Updated: May 25, 2026
After learning how to make mint simple syrup during my time in Puerto Rico, it quickly became one of my favorite hosting and cocktail hacks for making the perfect mojito every single time. This fresh mint simple syrup recipe adds a bright, refreshing minty flavor to iced tea, lemonades, cold brew, mint juleps, a mojito mocktail, and more. At Elicit Folio, I love sharing homemade syrups that feel elevated yet incredibly easy to make at home, and this simple syrup with mint is one of the recipes I reach for all summer long.
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Why You’ll Like This Recipe
- Easy to make with only 3 simple ingredients
- Perfect for cocktails, mocktails, iced tea, and lemonades
- Adds fresh mint flavor without muddling mint leaves into every drink
- A great make-ahead hosting recipe during the summer months
- Stores beautifully in the refrigerator
Ingredients
This recipes comes together with 3 simple ingredients:
- Water – Water creates the base of the syrup and helps dissolve the sugar into a smooth, pourable liquid sweetener.
- White Sugar – White sugar gives this mint syrup its classic clean sweetness and helps create a clear syrup with the best texture for cocktails and drinks.
- Fresh Mint Sprigs – Fresh mint leaves infuse the syrup with a cooling, refreshing minty flavor that tastes bright and fresh without being overpowering.
How to Make Mint Simple Syrup
You can make this minty simple syrup in four easy steps:
STEP 1: Simmer Sugar & Water – In a small saucepan or medium saucepan, combine water and sugar over medium heat.
STEP 2: Bring to a Simmer – Heat the mixture until the sugar dissolves completely and the syrup just begins to simmer. Avoid bringing the syrup to a rolling boil. Turn the heat off completely.
STEP 3: Steep Mint Leaves – Add the fresh clean mint sprigs to the hot simple syrup. Cover the saucepan and allow the mint to steep for 15–30 minutes depending on how strong you want the mint flavor.
STEP 4: Strain & Store – Strain the syrup through a fine mesh strainer to remove the mint leaves. Allow the syrup to cool to room temperature before transferring it to a glass jar or airtight container. Store in the fridge & enjoy!
Substitutions & Variations
- Substitute brown sugar or raw cane sugar for a deeper, richer flavor
- Use coconut sugar for a more caramel-like sweetness
- Add lemon juice or lime juice for a bright citrus twist
- Stir in a splash of vanilla extract for a softer flavor profile
- Add extra mint leaves for a stronger mint infused simple syrup
- Try chocolate mint for a fun dessert-inspired variation
- Use maple syrup instead of white sugar for a naturally sweetened option
- Mix with basil for a more herbaceous syrup perfect for summer drinks
Why You Should Not Boil Mint Leaves
One of the biggest mistakes I see people make when making mint simple syrup is boiling the mint leaves directly in the syrup. Fresh mint leaves are delicate and can quickly become bitter when exposed to prolonged high heat. Instead, you should always try steeping the mint in the hot syrup after turning the heat off. This allows the fresh mint flavor to slowly infuse into the syrup without becoming muddy or overly grassy.
What Type of Mint Leaves Should You Use?
For the best mint simple syrup recipe, I recommend using fresh spearmint. Spearmint is the classic mint most commonly used in mojitos, mint juleps, iced tea, and homemade mint syrup because it has a naturally sweet, smooth, and refreshing flavor without being overly intense. Here are a few popular mint varieties you can use:
- Spearmint – Best overall choice for cocktails, mocktails, lemonades, and iced tea
- Peppermint – Stronger and more cooling with a sharper mint flavor that works well in hot chocolate and desserts
- Chocolate Mint – Adds subtle chocolate notes and works beautifully in coffee drinks and desserts
- Apple Mint – Slightly fruity and softer in flavor, great for summer drinks
- Mojito Mint (Cuban Mint) – A popular variety often used in authentic mojitos with a slightly milder flavor
Mint Syrup Tips
- Do not over-steep the mint or the syrup can become bitter
- Allow the syrup to cool fully before storing
- Use fresh mint from the grocery store for the brightest flavor
- Store the syrup in a sealed glass jar for maximum freshness
- Label your syrup with the date it was made for easy hosting prep
- Freeze leftover syrup in ice cube trays for quick cocktail cubes later
Storage
Store mint simple syrup in an airtight container or glass jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks for the freshest flavor. For longer storage, freeze the syrup in a freezer-safe container or ice cube trays for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.
More Syrup Recipes
If you love homemade syrups, be sure to check out these other Elicit Folio favorites:
FAQ
Can I use dried mint instead of fresh mint leaves?
Fresh mint leaves provide the best flavor for this recipe, but dried mint can work in a pinch. Start with a smaller amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.
How long does homemade mint syrup last?
Homemade mint syrup typically lasts up to 2 weeks when stored properly in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
Can you freeze mint syrup?
Yes. Mint syrup freezes very well. Pour the syrup into ice cube trays or a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months.
Can I make this recipe with brown sugar?
Absolutely. Brown sugar creates a richer syrup with warm caramel notes that pair beautifully with bourbon drinks like mint juleps.
Recipe Card
Mint Simple Syrup
Ingredients
- 1 cup Water
- 1 cup Sugar
- 8 sprigs Fresh Mint
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine the water and sugar over medium heat. Stir until the sugar fully dissolves and the mixture just begins to simmer, then turn the heat off.
- Add clean fresh mint sprigs to the hot syrup, cover the saucepan, and allow the mint to steep for 15-30 minutes depending on how strong you would like the mint flavor.
- Strain the syrup through a fine mesh strainer to remove the mint leaves, then allow the syrup to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container or glass jar for storage.
Notes
- Do not boil the mint leaves directly in the syrup, as this can create a bitter flavor. Steeping the mint after turning the heat off gives the syrup a fresher and cleaner mint flavor.
- Spearmint is the best mint to use for classic mojitos, mint juleps, iced tea, and lemonades because it has a naturally smooth and refreshing flavor.
- For a stronger mint flavor, lightly bruise the mint leaves before adding them to the hot syrup or allow the syrup to steep closer to 30 minutes.
- Store the syrup in an airtight glass jar or container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Freeze leftover syrup in ice cube trays for easy cocktail cubes, iced tea, or summer drinks later.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Craving More?
If you make this Mint Simple Syrup recipe, I would love to see it! Be sure to tag me on Instagram at Elicit Folio so I can see your beautiful drinks and creations. You can also follow along on Pinterest for more cozy recipes, hosting inspiration, and homemade syrup ideas. Comment below and let me know which syrup recipe you want to see me make next!
