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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

Top view of a glass full of mint syrup, ice and mint leaves over a white background.

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.

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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

The ingredients to make this mint syrup recipe are arranged over a white background.

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.

Top view of a bunch of mint over a white tea towels and a pot full of water, sugar and lemon peel.

  • 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!

    • Top view of a pot full of syrup and mint leaves and glass bottle pouring some mint syrup into a glass full of mint leaves and water.

    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.

    A small glass bottle full of mint syrup and mint leaves over a white background.

    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.

    Top view of a glass full of mint syrup, water, ice and mint leaves.

    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.

    Close-up of a glass full of mint syrup with ice and mint leaves.

    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:

    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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    Mint Syrup

    Turn plenty of mint leaves into a refreshing mint syrup! It's delicious and economical, requiring only 4 ingredients and 10 minutes of prep time.

    Prep Time5
    Cook Time5
    Total Time10
    Coursesyrup
    Keywordmint syrup
    AuthorKatia

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup (240 ml) water
    • ¾ cup (150 grams) sugar
    • 1 cup mint
    • ½ lemon, peel (optional)
    • Remove the mint leaves from the sprigs, measure about 1 cup of packed leaves, and rinse them well.
    • Place water, sugar, and lemon peel into a small pot and bring to a boil.
    • Add mint leaves, reduce the heat, and cook for about 5 minutes.
    • Turn the heat off and let it rest for about 1 hour or until cool.

    Instructions

    • Strain through a fine-mesh strainer to remove mint leaves, pour into a glass bottle or a glass jar, and keep refrigerated.