Mint Syrup

Turn a bunch of mint leaves into a refreshing mint syrup! It requires only 4 ingredients and 10 minutes of prep time, and it’s brilliant for adding a delightful sweet mint flavor to your drinks and desserts.

Published on July 2021 /Updated on August 2024

I first published this simple homemade syrup in 2021, and today, I’ve decided to revamp the post. But the recipe is still the same, and it’s absolutely perfect if you’ve got a vigorous mint plant in your backyard and love homemade syrups as much as we do.

Firstly, it’s incredibly easy to make and great to use all those fresh, amazing mint leaves.

It’s packed with fresh mint flavor, bright lemon, and sweetness from sugar, without any artificial flavors, preservatives, or food coloring. Mint flavor is the best; we don’t need artificial additives!

It’s also budget-friendly and keeps well in the fridge, ready to add a refreshing twist to your summer drinks, juleps, desserts, ice creams, and more!

So, if you wonder what to use fresh mint leaves for, this syrup should be on your to-do list this summer.

Here is what you need…

List of the ingredients

• Fresh mint leaves
• Water
• Sugar
• Lemon

How to make mint syrup

(Note: this is a simple description with step-by-step photos; the full recipe is at the bottom of the page)

• Wash and pat dry your mint leaves.
• Combine water, lemon peels, and sugar in a small saucepan.
• Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and add the mint leaves.

• Cook for about 5 minutes over medium heat. Stir often until the sugar dissolves.
• Turn the heat off and let it rest until cool.
• Discard the leaves and lemon peel, and pour the syrup into a glass bottle. Done, your mint simple syrup is ready for your refreshing drink!

Recipe notes & FAQ

Mint syrup ingredients

Mint: For the best flavor, use fresh and bright mint. The most common varieties of mint are peppermint (also known as mentha piperita) and spearmint. Peppermint has a stronger flavor due to its higher concentration of menthol, while spearmint has a milder taste. You can use a combination of both if you prefer.

Sugar: It’s a key ingredient in syrups, providing sweetness and texture and acting as a preservative. For a lighter and brighter color, it’s recommended to use granulated white sugar instead of brown sugar.

Water & lemon: This combo makes the base of the syrup.

How to use homemade mint syrup?

• Add one or two tablespoons of mint syrup to a glass of cold lemonade. Garnish with ice cubes and mint sprigs.
• Add it to Bourbon and lots of crushed for refreshing mint juleps, or use it to boost your mojitos.
• Drizzle over ice cream, fruit salad, or desserts for a delicious twist.
• Use it as a sweetener for tea, iced coffee, or cappuccino.
• Mix your mint syrup with soda, or use it for mocktails, rum, mojitos, or any other beverage.

Storage Tips

This simple syrup keeps well in the fridge, stored in a glass bottle or mason jar, for up to 3 weeks. It’s freezer-friendly, too. Once the finished syrup is at room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container and place it in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Note: This syrup recipe contains plenty of sugar, which acts as a preservative. It’s sweet but intended to be used in small quantities.

More mint recipes you’ll love!

What to use fresh mint leaves for? Here are a few delicious recipes to use up all those bright, fresh mint leaves:

• 15 Fresh recipes with mint
• Mint pesto
• Pea soup with mint
• Crostini with peas, ricotta and mint
• Fava bean salad
• Yogurt mint sauce

If you make this mint syrup recipe or have a question, let me know by leaving a comment. I would love to hear from you! x

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