I planted chocolate mint in my garden two years ago. Mint is a hardy plant that comes back each year – even after a tough winter. In fact mint can take over a garden if you are not careful! I wanted to make something special with my abundant supply of chocolate mint this year. Since hubby and I make homemade gifts, I figured that a mint extract would be a good addition to our homemade vanilla extract!
Mint extract is very easy to make. All you need is fresh mint, vodka and time to make homemade mint extract. The first step is to wash the mint. I used my homemade produce wash to make sure the mint was nice and clean. Then simple bruise the mint as you add it to vodka. What I mean by bruise the mint is to squeeze it with your hand. This helps the mint leaves release the oils. Keep in a dark closet for about a month or two. Every week I check on the mint extract and give the jar a little shake. Make sure that the mint leaves stay covered in vodka.
After about two months, strain the mint leaves out of the mint extract. Pour mint extract into small bottles and your gift is ready to go!
I used the cheapest vodka I can find for making extracts. Also, there is no concrete time for letting the mint leaves steep in the vodka. A month or two should do it. After a month of steeping the mint leaves in the vodka, taste the extract. If you want it stronger, let the mint leaves steep longer.
- 1.5 Cups Mint Leaves
- 3 Cups Vodka
- Wash mint leaves and pat dry.
- Add vodka to a quart size mason jar.
- Add mint leaves to vodka.
- Make sure mint leaves are submerged in vodka.
- Let sit in a dark place for a month or two.
- Strain mint leaves out of extract and bottle.
For more recipes, checkout my recipe index!
Latest posts by Renae Chiovaro (see all)
- Last Minute Batgirl Costume - October 22, 2016
- Agnes & Dora: Comfortable & Affordable Clothing - September 19, 2016
- Life is a Highway - September 17, 2016
