When summer heat strikes, there’s nothing better than a cool, fragrant drink to refresh your day. This homemade mint syrup (also known as “sok od nane” in Serbian) is a simple, traditional recipe that brings out the best of fresh mint. Made with just a few ingredients, it’s the perfect syrup to keep in your fridge all summer long. Let’s dive into how you can make it yourself!

Ingredients:

• 100g fresh mint leaves
• 1 kg sugar
• 2 tablespoons sugar (separately)
• 20g citric acid (2 packets of limontus)
• 1 liter of water

Yields: ~1.75 liters of syrup

Preparation Steps:

Step 1: Prepare the Mint Base
First, wash the mint sprigs thoroughly and remove the leaves. Finely chop the leaves using a knife or scissors. Place them in a large pot or bowl, then add 2 tablespoons of sugar and the citric acid. Mix gently and pour in 1 liter of water. Cover and leave in the refrigerator for 24 hours.

Step 2: Strain and Sweeten
After 24 hours, strain the mixture through a fine cloth or cheesecloth to remove the leaves. Add 1 kg of sugar to the strained liquid and stir well until the sugar dissolves completely. Return the mixture to the refrigerator and let it sit for another 24 hours.

Step 3: Bottle and Store
Once the syrup is ready, pour it into clean bottles. Store the syrup in the fridge. It can be used diluted with water (still or sparkling), or even as a mixer for cocktails and mocktails.

Conclusion:
This homemade mint syrup is a delightful way to stay cool during warm summer days. Not only is it easy to make, but it also captures the natural aroma and taste of mint. Keep it chilled and enjoy a refreshing drink whenever you need a boost of freshness.