Fresh Berries with Citrus Mint Syrup

3 cups water
1 lemon, peel removed and cut into strips
1 lime, peel removed and cut into strips
1 cup fresh mint leaves
3 cups sugar
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
3 cups fresh blueberries
3 cups fresh raspberries
3 cups fresh blackberries
Garnish: sugared mint sprigs

1. In a medium saucepan, combine water, lemon peel, and lime peel. Bring to a boil over high heat. Remove from heat, and add mint leaves; cover, and steep for 30 minutes. Strain mixture, discarding solids. Stir in sugar. Cook over medium-high heat until mixture reaches 224° on a candy thermometer. Remove from heat; stir in lemon juice and lime juice. Cool for 15 minutes.

2. In a medium bowl, combine sugar mixture, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries. Cover, and chill for 2 hours. Garnish with sugared mint sprigs, if desired.