Mint syrup

Homemade mint syrup - a delicacy that will bring the freshness of summer in every sip! Whether you want to use it for cakes, cocktails, or simply diluted in water, this syrup is an excellent choice. I will show you step by step how to prepare it, sharing some tricks to help you achieve a perfect result.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours and 15 minutes
Number of servings: Approximately 1200 ml of syrup

Ingredients:
- 300 g of fresh mint
- 1.5 kg of sugar
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- Food coloring (optional)
- 2 liters of water

A brief history
Mint syrup has been a cherished delicacy for centuries, used not only to sweeten beverages but also to add a touch of freshness to desserts. It is a versatile ingredient that will transform your ordinary recipes into true culinary masterpieces. Making mint syrup at home not only allows you to control the ingredients but also gives you the opportunity to experiment with flavors and nuances.

Step by step for a perfect mint syrup

1. Preparing the ingredients
Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients and utensils. Make sure you have a large pot, a wooden spoon, a fine sieve, and jars or bottles for storage.

2. Boiling water with sugar
In a large pot, add 2 liters of water and 1.5 kg of sugar. Place the pot over medium heat and stir until the sugar completely dissolves. It is important not to let the mixture boil too quickly, as it may caramelize.

3. Preparing the aromatic herb
Meanwhile, carefully wash the fresh mint under cold running water. This step is essential to remove any impurities. Fresh mint is the key to the success of this syrup, so make sure it is of the best quality.

4. Infusing the mint
Once the sugar has completely melted, add the mint to the pot. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer on low heat for 5 minutes. This step will allow the mint to release its flavors and change color, filling the room with an inviting aroma.

5. Straining the mint
Using a spoon, remove the mint from the syrup. It has played its role in the infusion, and now you can continue with the next step.

6. Adding honey
In the pot, add 2 tablespoons of honey to bring a touch of natural sweetness to your syrup. Stir well to combine the ingredients.

7. Boiling the syrup
Cover the pot again and let the syrup simmer on low heat for 2 hours. It is important to stir occasionally to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pot. You will notice how the syrup becomes thicker and thicker.

8. The drop test
To check if the syrup is ready, drop a drop of it onto a cold plate. If the drop remains compact (forming a bead), the syrup is ready. If it runs, let it simmer longer and repeat the test every 10 minutes.

9. Adding color (optional)
When the syrup is almost ready, you can add the food coloring. A bit of blue combined with yellow will give you a vibrant green hue, perfect for mint syrup.

10. Bottling the syrup
Once the syrup has reached the desired consistency, take it off the heat. Using a fine sieve, strain the hot syrup into prepared jars or bottles. Cover them immediately with lids and let them cool to room temperature.

Practical tips
- Storage: Mint syrup keeps well in the pantry, but once opened, it is preferable to keep it in the fridge.
- Serving: You can dilute the syrup with sparkling water for a refreshing drink, or use it as a topping for ice cream or cakes.
- Variations: Why not add a hint of lemon for a citrus mint syrup? Or you can experiment with other aromatic herbs, such as basil.

Nutritional benefits
Mint syrup is high in sugar, so it is best consumed in moderation. However, mint is known for its digestive and aromatic properties, making it a pleasant choice to enhance drinks and desserts.

Frequently asked questions
- What can I do if my syrup is too thick?
If you left the syrup on the heat too long, you can add a little warm water and stir well to adjust the consistency.

- Can I use dried mint?
While fresh mint offers the best flavor, you can use dried mint, but you will need to adjust the amount as the flavor is more concentrated.

- What can I combine mint syrup with?
This syrup pairs wonderfully with desserts like cheesecake, fruit cakes, or even as an ingredient in refreshing cocktails.

In conclusion, making this homemade mint syrup will not only enrich your recipes with a fresh flavor but will also provide you with a pleasant activity in the kitchen. So gather the ingredients and let’s enjoy the magic of cooking together!