Mint Simple Syrup Recipe for Cakes & Cocktails
Fresh Mint Simple Syrup made with just 3 ingredients in 10 minutes. This easy homemade mint syrup is perfect for cocktails, lemonade, iced tea, and desserts.
Looking for an easy way to elevate cocktails, lemonade, iced tea, or desserts? This fresh Mint Simple Syrup recipe is light, refreshing, and made with just 3 simple ingredients. In under 10 minutes, you’ll have a homemade mint syrup that adds bright, herbal flavor to drinks and sweet treats.
Why You’ll Love This Mint Simple Syrup
- Made with fresh mint leaves
- Ready in about 10 minutes
- Perfect for cocktails, mocktails, and desserts
- Stores beautifully in the fridge
- Easily customizable for stronger mint flavor
If you love making homemade syrups, you might also enjoy our lavender simple syrup, honey and rose simple syrup, or cranberry simple syrup.
What is a Mint Simple Syrup?
Mint simple syrup is a flavored simple syrup made by infusing fresh mint leaves into a classic sugar-water mixture. Traditional simple syrup is made with equal parts sugar and water, heated until dissolved. Adding mint creates a refreshing herbal syrup perfect for cocktails and summer drinks. This homemade mint syrup tastes fresher and brighter than store-bought versions and contains no preservatives.
Simple syrup is used because it dissolves completely and blends smoothly into drinks. Granulated sugar, especially in cold beverages, often sinks to the bottom and doesn’t fully incorporate. It’s a neutral, colorless sweetener that’s perfect for infusing with herbs and spices, adding an extra layer of flavor to cocktails, mocktails, coffee, and even cakes.
Before we dive into the mint version, let’s quickly cover the basics of classic simple syrup…
How to Make Unflavored Classic Simple Syrup
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
(This is a standard 1:1 simple syrup ratio.)
Instructions
1 — Combine: Add the sugar and water to a small saucepan.
2 — Heat: Place over medium heat and stir continuously until the sugar fully dissolves. Do not let it boil aggressively. A gentle simmer is all you need.
3 — Cool: Remove from heat once the mixture is clear and the sugar has dissolved completely.
4 — Store: Allow the syrup to cool to room temperature. Then, transfer it to a clean glass jar or bottle with a lid.
How to Make Mint Simple Syrup
Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 packed cup fresh mint leaves: Prepare the fresh mint leaves by washing the mint and discarding the stems.
Instructions:
1 — Combine sugar and water: In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and water over medium heat. Stir until the sugar fully dissolves.
2 — Add fresh mint: Once the sugar has dissolved, add the fresh mint leaves. Gently press them down so they are fully submerged.
3 — Simmer and infuse: Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and allow the mint to steep for 10–15 minutes for maximum flavor.
4 — Strain: Strain out the mint leaves using a fine mesh sieve.
Tips for the Best Homemade Mint Syrup
- Use fresh mint: Fresh mint leaves create the cleanest, brightest flavor. Avoid dried mint for this recipe.
- Don’t overboil: Once the sugar dissolves, reduce to a gentle simmer. Boiling too long can create a thicker syrup than desired.
- Adjust sweetness: Prefer a richer syrup? Use a 2:1 sugar-to-water ratio for a thicker, sweeter mint simple syrup.
- Stronger mint flavor?: Lightly muddle the mint leaves before adding them to the saucepan.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I freeze mint simple syrup? Yes! Pour into an ice cube tray and freeze. Transfer cubes to a freezer bag and use as needed.
- Can I use other herbs? Absolutely. Try basil, rosemary, thyme, or lavender for different flavored simple syrups.
- Can I make it sugar-free? You can substitute with a granulated sugar alternative that measures 1:1, though the texture may vary slightly.
How to Use Mint Simple Syrup for Cakes (Moisture & Flavor Boost)
When it comes to baking, there’s nothing more disappointing than a dry cake. Even experienced bakers have had it happen. The good news? Mint simple syrup for cakes is an easy fix that instantly adds moisture and flavor.
Brushing or drizzling cake layers with mint syrup helps prevent dryness while infusing every bite with a subtle, refreshing herbal note. It’s especially delicious on chocolate cake, where the cool mint flavor enhances the richness of the cocoa.
You can also experiment with other infused syrups (like cinnamon simple syrup on vanilla sponge cake). BUT mint simple syrup is a standout for chocolate, marble, or even brownie-style cakes. It also pairs well fruity cakes like our raspberry layer cake offset the tang of the berries.
And here’s the best part: there’s no difference between simple syrup for cocktails and simple syrup for cakes. The same homemade mint simple syrup you use in drinks works perfectly for baking.
Why Use Mint Simple Syrup in Baking?
