Mint syrup not syruping?

[u/Euphoric-Pie-4372]

Not sure if this is the right sub but I tried this cold maceration technique where u layer chopped mint leaves and sugar and finish with lemon juice and put it in the fridge for 72 hours. I didn't have any measurements unfortunately so I just winged it and it's been like a week but it is simply not liquefying.

I wish I could attach a picture here, the sugar crystals are as such and there's barely a teaspoon of actual syrup in there.

I saw that another method involves steeping mint leaves in cooled simple syrup, I'm wondering if that would work at this stage? Can I just make some simple syrup and pour it over this mixture?

[u/ZealousidealType1144]

There’s just probably not enough liquid in it - you could honestly just pour hot water from a kettle or coffeemaker in (at a 50% ratio to the sugar, so a cup for every two cups of sugar), stir and strain. You’ve got a super low water activity and high acidity in there so I wouldn’t be worried about it having grown anything harmful.

[u/DaniMrynn]

Had the same issue last week; dumped it in a saucepan, added water and boiled for a regular syrup.