Ginger Mint Sugar

Ginger mint is a cross between spearmint and corn mint, the scientific name is Mentha x gracilis

It’s sometimes also referred to by alternate names like:

redmint, Scotch spearmint, or golden apple mint.

Many people call Mentha x gracilis ginger mint because of it's unique flavor profile that comes from the presence of menthol (the minty element) & other volatile compounds that contribute to the ginger-like scent.

I make ginger mint infused sugar by taking fresh ginger mint leaves (Mentha x gracilis) and putting them through a food processor along with organic fair-trade granulated sugar. The vibrant green flecks of ginger mint and the aromatic sugar create a beautiful and flavorful concoction.

What can Ginger Sugar be used for?

Ginger mint sugar is wonderful for all kinds of things from desserts to drinks. My personal favorite that I would like to offer as a suggestion is using it as a sugar rim on your favorite cocktail or even mocktail! Take a wide bowl and fill with a little water, dip your glass in the water, wetting just the rim of the glass. Then dip the rim of the glass in the infused sugar and use the glass to make your beverage of choice! 

Ginger mint sugar offers a delightful twist on many sweet and savory applications.

Below you will find my other suggestions of ways to incorporate it into your culinary creations.

Simple Syrup:

Ginger Mint Sugar can also be used to make simple syrup.

Simple syrup is a versatile sweetener that can be used in various cocktails, iced teas, lemonades, and other beverages. It mixes easily and adds sweetness without the graininess of undissolved sugar.

To make simple syrup, you will need equal parts sugar to water, a 1:1 ratio.

In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and water.

Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir until the sugar completely dissolves.

Once the sugar has dissolved and the liquid has thickened a bit, remove the saucepan from heat and let the simple syrup cool.

Once cooled, transfer the syrup to a glass bottle or jar for storage or even the container the ginger mint sugar came with. 

Simple syrup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one month. 

Ginger Mint Fizz:

Take a generous spoonful of ginger mint sugar (or you can use ginger mint simple syrup instead) and place in a tall glass. Add alcohol of choice and stir alcohol well to combine.

Add sparkling water or plain water, plus some fresh lemon and ice!

Ginter Mint Ice Tea:

Alternatively you can make a minty-inspired mocktail or iced tea!

Take a generous spoonful of spearmint sugar and place in a tall glass, use a little bit of warm water or tea to dissolve the sugar more effectively! 

Add water or cold tea of choice! 

Then some fresh lime and ice! 

If you use warm water/tea to dissolve the sugar, make sure you put the Ice in after the other water is added to prevent glass from cracking from thermal shock. 

You can also use cold water only but may have some graininess from undissolved sugar or alternatively you can use spearmint simple syrup instead of sugar, see recipe above. 

Ginger Mint Sugar Cookies: 

Substitute granulated sugar in your favorite cookie recipe with ginger mint sugar for a unique and flavorful twist.

Roasted Vegetables: 

Before roasting vegetables like carrots, parsnips, or sweet potatoes, toss them with a bit of olive oil, salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of ginger mint sugar. The sugar caramelizes during roasting, creating a sweet and savory crust.

Yogurt Parfait with a Kick:

Layer your favorite yogurt with granola and fresh fruit. Top it off with a sprinkle of ginger mint sugar for a delightful breakfast or snack.

Sweet and Spicy Ginger Mint Dipping Sauce:

This vibrant sauce is perfect for dipping dumplings, spring rolls, fried wontons, or even fresh vegetables.

• Ingredients:

• ¼ cup soy sauce

• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust for desired spice level)

• 2 tablespoons ginger mint sugar

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh ginger

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sriracha, ginger mint sugar, ginger, mint, and garlic.
   

2. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired. You can add a touch more soy sauce for saltiness, rice vinegar for acidity, or sriracha for heat.

3. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Ginger Mint Chimichurri Sauce:

This flavorful sauce adds a refreshing twist to grilled meats, fish, or even vegetables.

• Ingredients:

• ½ cup fresh parsley leaves, chopped

• ¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint leaves

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh ginger

• 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped (adjust for desired spice level)

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• ¼ cup olive oil

• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon ginger mint sugar

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

• Instructions:

1. In a food processor, combine the parsley, cilantro, mint, ginger, jalapeño, and garlic. Pulse a few times until finely chopped, but not mushy.

2. Transfer the chopped herbs to a bowl.

3. In the same food processor (no need to clean), combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, and ginger mint sugar. Pulse a few times to combine.

4. Pour the olive oil mixture over the chopped herbs and stir well.

5. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

6. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

These are just a couple of ideas to inspire you. With its unique combination of sweetness, ginger spice, and refreshing mint, ginger mint sugar offers endless possibilities for creating delicious and exciting sauces. Don't be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to find your own perfect combinations!