Refreshing Peppermint Cordial (Printable Version)
Sweet, refreshing peppermint syrup ideal for adding bright flavor to drinks and desserts.
# What You'll Need:
→ Syrup Base
01 - 2 cups granulated sugar
02 - 2 cups water
→ Flavoring
03 - 1 cup fresh peppermint leaves, packed
04 - 1 teaspoon natural peppermint extract
05 - 2 to 3 drops green food coloring (optional)
→ Preserving
06 - 2 teaspoons lemon juice (optional)
# How to Make It:
01 - Combine granulated sugar and water in a medium saucepan. Heat over medium flame until the mixture gently boils and sugar fully dissolves, stirring frequently.
02 - Add fresh peppermint leaves to the hot syrup, then remove from heat. Cover and steep for 15 minutes to infuse flavor.
03 - Pass the infused syrup through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the peppermint leaves completely.
04 - Stir in natural peppermint extract, optional green food coloring, and optional lemon juice until blended evenly.
05 - Allow the cordial to cool to room temperature before transferring it into sterilized bottles. Seal tightly and refrigerate for up to one month.
# Expert Insights:
01 -
- It's so ridiculously easy that even a distracted cook can pull it off perfectly on the first try.
- One batch fills your whole kitchen with the most incredible fresh peppermint aroma, and everyone asks what's cooking.
- You'll have the most luxurious homemade syrup that tastes infinitely better than anything from a store shelf.
02 -
- Never, ever skip the cooling step before bottling—I learned this the hard way when condensation in warm bottles led to unexpected fermentation. Patience here prevents problems later.
- The peppermint extract is your flavor multiplier; a little truly goes far, so taste as you go if you're adjusting and remember you can always add more, but you can't take it out.
03 -
- If fresh peppermint isn't available, high-quality dried peppermint from a good tea supplier will give you better flavor than sad grocery store dried leaves.
- The true secret is not rushing the steeping time—15 minutes might seem arbitrary, but it's the sweet spot where you get maximum flavor without any grassy or bitter notes creeping in.