How to Make Peppermint Syrup
During the holiday season, peppermint is a vital flavor for any coffee shop. You can always buy your flavoring syrup, but if you want to make it from scratch, here's a simple recipe.
What you'll need for the peppermint syrup recipe:
- 1 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Squeeze bottle or jar
How to Make Peppermint Syrup:
1. Mix it
In a saucepan over medium heat, stir together your water and sugar. Stir until the sugar is combined.
2. Boil it
Bring this to a boil and allow to boil for 1 minute. Turn down the stove to low and simmer for 3-5 minutes until thickened to a more syrup-like consistency. Make sure to stir enough so that the sugar doesn't stick to the pan.
3. Cool
Remove your saucepan from the heat and allow it to cool for 15-20 minutes.
4. Add the flavor
Add the peppermint extract and mix thoroughly.
5. Store it
Transfer your syrup to your squeeze bottle or jar. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Peppermint Syrup Uses
Peppermint syrup can be used in a multitude of ways, making it a popular choice for enhancing flavors in both food and drinks. Its applications include:
- Beverages: It's a fantastic addition to hot and cold drinks, such as teas, coffees, cocktails, and mocktails.
- Desserts: Drizzle over ice cream, puddings, or cakes to add a minty twist.
- Baking: Incorporate it into baking recipes for cookies, cakes, and pastries to infuse a peppermint flavor.
- Seasonal Recipes: Especially popular during the holiday season for creating festive treats.
What is Peppermint Simple Syrup
Peppermint Simple Syrup is a delightful and aromatic sweetener that perfectly captures the essence of peppermint. This syrup is created by infusing a basic sugar syrup with the vibrant and refreshing flavors of peppermint. The process involves simmering sugar and water together until they form a syrupy consistency and then adding either fresh peppermint leaves or a high-quality peppermint extract. The result is a beautifully fragrant and versatile syrup, commonly referred to as Peppermint Syrup, which is widely used to add a sweet and minty twist to a variety of beverages, desserts, and culinary creations. Its distinct peppermint flavor makes it a favorite in enhancing the taste of coffees, teas, cocktails, and even baked goods, providing a perfect balance of sweetness and minty freshness.
Can I freeze this peppermint syrup?
Yes, you can freeze Peppermint Syrup, and it's a great way to extend its shelf life. Freezing Peppermint Syrup is quite simple and effective. After preparing your syrup using your preferred Peppermint Syrup Recipe, let it cool down to room temperature. Once cooled, pour the syrup into an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag. It's a good idea to leave a little space at the top of the container as the syrup will expand when it freezes. This method helps preserve the syrup's fresh peppermint flavor and sweetness for an extended period. When you need to use it, just thaw the required amount of syrup at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Freezing is a practical solution for ensuring you always have Peppermint Syrup on hand for your recipes and beverages.
How To Store Peppermint Syrup
Proper storage of Peppermint Syrup is essential to maintain its freshness and flavor, especially if you're using it for delightful additions to beverages like coffee. If you've made a batch using your favorite peppermint syrup for coffee recipe, here are the steps to store it effectively:1. Cool Down: After preparing the syrup, allow it to cool completely to room temperature.
2. Choose the Right Container: Transfer the syrup into a clean, airtight glass bottle or jar. Glass is preferred as it doesn’t impart any flavors to the syrup.
3. Refrigeration: Store the syrup in the refrigerator. This is crucial because homemade syrups don't contain preservatives. The cool temperature will significantly extend its shelf life.
4. Label and Date: Mark the container with the date of preparation. Typically, homemade peppermint syrup can last up to a month when refrigerated.
5. Regular Checks: Occasionally check the syrup for any signs of spoilage, such as off odors or mold growth. If you notice any such signs, it's best to discard the syrup.
6. Freezing for Long-Term Storage: If you don’t plan to use the syrup regularly, freezing is an option. Pour the syrup into an ice cube tray and freeze. Transfer the frozen cubes into a freezer bag, and you can thaw them as needed.
By following these storage guidelines, your homemade peppermint syrup can be kept fresh, retaining its delightful minty sweetness, perfect for enriching your coffee recipes or other beverages.
Have you made this peppermint syrup recipe for coffee? Take a picture and tag us on Instagram; we love hearing from you!