Mint syrup

Homemade Mint Syrup - A Refreshing Delicacy

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Waiting time: 12 hours (or overnight)
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total: Approximately 13 hours
Number of servings: Approximately 4 liters of syrup

Introduction

Mint syrup is an aromatic delicacy, perfect for adding a fresh and invigorating touch to your favorite drinks or creating summer desserts. This simple yet flavorful recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. The history of mint syrup is closely tied to culinary traditions that celebrate natural flavors, and today we will learn how to make it right at home!

Ingredients

- 1 handful of fresh mint (approximately 100 g)
- 3 liters of water
- 1-2 kg of sugar (depending on your sweetness preference)

Necessary Tools

- A large pot (with a capacity of at least 5 liters)
- Cheesecloth or fine sieve
- Glass bottles or jars (250-300 ml)
- Wooden spoon
- Kitchen thermometer (optional but useful)

Step by Step

1. Preparing the mint tea
Start by rinsing the fresh mint well under cold running water to remove any impurities. Then, in a large pot, add the 3 liters of water and the cleaned mint. Bring the water to a boil over medium heat.

2. Infusing the mint
Once the water has started to boil, let the mint boil for about 30 minutes. This process will extract the plant's intense flavors.

3. Cooling the tea
After the mint has boiled, turn off the heat and let the mint tea cool. It’s ideal to let it sit overnight, or if you prefer, you can boil it in the morning and continue the process in the evening. The flavor will deepen overnight.

4. Straining the tea
The next day, use cheesecloth or a fine sieve to strain the liquid, ensuring you get a clear tea. Make sure to remove all the mint leaves.

5. Measuring and adding sugar
Measure the amount of liquid obtained. The general rule is 1 liter of liquid to 1 kg of sugar, but you can adjust the amount of sugar based on how sweet you prefer your syrup. So, if you have obtained 2 liters of tea, add 2 kg of sugar.

6. Boiling the syrup
Place the strained tea in a clean pot and add the sugar. Bring to a boil and stir constantly to ensure the sugar completely dissolves. Allow the syrup to boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

7. Testing the consistency
The syrup is ready when, upon testing drops, if you drop a few drops over a cup of water, they remain suspended above. This indicates that the syrup has the desired consistency.

8. Packaging
Use pre-warmed glass bottles or jars to pour in the hot syrup. Seal the lid tightly and cover the bottles with thick material to keep them warm until the next day.

9. Storing
Once completely cooled, store the syrup in a cool, dark place. This way, the flavors will develop even better.

Practical Tips

- Choose fresh mint: Fresh mint is essential for obtaining a syrup with intense flavor. If you don't have access to fresh mint, you can use dried mint, but the flavor will be less pronounced.
- Sweetening: If you prefer a less sweet syrup, you can reduce the amount of sugar, but remember that sugar helps preserve the syrup.
- Lemon variant: For a more complex flavor, you can add the juice of a lemon during the syrup boiling. The lemon will add a pleasant acidity and balance the sweetness.
- Mint syrup in cocktails: This syrup is ideal for making refreshing cocktails, lemonade, or even for adding a touch of freshness to iced tea.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits

Mint syrup has approximately 60-70 calories per serving (30 ml), depending on the amount of sugar used. Mint, on the other hand, is known for its digestive and cooling effects, having antioxidant properties that contribute to overall health.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use dried mint? Yes, but the flavor will be less intense. Use about 1/3 of the amount of dried mint compared to fresh.
- How can I enhance the syrup's flavor? You can add other herbs, such as basil or rosemary, during infusion to create unique flavors.
- How long can I store the syrup? If well preserved, mint syrup can be kept for up to 1 year.

Serving and Combinations

Mint syrup is versatile and can be served in many ways. Add it to sparkling water for a refreshing drink, in your favorite tea, or use it as a topping for desserts like ice cream or pancakes. It’s also excellent in cocktails, such as mojitos or as an ingredient in various gin drinks.

Conclusion

This homemade mint syrup will not only bring an explosion of freshness to every drink you prepare, but it will also become a symbol of your culinary tradition. A simple yet full of personality recipe that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. So, get cooking and enjoy the flavors of summer, even on the coolest days!