🌿 5 Easy Mint Recipes from the Garden

                                                     Credit: Anastasia Belousova from Pexels.com

Fresh ideas to enjoy your mint harvest—Caribbean-style!

If your mint plant is going wild (as they often do), it’s time to put those leaves to delicious use. Here are five easy, refreshing recipes I make with mint from my own garden—no fuss, just real flavour. Whether you’re cooling off on a hot day or dressing up a dish, these recipes bring the best of mint into your kitchen.

                                                        Credit: Denys Gromov from Pexels.com

🍃 1. Fresh Garden Mint Tea

A calming, aromatic tea made with just-picked leaves.

You’ll need:

• A handful of fresh mint leaves

• 2 cups (480 ml) hot water

• Optional: honey or sugar to taste

Instructions:

1. Rinse mint leaves and gently crush them to release the oils.

2. Place in a teapot or mug and pour hot water over them.

3. Let steep for 5–7 minutes, then strain.

4. Sweeten if desired.

Garden tip: You can also serve this chilled over ice for a refreshing herbal iced tea.

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🍯 2. DIY Mint Syrup

Perfect for cocktails, lemonades, and desserts.

You’ll need:

• 1 cup (200 g) sugar

• 1 cup (240 ml) water

• ¾ cup fresh mint leaves

Instructions:

1. Combine sugar and water in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer.

2. Stir in mint leaves and simmer for 5 minutes.

3. Remove from heat, cover, and let steep 30 minutes.

4. Strain and store in a clean bottle in the fridge (keeps for 1–2 weeks).

Use it in: mojitos, fruit punches, or even drizzled over fresh fruit.

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💧 3. Garden Mint Water

The easiest way to stay hydrated—with a refreshing twist.

You’ll need:

• A small handful of mint

• 4–5 cups (1–1.2 L) cold water

• Optional: sliced cucumber or lime

Instructions:                    

1. Lightly bruise mint leaves and place in a pitcher.

2. Add water and chill for 1–2 hours to infuse.

3. Pour over ice and enjoy!

Tip: Use still or sparkling water for a fancy garden party vibe.

 Image Credit: Shameel Mukkat from Pexels.com

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🌿 4. Mint Pesto with a Caribbean Twist

Bold and herby—delicious over pasta, grilled veggies, or fish.

You’ll need:

• 1 cup mint leaves

• ½ cup fresh parsley or chadon beni

• ¼ cup nuts (almonds, cashews, or pine nuts)

• 1 garlic clove

• ¼ cup olive oil

• Juice of ½ lime

• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Blend all ingredients in a food processor until smooth.

2. Add more lime juice or olive oil if needed.

3. Store in fridge for up to a week.

Bonus: Add a pepper if you want it spicy.

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🍹 5. Garden Mojito (2 Ways)

Cool, zesty, and totally refreshing.

You’ll need:

• 10 fresh mint leaves

• 1 lime, cut into wedges

• 2 tsp sugar or mint syrup

• Ice

• ½ cup soda water (or ginger ale for a twist)

• Optional: 2 oz white rum

Instructions:

1. Muddle mint, lime, and sugar in a sturdy glass.

2. Add ice and soda water. Stir well.

3. Garnish with more mint leaves.

Mocktail version: Skip the rum and add extra fizz.
Grown-up version: Pour in the white rum and dance in your garden. 😁

Image Credit: Lucy Egyud from Pexels.com

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💚 Make It Yours

These recipes are meant to be played with! Add ginger, swap in basil or lemon grass, or use sparkling coconut water for a tropical twist.

Have a favourite way to use mint? Share it in the comments—I’d love to try it!