Fresh Mint Syrup in a Mint Gin Rickey

I recently discovered that my weed-like mint plant was stealthily taking over my herb container garden.  It was getting so powerful that I had to dig it up and put it in quarantine (aka, its own pot).  After all its displays of vigorous good health, I figured it had plenty of leaves to donate to an experiment on creating fresh mint syrup.

The experiment was a success!  1 cup fresh mint leaves, 1 cup sugar, 1 cup water.  Simmered and strained, it creates a glowing yellow syrup.

Fresh Mint Syrup

• 1 cup fresh mint leaves
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water

Combine all ingredients in a pot, gently simmer for 15-20 minutes. Let cool, then strain the liquid to get rid of the mint leaves.  You’re left with mint syrup that will last for up to 4 weeks in the fridge.

We tried our newly minted syrup (har har) with lime juice and gin, for a fresh spin on the classic Gin Rickey.

Mint Gin Rickey

• 1 1/2 oz gin
• 1 1/2 oz lime juice
• 1 ounce mint syrup
• 3 oz carbonated water
• ice

Combine the first three ingredients over ice, then top off with carbonated water.