Easy Peppermint Simple Syrup

This easy peppermint simple syrup recipe is made with only three ingredients and is ready in under 10 minutes! This post includes ideas for how to use peppermint simple syrup in cocktails, mocktails, coffee and baked goods – start with a peppermint mocha.

Ingredients for peppermint simple syrup

• Granulated sugar
• Water
• Peppermint extract

No, seriously… that’s it. The great thing about simple syrup is that it’s not only easy to make, but it’s an easy recipe to remember: equal parts granulated sugar and water.

If you’re not familiar, when a recipe calls for “equal parts” of thing, it’s talking about ratios of one ingredient to another. You might also see it listed as “1 part ____ to 1 part ____”.

So in this case, it’s equal parts sugar and water – meaning if you use 1 cup sugar, you’d need 1 cup water.

And then because we’re adding the peppermint flavor, we just want to add 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract to the mix.

How to make peppermint simple syrup

1. Simmer: In a small saucepan, combine sugar and water and heat over medium-high heat. Bring to a simmer (not boil) and stir occasionally until the sugar has completely dissolved.
2. Add some flavor: Add the peppermint extract, give it a stir.
3. Cool: Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
4. Store: Transfer to an airtight container and store in the fridge up for up to 3 weeks.

Can I use a different kind of sugar?

You can! Just note that different kinds of sweeteners can yield different flavored results.

• Cane sugar – Cane sugar simple syrup may be slightly more golden in color
• Honey – Honey simple syrup is going to be a beautiful golden color like… well, honey!

For the base recipe of plain simple syrup, I would also recommend light brown sugar as a substitute – but I don’t recommend that for peppermint simple syrup since it changes the flavor profile a bit too much.

How to store peppermint simple syrup

I like to store my simple syrup in these little glass corked bottles, but my recommendation is really anything that’s easy for you to use that has a sealed top to it.

You could repurpose these containers after you give them a real good cleaning (reduce, reuse, recycle!):

• glass salad dressing bottles
• maple syrup jars
• any glass condiment bottles, like rice vinegar or hot sauce
• even wine bottles (if you use simple syrup a lot)

I know a lot of people like to use plastic squeeze bottles, but I like to stay away from anything plastic to avoid chemicals leeching into the syrup.

How long does peppermint simple syrup last?

In my experience, it lasts about 3-4 weeks in the fridge. You’ll know when simple syrup is past its prime when it’s cloudy and/or has a foul smell.

How to use peppermint simple syrup

You can enjoy your homemade simple syrup in a variety of different ways!

Drinks

• My default use for peppermint simple syrup is to add it to a mocha for a copycat Starbucks’ peppermint mocha
• But adding a little drizzle to a glass of cold brew is also delicious. After all – iced coffee is a year round choice in New England, even on the snowiest of winter days ;)
• Or try adding it to a white hot chocolate for an extra festive cozy drink
• Try adding some to a white chocolate mocha (hot or iced)
• Peppermint hot cocoa? Don’t mind if I do.

Baked goods

Did you know you can use simple syrup in baked goods? Just make sure that the peppermint flavor is going to complement what you add it to!

• If you overbaked a cake and it came out a little dry, you can brush a little over the top of each layer of a cake to add a little extra moisture.
• Or if you taste the cake and realize it’s a little bland, the simple syrup can add a little sweetness.
• Mix things up on one of your old standbys, try a little brush of peppermint syrup on top of a freshly made chocolate mug cake or depression cake.
• White chocolate peppermint lava cakes are already pretty heavy on the peppermint flavor, but if you just can’t get enough – add a brush to the top of your little lava cakes!

The same principles go for cupcakes, pound cake, or sponge cakes that need a little love.

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