Mint Simple Syrup
My mint is growing like a weed right now so I have a ton of it to use. I love adding it to salads and chopping it up to put on fruit but I wanted to make something fun with the latest batch that I picked. What could be easier than mint simple syrup? I mean the word “simple” is in the title, right? It takes no time at all to make a batch and only has three ingredients. The result is a sweet, slightly minty, delicious syrup that can be used a dozen different ways. If you have lots of mint growing in your garden right now, this recipe is for you!
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup packed fresh mint leaves
Directions:
Place water and sugar in a small saucepan and bring to a boil, reduce and cook until the sugar dissolves.
Turn off the heat and stir in the mint leaves and let them steep until the syrup is completely cooled.
Discard the mint and pour the syrup into a glass jar. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
I’ve come up with a few ways to enjoy this mint simple syrup.
How about a classic mojito?
- ¾ ounce mint simple syrup
- 2 ounces white rum
- ¾ ounce fresh lime juice
- Club soda (for serving)
- Mint leaf for garnish
Shake the simple syrup, rum and lime juice together in a cocktail shaker, strain into a glass and top with club soda. Garnish with a mint leaf.
Frozen mint lemonade sounds so refreshing right now!
Blend 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice with 1 cup water, 2 tbsp mint syrup and 2 cups ice until slushy and enjoy!
Drizzle the syrup over a fruit salad of berries and melon.
Pour the syrup over chocolate ice cream…or any flavor, really but mint chocolate is my favorite.
Use it to sweeten your tea…hot or iced.
Or take your iced coffee to the next level with a spoonful of syrup and some half and half.
Remember this watermelon granita? You can add mint simple syrup instead of lime juice, or even right along with it.
Don’t be afraid to get creative!
