Mint Julep Syrup

This mint julep syrup is a concentrate you make ahead, then mix with chilled water whenever you’re ready to serve. One batch makes enough to keep on hand for parties, brunches, or a quick afternoon refresher.

The flavor comes from creme de menthe combined with lemonade and lime juice concentrate, so you get that classic cool mint alongside bright citrus. The sugar dissolves into soda water and gets heated to just below boiling, which is important. Boiling would cook off the volatile mint flavors.

Once chilled, you just mix one part syrup to five parts cold water. That’s it. No muddling, no fuss.

Chef Tips

• Watch the temperature carefully. Pull the syrup off the heat before it hits a full boil. Boiling dulls the mint flavor and can make the syrup taste flat.
• Chill the syrup completely before mixing with water. Warm syrup diluted with cold water gives an uneven, watery result.
• Store the concentrate in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
• For a stronger mint flavor, use green creme de menthe. White creme de menthe gives the same taste but without the color.

Variations

• Add bourbon to the finished drink for a traditional mint julep cocktail.
• Use sparkling water instead of still water for a fizzy version.
• Stir in a few fresh mint leaves when serving for an extra pop of aroma.