Menthe Vert (Green Mint Syrup)

Ingredients:

2l fresh spearmint (garden mint) leaves
600ml water, boiling
1.6kg sugar
720ml water
a few drops green food colouring
3 tbsp mint extract

Method:

Chop the mint leaves as finely as you can and add to a deep bowl then pour the boiling water over the top. Place a large plate over the leaves and weigh down then set aside to infuse over night.

The following day, combine the sugar and 720ml water in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Continue boiling for about 12 minutes, or until the sugar has all dissolved.

Meanwhile, pour off the water from the mint leaves and reserve then place the leaves in cloth and squeeze out as much of the liquid from them as possible (retain this liquid). Discard the leaves then add the mint water to the syrup mixture along with the mint extract. Now add a few drops of green food colouring so that the final liquid is a bright green colour. Stir to combine then pour into sterile bottles. Seal securely and refrigerate ready for use.

Typically this is used diluted with lemonade to make diabolo menthe or ice-cold water to make menthe a l'eau. Children particularly enjoy diabolo menthe because of the bright green colouring. You can also use the syrup as a green base for cocktails.

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