How fabulous is homemade mint extract? All you need is two ingredients: fresh garden mint, vodka, plus 6-8 weeks in the pantry. This takes just minutes to make. In fact, I made this extract while a sauce was simmering one evening. It’s that fast!
This would be a lovely homemade gift for the bakers in your life. Can you imagine bringing this to someone has a hostess gift? You’d be an absolute star of a guest! This only gets more delicious as it sits and the flavors develop.
Ideally you want to use peppermint but feel free to experiment with whatever mint you have in your garden. If you want an extra minty flavor, you can put more mint in the extra after you take the first set of leaves out. As for uses, mint extract is delicious in whipped cream, ice cream, brownies, coffee, cookies, fudge, and I’m sure many more delicious treats. The possibilities are endless!
2 4-oz bottles with caps
1 bunch mint (ideally peppermint), rinsed and dried
8 oz vodka
- Carefully stuff mint leaves into two clean 4-oz bottles. Use a chopstick to work the leaves down and mash them slightly against the bottle to release the oils.
- Use a small funnel to fill bottles with vodka. Place cap on bottles and gently shake. Store in a dark pantry and wait 6-8 weeks, gently shaking bottle every few days.
- Strain extract through a sieve. Discard mint leaves from jar. Use a funnel to pour mint extract back into jar. I suggest leaving it in the pantry for another six weeks for optimum flavor.
- Note: if you want a stronger mint flavor, you can add more mint to the extract after you remove the first set of leaves.
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Happy extracting,
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