Mint Syrup

1 cup water
1 cup sugar
1 cup mint leaves (or basil leaves, or 1 cup mint leaves plus 1 cup basil leaves)

In a medium saucepan, simmer water with sugar until the sugar is dissolved. Add leaves and let steep for 1 hour.

Strain and discard the leaves. Let the syrup cool completely. 

Makes 1 cup.

From Food and Wine, with changes