When it comes to creating a refreshing cocktail, mint syrup is the ingredient that does it best. So it’s no wonder that there are tons of cocktail recipes calling for mint! From mint juleps to coolers to Whiskey Smashes, there’s a minty cocktail for every palate.
A dash of mint syrup enhances a cocktail’s flavor, bringing a robust, tastebud-tingling flavor to the drink. Many cocktail recipes call for simple syrup and mint leaves, but these recipes easily adjust for mint syrup instead. Keep reading to find the perfect mint cocktail for yourself!
Tools You’ll Need
- Cocktail Muddler
- Cocktail Shaker
- Cocktail Glass
- Measuring Spoons
- Shot Glass (for measuring spirits)
- Cocktail Glass
Mint Julep
The Mint Julep is a standby for anyone seeking a refreshing cocktail with a minty edge. Traditional mint julep recipes include bourbon, sugar, water, and mint syrup or fresh mint.
How to Make It:
- Splash of Mint Syrup
- 1-1 ½ tsp. Superfine Sugar
- 2-4 oz Seltzer Water
- 2 oz (about 2 fingers) Kentucky Bourbon
- Ice
Pour mint syrup and sugar into the base of a tall glass. Muddle together until well mixed. Fill glass half full with ice. Pour in seltzer, followed by the whiskey. Garnish with mint leaves.
Grasshopper
New Orleans, LA claims to have invented the Grasshopper. This minty drink traditionally uses mint syrup or creme de menthe (a variation of sweet mint liqueur), creme de cacao, and fresh cream. You can substitute creme de menthe with mint syrup and clear vodka or Everclear.
How to Make It:
- 1 Shot Creme de Menthe or 1 Shot Vodka/Everclear
- 1 Shot Creme de Cacao
- 1 oz Fresh Cream or Half n Half
In a cocktail shaker, mix all ingredients. Strain mix into a cocktail glass. Enjoy!
Maid in Scotland
Descended from the Kentucky Maid cocktail, the Maid in Scotland cocktail features a delicious combination of smoky Scotch and the fresh flavor of mint.
How to Make It:
- 2 oz Scotch Whisky (about 2 fingers)
- 1 oz Lime juice
- .5 oz Mint Simple Syrup
- Ice
Pour mint syrup, Scotch, and lime juice into a cocktail glass. Muddle the ingredients until combined. Add ice. Garnish with mint leaves and enjoy!
Cucumber Mint Cooler
A boozy spin on the classic cucumber water spa beverage, the Cucumber Mint Cooler is a delicious refresher with just a hint of mint flavor.
How to Make It:
- Cucumber Slices or Cubes
- 2 oz of Mint Simple Syrup
- 1 oz Fresh Lime Juice
- Ice
First, muddle cucumber slices and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker. Add in the ice and lime juice, shake well. Then, strain the mixture into a cocktail glass. Garnish with mint or a cucumber slice before enjoying!
Mint Whiskey Smash
Created in the 19th Century, the Whiskey Smash has long been a favorite of classic whiskey lovers. Although the drink is similar to the Whiskey Sour, the Smash utilizes chunks of fresh citrus to create a more robust flavor.
How to Make It:
- 3 Lemon Wedges or Lime Wedges or Orange Wedges
- 2 oz Bourbon Whiskey (about 2 fingers)
- 1 oz Mint Simple Syrup
- Ice
Place the lemon wedges into the cocktail shaker, muddle well. Add in the mint syrup, bourbon whiskey, and ice. Shake well. Strain the mixture into a cocktail glass.
What Is the Best Mint Syrup: Store-Bought or Homemade?
You can use store-bought or homemade mint simple syrup with similar results. Store-bought syrups require less work. You can usually find store-bought syrup in sugar-free variations, too.
However, homemade mint syrup does have some advantages. For one thing, you can change how intense the mint flavor is in the syrup. For another, it's very easy to whip up from ingredients you probably have at home even if you can't find it in the store.
How to Make Mint Simple Syrup
- 1 tsp Peppermint Extract or ½ cup freshly washed mint leaves
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup purified water
For Leaves:
Bring ingredients to boil in a saucepan. If using fresh mint leaves, place the leaves in with the water and sugar before boiling. Reduce heat to simmer for five minutes, then let mint leaves steep for twenty minutes. Strain out the leaves once cool. Store in an airtight container.
For Extract:
Bring ingredients to boil. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer for five minutes. If using mint extract, add the extract and remove the mixture from heat after five minutes. Cool the syrup completely before storing it in an airtight container.
Happy Mixing!
Mint syrup can add an extra dash of refreshment to a traditional cocktail. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the ingredients around the house! Enjoy!