavor shine.

Add citrus. Citrus and mint are delicious together. Try adding a few slices of lemon or lime to your syrup as it infuses to bring in some zesty flavor.

Use a different variety of mint. There are a number of types of mint plants, such as spearmint, pineapple mint and ginger mint. Chocolate mint is the mint plant I use in this chocolate mint julep.

Infuse tea leaves. Add green tea or black tea while the mint infuses to bring in some complex flavors.

Make thicker syrup. Use 1½ to 2 cups of sugar and 1 cup of water. This ratio makes for a thicker syrup.

Recipes with peppermint syrup

Adding mint syrup to both desserts and drinks alike is one of my favorite ways to bring in fresh spring flavor. Try it in one of these:

This fresh mojito fruit salad uses this minty syrup as a dressing.

Bubbly and fruity, this Raspberry Mint Kir Royale is a beautiful brunch cocktail for Easter.

Planning a Derby party? This Honey Mint Julep uses homemade honey whiskey and mint syrup to make a dashing cocktail.

For the summer holidays, try this red, white and blue mojito which is made with fresh berries.

For non-alcoholic treats, stir mint simple syrup into cold brew, iced tea or strawberry lemonade for a refreshing afternoon libation.

In the winter, you can make peppermint mochas or peppermint hot chocolate. Feel free to mix in some peppermint vodka too!