Peppermint is a beloved flavor that brings a cool, refreshing sensation to a variety of recipes, from seasonal treats to year-round favorites. Whether you’re creating a festive drink, adding a burst of flavor to your coffee, or drizzling it over desserts, peppermint simple syrup is a versatile ingredient that adds a delightful, minty kick to any dish. This easy-to-make syrup is the perfect way to bring the vibrant, crisp flavor of peppermint into your kitchen. Here’s how you can make peppermint simple syrup at home and elevate your culinary creations.

Ingredients

To create your peppermint syrup, you’ll need a few basic ingredients. The base of the syrup is simple: white sugar and filtered water. Sugar acts as the sweetener, dissolving into the water to form the syrup’s consistency. Peppermint extract is the key ingredient that provides the crisp, refreshing minty flavor that makes this syrup so special. You can adjust the amount of extract to your liking, depending on how strong you want the peppermint flavor to be. Once combined, these ingredients will create a smooth, vibrant syrup that’s perfect for a variety of uses.

Directions

Making peppermint syrup at home is a quick and easy process that yields a deliciously refreshing result. Start by combining sugar and water in a medium saucepan. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir occasionally until the sugar dissolves. The heat helps the sugar melt into the water, forming a smooth syrup.

Once the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is clear, remove the pan from the heat. This is where the magic happens: add in the peppermint extract. Stir the syrup until the extract is completely incorporated into the liquid, giving it that signature minty flavor. The beauty of peppermint syrup is that you can adjust the amount of extract to suit your taste. If you prefer a stronger mint flavor, simply add a little more extract. If you prefer a milder flavor, use less.

After mixing in the peppermint extract, allow the syrup to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer the syrup to a clean container for storage. Be sure to store the syrup in an airtight container to maintain its freshness. This peppermint syrup can be kept in the refrigerator for up to one month, making it a convenient option for holiday drinks, sweet treats, or whenever you’re craving a refreshing minty boost.

Creative Ways to Use Peppermint Syrup

Peppermint syrup is incredibly versatile, and there are countless ways to incorporate it into your favorite drinks and dishes. Whether you’re looking for a festive treat or simply want to add some minty freshness to your meals, here are a few ideas for how to use your homemade peppermint syrup.

In Hot Drinks

Peppermint syrup is an excellent addition to hot beverages. Stir it into your coffee or hot chocolate for a minty twist on your usual drinks. It’s especially perfect for winter months or holiday celebrations, bringing a warm, cozy feeling to your drinks. You can even add it to hot tea, such as chamomile or green tea, for an invigorating minty flavor.

In Iced Beverages

If you’re a fan of iced drinks, peppermint syrup is a fantastic addition. Use it in iced coffee, iced tea, or even sparkling water for a refreshing, minty flavor. It’s the perfect syrup for a cool drink during the summer or to add a festive touch to your holiday beverages.

In Cocktails

Peppermint syrup can be used to enhance cocktails, adding a refreshing burst of flavor to both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Combine it with chocolate liqueur for a delicious peppermint chocolate martini, or mix it with whiskey and club soda for a minty twist on a classic cocktail. The syrup can also be added to non-alcoholic mocktails for a vibrant, festive touch.

On Desserts

Peppermint syrup isn’t just for drinks—it’s also an excellent topping for desserts. Drizzle it over vanilla or chocolate ice cream, yogurt, or cheesecake for an extra burst of minty sweetness. It can also be used to sweeten whipped cream or frosting for a peppermint-flavored topping on cupcakes, cakes, or cookies.

As a Glaze

You can use peppermint syrup as a glaze for pastries, cookies, or cakes. Simply brush a thin layer of the syrup over your baked goods to infuse them with a refreshing minty flavor. It adds a nice shine to the surface and a burst of peppermint sweetness.

In Smoothies

Add a splash of peppermint syrup to your favorite smoothie for a minty twist. It pairs especially well with chocolate, banana, or berry smoothies. The syrup can be used as a sweetener in place of regular sugar or honey, giving your smoothie a refreshing and invigorating flavor.

Adjusting the Peppermint Flavor

One of the great things about making peppermint syrup at home is that you have complete control over the strength of the peppermint flavor. If you enjoy a strong, minty taste, feel free to add more peppermint extract to the syrup. On the other hand, if you prefer a subtler flavor, reduce the amount of extract used. You can taste the syrup as you go and make adjustments until it’s just right for your taste buds.

Storing Peppermint Syrup

Peppermint syrup is easy to store and can last for up to a month when kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This makes it a perfect make-ahead ingredient for holiday recipes or for regular use in your kitchen. If you find that you have leftover syrup, simply store it in the fridge and enjoy it for weeks to come. The syrup’s versatility ensures that you’ll always have a refreshing minty flavor on hand for your drinks and desserts.

Your turn!

Peppermint syrup is a simple yet delicious way to bring a burst of refreshing mint flavor to a wide range of drinks and desserts. Whether you’re using it in hot drinks, iced beverages, or on top of your favorite treats, this syrup is a versatile addition to your kitchen. By following a few simple steps, you can create a vibrant peppermint syrup that adds a cool, crisp taste to anything you make. So, next time you’re looking for a way to elevate your recipes with a refreshing twist, try making peppermint syrup and enjoy its delightful minty goodness.

I prefer to store my simple syrups in mason jars, and use lids like pour lids from Mason Jar Lifestyle. Alternatively, I also like to use these bottles which are aesthetic!

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Simple Syrups From Scratch—your go-to cookbook with 50+ simple syrup recipes. In the world of cooking and baking, simple syrups are a secret ingredient that can elevate your beverages and desserts with just a splash.

The main way I use simple syrups is in coffee, but there are so many other uses: Hot chocolate, Teas, Lemonades, Sparkling water or infused water, Cocktails or mocktails, Drizzle over pancakes or waffles, Add to overnight oats, Brush over cakes or cupcakes to add moisture or sweetness, Use syrups in frosting or glazes, Drizzle over ice cream or yogurt, Add to smoothies or milkshakes, Make salad dressings, Homemade popsicles and so much more!

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Check Out The Pantry Labels

In 2024, I released a set of Pantry Labels with recipes that are dishwasher-safe and fit the lids of mason jars perfectly.

Each labels has the recipe to refill the dry mix jar, as well as the recipe to make the item if applicable.

Pantry Labels