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Homemade mint simple syrup is quick and easy to make and adds a deliciously subtle mint flavor to any cocktail. Impress your friends by leveling up your cocktails with this easy to make ingredient. You will never buy store bought simple syrups again! Made with organic Florida cane sugar, this mint simple syrup recipe supports local!
What Cocktails Does It Go In?
Mint and Lime are best friends, so any cocktail that includes lime will benefit from the addition of a subtle note of mint. One of the first cocktails that comes to mind when we are talking mint is the Mojito, so rum and mint definitely play nicely together. Another traditional mint cocktail is the Mint Julep, so throwing it in this classic bourbon drink will really double down on the mint flavors. Gin drinks also work well with mint either in classic cocktails such as the Southside, or mixing it in with some cucumber to create the ultimate summer sipper.
WHAT INGREDIENTS DO I NEED?
It is named “simple” syrup for a reason. It is simple. For this mint simple syrup recipe there are just three ingredients, sugar, mint leaves and water. It’s essential that you use quality sugar, and as luck would have it, one of the best sugar cane producers in the world are right here in Florida!
The Sugar: Sugarcane grows best in tropical climates, requiring extended seasons of hot weather and plenty of rainfall. It’s no surprise then that Florida accounts for over half of the production of sugarcane in the United States. Florida is also home to the only organic raw cane sugar producer in the country, Florida Crystals.
Why Organic Is Best: Organic sugar cane produced by Florida Crystals is Non-GMO Project verified, vegan, kosher, minimally processed and unlike other sugarcane producers doesn’t use harmful pesticides and herbicides. Whilst this doesn’t make it a super-food “per se”, it does mean it retains more of its nutrients, and contains less of the nasty stuff, than standard white sugar.
Not only is it the smarter choice for your body, but it’s also the smarter choice for the planet. Florida Crystals boasts some of the most eco-friendly farms in the nation leveraging technology, natural pest control (barn owls) and crop rotation to ensure that the sugar they produce is sustainable and has minimal impact on the environment
Recommended Sugar: If you plan on making simple syrup regularly, or are a keen baker then the 3 pack of the 3 Pound jug is the best value:
But if your pantry is short on space then they do a more manageable 2 Pound pack:
or an even smaller 12 oz flip-top container:
The Mint: Did you know that the USA produces 70% of the worlds mint? Unfortunately for us here at Florida Dancing Juice, the main mint growing states are Washington, Oregon, Indiana and Idaho. So, buying local for this ingredient might be a step too far. You could always buy a plant from the supermarket and grow it in your garden- that almost makes it Florida local, right? Most mint sold in stores is spearmint, which is exactly what you want for use in drinks. It is more delicate and sweeter than it’s more pungent sister peppermint.
The Water: Whenever you make simple syrups, or use water in cocktails, it is always best to use filtered water. If you want your cocktails to shine then you are going to want to get rid of the trace levels of chlorine and heavy metals that come out of your tap. If you don’t already own one, then we’d recommend grabbing yourself a Brita pitcher.
Recommended Pitcher: BRITA Everyday Water Pitcher (10 cup)
WHAT EQUIPMENT SHOULD I USE?
Saucepan: A saucepan with a pouring spout and straining lid can be particularly useful. Especially if you are making flavored simple syrups such as this one where you are steeping leaves in the liquid. Heavy bottomed nonstick pans are the way to go, as they absorb and distribute heat more evenly to prevent sticking and burning.
Recommended Pan: FABERWARE Nonstick Saucepan with Straining Lid (1 Quart)
Storage: You can store your simple syrup in any jars or tupperware that you have laying around, but if you make cocktails regularly then it’s worth getting yourself some storage bottle specifically for your simple syrups. Anything made for pouring liquid will work, so things like olive oil dispensers work well. We’ve received plenty of compliments on our cork topped jug, and everyone is always surprised when they learn it was only around $10 from Amazon!
Recommended Storage Bottle: BORMIOLI ROCCO Cork Topped Oil Bottle, (8 oz)
Funnel: If you’re going to be transferring your simple syrup to a bottle then we’d recommend getting a funnel. There are plenty of affordable options on amazon and most of them are collapsible to save on space.
Recommended Funnel: RIENAR Silicone Collapsible Funnel (2 Pack)
We hope you enjoy the Mint Simple Syrup recipe below. Cheers!
This post contains affiliate links and we may earn a small commission when purchases of recommended products are made. This is at no additional cost to you, and every penny we make goes back into buying and trying more tasty Floridian treats.
Mint Simple Syrup Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 Cup Cane Sugar
- 1/2 Cup Water
- 1/2 Cup Mint Leaves
Instructions
- Step 1: Place the mint in the bottom of the saucepan, cover with the sugar and let sit for 30 mins (optional)
- Step 2: Add water and bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally
- Step 3: Remove from heat as soon as it comes to a boil and leave to steep for 30 mins
- Step 4: Strain simple syrup into an airtight container
Notes
Tips
Draw out the oil: If you have time for step 1, then let the orange peel sit in the sugar before you boil. This process helps draw out the natural oils from the peel.
Storage: Simple syrup can be stored safely in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
Other Homemade Simple Syrup Recipes To Try:
Organic Cane Sugar Simple Syrup