- Restores moisture to dry cake layers
- Enhances flavor without overpowering
- Keeps cakes soft for longer
- Pairs beautifully with chocolate cake and buttercream
Ways to Use Mint Simple Syrup in Baking
- Flavor frosting and buttercream: Stir 1–2 tablespoons of mint simple syrup into vanilla buttercream for a naturally flavored mint frosting. It pairs beautifully with chocolate cake, cupcakes, and brownies. The syrup blends smoothly and gives a softer, fresher flavor than mint extract.
- Sweeten fresh whipped cream: Add a small splash of mint syrup to homemade whipped cream for an easy mint topping. It’s delicious on chocolate cake, flourless chocolate torte, brownies, or even hot cocoa.
- Brush brownies for moisture: Lightly brush warm brownies with mint simple syrup to keep them soft and enhance the chocolate-mint flavor combination. This works especially well for layered brownie desserts or mint chocolate bars.
- Create a mint glaze: Mix powdered sugar with a little mint simple syrup to create a simple mint glaze for bundt cakes, loaf cakes, donuts, or sugar cookies. It adds shine and flavor in one easy step.
- Upgrade pound cake or bundt cake: Drizzle mint syrup over warm pound cake or chocolate bundt cake. It soaks into the crumb and prevents dryness while adding a bakery-style finish.
- Enhance cake pops: When mixing crumbled cake for cake pops, add a small amount of mint simple syrup to boost moisture and flavor before forming the cake balls.
- Add to layered desserts: Use mint simple syrup to lightly soak sponge cake cubes for trifles or layered chocolate desserts. It keeps the cake soft and adds depth of flavor.
How to Add Mint Simple Syrup to Cake Layers
1 — Transfer to a squeeze bottle:
Pour the cooled syrup into a squeeze bottle or use a pastry brush for even application.
2 — Lightly drizzle:
Gently drizzle or brush a thin layer of mint simple syrup over each cake layer. Avoid oversaturating.
3 — Let it absorb:
Allow the cake to sit for a few hours before frosting. This gives the moisture time to fully absorb into the layers.
4 — For extra moisture:
If the cake is especially dry, use a toothpick or skewer to poke small holes across the surface before drizzling the syrup. This helps the mint syrup soak deeper into the cake.
Cocktail and Mocktail Drinks to Make with Mint Simple Syrup
This mint simple syrup is the perfect ingredient for elevating both cocktails and mocktails. Its fresh, herbal sweetness blends smoothly into cold drinks, making it a must-have for summer entertaining. Here are four refreshing drinks to try:
- Mint Julep: The classic Southern favorite and ideal for warm weather. Simply combine mint simple syrup, bourbon, and crushed ice. Stir well and garnish with fresh mint for a crisp, refreshing finish.
- Mint Mojito: A mint mojito is bright, citrusy, and incredibly refreshing. Mix mint simple syrup, white rum, fresh lime juice, mint leaves, and sparkling water. Serve over ice for a poolside-ready cocktail.
- Mint Lemonade: Upgrade classic lemonade with homemade mint syrup. Stir mint simple syrup into fresh lemonade, add ice, and top with sparkling water for a fizzy twist. This works beautifully as a mocktail or add vodka for a cocktail version.
- Mint Iced Tea: Give traditional iced tea a refreshing herbal boost. Combine chilled black tea with mint simple syrup and ice. Garnish with lemon slices and fresh mint for an easy summer drink.
More Homemade Simple Syrups to Try
For more great infusing possibilities for simple syrups, check out a few of our other favorites below —
- Brown simple syrup: A richer and more caramel flavor, ideal for strong dark drinks
- Gingerbread syrup: For a festive flavor
- Orange syrup: Perfect for flavoring iced tea, jello shots and so much more
- Butterfly pea flower syrup: For a magically color-changing mint julep-inspired drink
Equipment
- Small saucepan
- Fine mesh strainer
- Glass jar
Ingredients
- 1 cup white granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup fresh mint leaves stems discarded
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and water over medium heat. Bring to a boil. Stir until the sugar fully dissolves.
- Once the sugar has dissolved, add the fresh mint leaves. Gently press them down so they are fully submerged.
- Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and allow the mint to steep for 10–15 minutes for maximum flavor.
- Strain out the mint leaves using a fine mesh sieve.
- Allow the mint simple syrup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight jar or bottle.
Nutrition
Notes
- Store in an air-tight container in the fridge or freezer for up to 1 month.
- A couple of spoons will suffice to sweeten iced tea.
- The final product has a golden color and a very fresh and aromatic flavor, which goes really well for cocktails that use mint or, green tea, or mint tea.
- Try making it also with lemon peel to enhance its fresh flavor.
Equipment
- Saucepan
Ingredients
- 1 cup white granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Add the sugar and water to a small saucepan. Place over medium heat and stir continuously until the sugar fully dissolves.
- Remove from heat once the mixture is clear and the sugar has dissolved completely. Allow the syrup to cool to room temperature. Then, transfer it to a clean glass jar or bottle with a lid.
Nutrition
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Thank you for this, we had the best cocktails this weekend using this syrup! Love it!
So happy to hear, Audrey! XOXO