Skip store-bought because this homemade mint simple syrup recipe couldn’t be easier. With only 3 ingredients, this versatile syrup is delicious in mocktails, cocktails and more.

this recipe

If you’ve been thinking about making your own mint syrup but put it off because you thought it was too hard, this recipe is for you.

The good news is making flavored simple syrups is easy! In just a short time, fresh mint leaves, water and sugar are transformed into a delicious syrup that will add a refreshing burst of mint to drinks and desserts. If fresh and minty is your vibe, you'll also love my non-alcoholic huge spritz mocktail or my mint julep mocktail.

Why this recipe works

Fresh and fast, this versatile syrup recipe is my go-to. It is:

• Easy: pop the ingredients into a saucepan and stir. The hob’s heat releases the lovely mint flavor and thickens the sugar into a syrup.

• Fast: this quick recipe takes just 30 minutes to make. You can speed up the process by cooling your syrup in the fridge.

• Versatile: whether you’re looking for syrup for a mojito or to mix into hot chocolate, mint syrup is versatile. Mint is also delicious with coffee, or iced tea.

• Inexpensive: mint is a low maintenance herb that yields year-round when grown in the garden. Granulated sugar is a pantry staple and an inexpensive ingredient.

Tip: Using store-bought mint? Freeze any leftovers in ice cube trays. Simply half fill the cube with mint and top with water.

what is mint simple syrup?

Simple syrup is a liquid sweetener made by dissolving sugar into water. It’s popularly used in mocktails, cocktails and hot beverages as it more evenly sweetens the drink than sugar on its own.

The traditional simple syrup recipe is made from equal parts water and sugar. It can also be made with a higher ratio of sugar when it needs to be stored for longer. 

As simple syrup has a neutral taste and is made by boiling water and sugar, it’s easy to add different flavors. Mint is an obvious choice as it is the base of many drinks and easily imparts its flavor. 

This mint syrup recipe uses the same principle of equal parts water and sugar plus equal parts of mint. 

ingredients

Making this mint simple syrup couldn’t be easier. The ingredients are available year-round and are easy to find at the grocery store.

• Caster sugar: also known as granulated sugar. The fine grains of this sugar dissolve easily for the perfect syrup.

• Mint: fresh mint is the hero of this recipe. Select a fresh green bunch from the grocery store or pick fresh from the garden. Mint is packed with vitamins A and K, so it’s good for you! 

• Water: plain old tap water is the final part of the trio. If you have hard water, by all means, use bottled. However, tap water is fine.

Equipment you'll need

There’s only a little prep required to make this mint simple syrup recipe. Best of all, you probably already have most of the equipment at home.

• Saucepan: choose a medium saucepan for this recipe. Non-stick or regular is fine. The trick is stirring until the sugar is dissolved, so pick a pot with this in mind.

• Wooden spoon: a trusty wooden spoon will ensure that the water and sugar are perfectly dissolved. Pick a spoon with a long handle to keep your hands away from the hot syrup. A plastic spoon also works if that’s what you have available.

• Metal strainer: we want syrup with mint flavor, not mint pieces, so straining is essential. A plastic strainer also works. Make sure the syrup has cooled before pouring.

How to make mint syrup

Combine sugar and water in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves.

Add mint and increase the heat until the mixture comes to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally.

Reduce heat to low, replace the lid and simmer gently for 10 minutes. The mixture will thicken slightly to a syrupy texture.

Remove from the heat and cover until the mixture cools (the longer you leave it, the stronger the mint flavor will be). 

Cool in the fridge if you’re short on time.

frequently asked questions

expert tips

• Want to make this simple syrup recipe ahead of time? No problem. Simply pour the cooled mint syrup into ice cube trays and freeze. When ready to use, defrost in a small bowl on the bench for an hour or so. You can also use the microwave on a low setting (keep an eye on it!).

• If you’re short on time when making the syrup, throw the mint leaves in whole. Fancy it a bit mintier? Chop the leaves or roughly tear them as you put them into the saucepan.

• If you’re running low on mint leaves feel free to use stems too. The flavor is slightly less intense but still effective.

Related recipes

Looking for some mocktails to use your delicious syrup in? These recipes are for you:

• Mint julep mocktail
• Virgin mojito mocktail
• Strawberry mojito mocktail

I hope you love this delicious mint simple syrup as much as I do!