If you know me at all, you are well aware of the fact that I am coffee-obsessed. As in don't-even-talk-to-me-until-I've-had-a-cup obsessed... I mean, hello, I have three kids ages three and under, so without coffee and wine, I'm honestly not even sure how I would survive.
Over the last few years, I have become particularly fond of the iced variety. I generally like to start my day with a hot, freshly brewed cup, then it's onto the iced stuff by the afternoon.
In the summer months, iced coffee rules my world, and I love to experiment with different flavors.
Recently, we planted the potted herb garden that resides on our back deck for the next few months. This included basil, cilantro, parsley, rosemary, and mint... which got me thinking about some fun new ways to use these plants, besides the more obvious uses for them.
I've really taken a liking to infusing things... infused water, infused liquors, and then it dawned on me, why not attempt an infused simple syrup.
Simple syrups couldn't be easier to make, and they're a lot of fun to experiment with and use in different ways... cocktails for one, and then of course, in my favorite iced beverage.
So, out to the deck I went, where I grabbed a small bunch of fresh mint. I wasn't specific with measurements here, because the way I see it, if you want things extra minty, grab a big bunch of mint... prefer just a hint of minty flavor? Go with a smaller bunch then.
Then it was on to making the mint infused simple syrup...
what you need
1 bunch/handful of fresh mint leaves
1 cup of sugar
1 cup of water
instructions
Literally, throw all 3 ingredients into a saucepan (wash the mint first of course) and bring to a boil.
Reduce to a simmer, stirring occasionally until sugar is completely dissolved.
Allow to cool, and then remove the mint leaves from the syrup.
Transfer into a container, and store in the refrigerator.
Okay, so I had my minty simple syrup, and now it was time to make something with it. What pairs well with mint you're wondering? Well, chocolate of course!
So here's how I threw together the chocolate mint iced coffee...
what you need
ice cubes
cold coffee or your favorite cold brew
chocolate syrup
mint simple syrup (recipe above)
creamer of choice (milk, half and half, almond milk, what have you)
instructions
Throw some iced cubes into a glass (I prefer pint sized mason jars).
Drizzle in some chocolate sauce.
Add some of your minty simple syrup (use your judgement here. How much you use depends on how sweet you like your coffee. I use about a tablespoon, because the chocolate sauce adds some sweetness already).
Pour in the coffee
Add the desired amount of creamer, and if you're feeling really fancy, garnish with a couple of fresh mint leaves.
Sip and enjoy!
I have been drinking this concoction for about a week now, and I'm already brainstorming some other fun flavors to test out in terms of infused simple syrup. I'll be sure to share if I come up with some good ones!
What's your favorite way to drink coffee?
xoxo
