Peppermint Simple Syrup Recipe for Drinks and Desserts

Last Updated on April 9, 2022 by Ellen Christian

If you’ve ever wondered how to make a peppermint simple syrup recipe, keep reading. You can use it to add flavor to your iced tea or lemonade. It makes a great peppermint syrup hot chocolate or coffee. It’s an easy way to add natural peppermint flavoring.

Peppermint Simple Syrup

So, why make a peppermint simple syrup? Most of the flavorings you see at the grocery store have high fructose corn syrup. I’m not a fan. So, I’d rather make my own flavorings and condiments instead. I’ve written several times about how to make basic condiments at home. You might have seen my homemade barbecue sauce and my tartar sauce recipe. But, have you checked out my homemade mayonnaise?

What is simple syrup?

Simple syrup is basically a condiment that’s made by heating white sugar and water. The syrup thickens but does not crystalize. When you make a peppermint simple syrup, you are adding fresh mint leaves to add mint flavor to the syrup.

How do you use peppermint syrup?

You can basically add this peppermint simple syrup to anything you want to flavor with peppermint. As I mentioned, you can stir it into your iced tea or lemonade. Or, you can add it to your hot chocolate and your coffee. But, you can also add it to sugar cookies or homemade donuts to give them a peppermint flavor. Why not try adding it to your cake or cupcake batter or even your frosting.  It also tastes delicious added to yogurt, ice cream, oatmeal, or even popcorn.

What should I store the syrup in?

It’s best to store your peppermint simple syrup in a glass jar. If you use plastic, the plastic may take on the scent of peppermint which is fine if you want everything you store in there to taste like peppermint. So, a Mason jar works very well for storage. Or, if you want to give this as a gift for the holidays, you can buy a pretty glass jar with a cork stopper. Any glass jar with a tight-fitting lid will work.

How long can you keep mint syrup?

After you’ve made this peppermint simple syrup, you can keep it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Just be sure to keep it in a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Ours never lasts that long, but if you don’t use it, it’s easy to store.

Can I use other types of mint?

Yes, you can. This natural peppermint syrup uses peppermint leaves because that’s what I have growing in my hard. But, you can follow the same process using wintergreen, chocolate mint, or any other type of fresh mint.

If you don’t have an herb garden, the produce section of your grocery store should sell fresh herbs as well. Just make sure you use them as soon as you bring them home so they are fresh. The fresher the leaves, the better the taste. Here are some tips for choosing fresh herbs from the store.

Plus side of using peppermint is that it tastes just like a candy cane syrup when you add it to your coffee. No more expensive coffee house drinks.

How to make simple syrup from peppermint leaves

You will need these ingredients to make peppermint simple syrup.

• About 1 cup of fresh mint leaves (only leaves, without the stems)
• 1 cup of water
• 1 cup of a white sugar

You will also want to have a 4″ strainer to strain the leaves out.

How to make peppermint simple syrup

1. In a small pan, combine all the ingredients.
2. Slowly bring to a boil, while mixing, to allow for the sugar to melt.
3. Simmer for a couple of minutes. Turn off the heat, and let the syrup steep for 30 minutes.
4. Strain the mixture into a sterilized glass container.
5. Keep in the refrigerator and use it in drinks, desserts, and other dishes.