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This honey and mint simple syrup is a great way to add sweetness and flavor to a whole host of food and drink! Find out how to make and use it below.
A simple syrup made without sugar is possible! The natural sweetness of honey combine with the delicate flavors of mint in this quick kitchen elixir.
Ingredients you’ll need
- Honey
- Mint
- Water
Yep. That’s it. Really and truly! It could not be easier!
How to make simple syrup
Traditionally, a homemade simple syrup recipe is composed of just two ingredients – sugar and water.
It’s also made in a standard 1:1 ratio. This means that whatever measurement is used of sugar, an equal amount of water is used.
But! This recipe is a bit of an outlier when it comes to simple syrup. It uses a 2:1 ratio. Two parts sweetener, 1 part water.
Here’s how to make this honey and mint simple syrup:
- Combine 1 cup honey with ½ cup water in a shallow saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring, until the water and honey are totally combined.
- Add 1.5 ounces of fresh mint. Whatever kind that’s on hand! The batch pictured contains a mixture of sweet mint, chocolate mint, and spearmint. I do not recommend fruity mints such as apple or pineapple – unless you’re looking for a fruity simple syrup.
- Let the fresh mint steep in the warm syrup for at least five minutes, up to ten minutes. The longer the mint steeps the stronger the flavor will be.
- Discard the mint and pour liquid into a jar with a lid.
- Cool to room temperature and then cover and refrigerate until ready to use!
Recipe Questions and Answers
For a recipe with the word “simple” in it, simple syrup sparks a lot of questions among home cooks. Here are some answers to common questions:
- Will honey dissolve in simple syrup? Yes! A singular, sweet liquid is the result of the honey and water combining. (Sugar can be substituted for honey in this recipe.)
- Will simple syrup harden? Nope! Not unless the recipe went very, very wrong. The syrup will stay liquid. Of course, if it is spilled or gets on the edges of the jar, then the syrup will dry and harden. But when it is properly stored it will remain liquid! Speaking of storage…
- How to store simple syrup? While it can be left out on the counter, I like to keep my simple syrup in the fridge. Just as an added safety measure. Simple syrup is self-preserving – being made of just sugar and water (both of which don’t “go bad”). When other elements are used like honey or flavors are added like herbs or fruits it is safest to store the syrup in the fridge.
- How to use simple syrup? Simple syrup is one of the most versatile kitchen ingredients. Use it to moisten cakes, to sweeten cocktails or coffee, to add a bit of balance to savory dishes (think rice or grits!), or even liven up fruit salad.
Sugar, sugar. Aww, honey, honey.
Honey Mint Simple Syrup
Equipment
- Sauce Pan
Ingredients
- 1 cup honey
- 1 ½ ounces mint such as sweet mint, spearmint, and/or chocolate mint
Instructions
- In a shallow saucepan, stir together the honey with ½ cup water. Cook over medium heat, stirring continuously, until honey has dissolved into water and mixture is homogenous.
- Remove syrup from heat and add mint. Let steep for 5 – 10 minutes (longer for a more potent flavor), before removing mint and discarding.
- Pour syrup into a glass jar with a lid and allow to cool, uncovered, to room temperature, before sealing and placing in fridge.
Notes
- Simple syrup will keep in the fridge for a loooooooong time. Like, months. But, I generally use it in a matter of weeks.
- Use this syrup to flavor iced coffee or a fun cocktail!
· by Amanda Gajdosik