This mint syrup (also known as mint simple syrup) is the perfect infused simple syrup to use as a sweetener in desserts, cocktails, and tea. The recipe requires three simple ingredients (fresh mint, sugar, and water) and comes together in under 30 minutes.

a hand mixing mint simple syrup

If you’re at all familiar with Moroccan recipes, you know mint is a commonly used herb.

Whether it’s steeped in this traditional Moroccan mint tea or minced and added into this cucumber mint salad, it’s an ingredient we celebrate often.

This recipe infuses that signature flavor into a sweet syrup that can be used in a number of ways (keep reading for more ideas).

bowls of mint, water, and sugar

Ingredients

Here are the 3 simple ingredients you will need to make this recipe:

  • mint leaves
  • granulated sugar
  • water

See recipe card for exact quantities.

Step by Step Instructions

mint leaves and sugar in a measuring cup
Combine the mint & sugar. In a heat resistant Pyrex measuring cup or glass container, combine the mint leaves and sugar. 
hot water pouring over sugar and mint leaves
Steep with hot water. Bring some water to a boil in a pot or kettle. Pour over the mint and sugar and mix well to dissolve the sugar. Steep for 15 minutes. 

Hint: make sure to mix together the sugar, mint, and water after adding. This step will ensure the sugar fully dissolves into the water, creating the base of our syrup.

mint syrup straining through a mesh strainer
Strain out the mint. Pour the liquid through a mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a jar, straining out all of the mint leaves. 
a jar of mint simple syrup
Store. Store the syrup in an air tight jar in the fridge for up to 1 month. 

Additions

The beauty of making your own simple syrup is how easily customizable it can be.

If you’re feeling fancy and want to add to the flavors in this mint syrup, here are some fun ideas:

  • Jalapeno – a sliced jalapeno will add a fun kick to your syrup that can be really fun in cocktails like this mojito.
  • Strawberry – a bit of strawberry combined with mint will make a beautiful, summery addition when used in lemonade or sweet tea.
  • Lime – a squeeze of lime juice plays well with mint, in cocktails like Moscow mules, this pineapple mojito, or over sorbet.

How to Use Mint Syrup

You can get as creative as you like with this Moroccan mint syrup. I’ve been falling down the syrup water rabbit hole on Tiktok lately… and let’s just say, these ladies will find just about any way to use syrup.

Here are a few of my personal favorite uses:

  • As a sweetener in hot tea, sweet tea, and iced tea
  • Drizzled over desserts or brushed in between layered cakes
  • As a subtly minty sweetener in water (a little goes a long way!)
a hand mixing mint simple syrup

Uses in Moroccan Recipes

While mint syrup isn’t always seen as a traditional Moroccan ingredient, it’s one that pairs well with several of my favorite Moroccan recipes.

Here are some ideas on how to use your syrup in traditional recipes:

  • Moroccan Mint Tea – skip the sugar and use this mint infused syrup instead! The mint flavor is amplified in a magical way.
  • As a substitute for honey – dip these almond briouat cookies into the syrup (warmed up the same way you would with honey) for a minty twist on these traditional cookies
  • Moroccan Coffee with Mint – add a drizzle of mint syrup to your Moroccan coffee (hot or iced) to take the spices up another notch!

Equipment

There are a few special tools that will make creating this mint simple syrup easy.

Check them out:

  • A heat safe container: I like using a mason jar or Pyrex measuring cup for this step. The bonus of these tools is that you can measure the water as you pour directly from the kettle. Otherwise, just make sure the container you use can withstand boiling water safely.
  • A mesh strainer: you can either use a mesh strainer or a piece of cheesecloth. Either of these tools will help in removing any and all mint leaves, and residue from the fresh herbs.
  • Air tight container: I like using a leftover hot sauce bottle or mason jar with a lid, but if you’re feeling fancy you can buy syrup jars to dress the recipe up.
mint syrup pouring into a cup of tea

Storage

Like many simple syrups, this mint syrup should last for up to one month when stored properly.

Make sure to store the syrup in an air tight jar with a lid, in the fridge.

You can also freeze this syrup in ice cubes and use as a sweetener in drinks during the hotter months. When frozen it should keep for up to 2 months.

a jar of mint simple syrup

Top tip

Make sure to stir the sugar and hot water together before letting the syrup steep. This is very important in making the syrup consistency we’re after.

Enjoy,

the name Salima
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a jar of mint simple syrup

Mint Syrup (3 Ingredients)

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  • Author: Salima Benkhalti
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert, Sauce, Drinks, Cocktails
  • Method: Steeped
  • Cuisine: Moroccan, American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This mint syrup (also known as mint simple syrup) is the perfect infused simple syrup to use as a sweetener in desserts, cocktails, and tea. The recipe requires three simple ingredients (fresh mint, sugar, and water) and comes together in under 30 minutes. 


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 cup mint leaves
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup water

Instructions

  1. Combine the mint & sugar. In a heat resistant Pyrex measuring cup or glass container, combine the mint leaves and sugar.
  2. Steep with hot water. Bring some water to a boil in a pot or kettle. Pour over the mint and sugar and mix well to dissolve the sugar. Steep for 15 minutes.
  3. Strain out the mint. Pour the liquid through a mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a jar, straining out all of the mint leaves.
  4. Store. Store the syrup in an air tight jar in the fridge for up to 1 month.