Do you have fresh mint growing in the garden and it is taking over? This homemade mint extract is such a great way to use a lot of it.
Homemade Mint Extract
Making your own mint extract is so easy. Plus it also makes for a really cool gift idea too. You can pour it in small bottles, label, and give it as a host gift at your next dinner party.
While I made this with fresh mint it could also be made with dried mint as well.
How To Make This Extract:
Start by giving the mint a good rinsing. Then you want to pat it dry so there is no water on it. You don’t want to have watered down extract.
Next, take the leaves and give them a little cush with your fingers or a mortar and pestle. You could asl chop them if you would prefer.
Now add the leaves to a jar.
Note: In the pictures, I added them to a small bottle for the look of the photo. You can do that, however, it does make it hard to get the leaves back out when it is time to strain it.
Pour the vodka or Everclear over the mint and place lid on jar. It is very important that the leaves stay submerged.
Store the jar in a cool dark area. Shake it every few days over the next four weeks to make sure the leaves stay under the liquid.
After four weeks have passed, strain the leaves off and pour the liquid into small bottles. Small bottles like 2 oz size are a perfect size to give as gifts.
How To Make Super Strong Mint Extract:
If you want your extract even stronger, it is super easy to do. You simply do all the same steps.
However, instead of allowing the same mint leaves to stay in the vodka for four weeks, you will change them out weekly but you will keep using the same vodka.
So for example, on week two, strain the vodka off. Toss the used mint leaves. Then add a cup of fresh mint to the jar and pour the used vodka over the new mint. Keep repeating this step for two more weeks for a total of four weeks.
That picture is what it will look like after four weeks of soaking the same leaves.
Homemade Mint Extract
This homemade mint extract is a super easy way to use up fresh mint. Makes for a great gift idea too!
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Fresh Mint Leaves
- 1 1/4 Cups Vodka 80 Proof or Everclear
Instructions
-
Start by giving the mint a good rinsing. Then you want to pat it dry so there is no water on it.
-
Next, take the leaves and give them a little cush with your fingers or a mortar and pestle. You could asl chop them if you would prefer.
-
Add the leaves to a jar. (see note below about adding to small bottle like pictured)
-
Pour the vodka or Everclear over the mint and place lid on jar. It is very important that the leaves stay submerged.
-
Store the jar in a cool dark area. Shake it every few days over the next four weeks to make sure the leaves stay under the liquid.
-
After four weeks have passed, strain the leaves off and pour the liquid into small bottles.
How To Make Super Strong Mint Extract:
-
Instead of allowing the same mint leaves to stay in the vodka for four weeks, you will change them out weekly but you will keep using the same vodka.
Recipe Notes
In the pictures, I added them to a small bottle for the look of the photo. You can do that, however, it does make it hard to get the leaves back out when it is time to strain it. Because of that, I recommend making it in a jar first.
Andie says
How long does this last?
Reuse Grow Enjoy says
It depends on how it is stored. If in a cool dark place it will last for about 6 months.
Jo says
What do you use the mint extract on? Also do you taste the alcohol? Nobody ever says what you can use it for.
Reuse Grow Enjoy says
Hi Jo, if you taste it right from the bottle, yes you can taste the alcohol. However, when added to recipes you only taste the mint. It is mostly used in cooking such as in baked goods when it calls for mint extract like you would find in the grocery stores.