Homemade Mint Extract

We participate in the Amazon Associates Program. Please assume that all Amazon links are affiliate links. Affiliate links are links to third-party products and services. If you use those links and make a purchase, we will receive a small commission. Using these links will not cost you any extra money. An affiliate relationship does not change or influence the nature of the recommendation or opinion. Please read our disclaimer for more info.

Do you have an abundance of mint?

Mint is one of those plants that while extremely useful and great to grow, can take over other plants due to its ability to grow with little maintenance.

We have always been successful in growing mint, it does really well in most environments. Even when mint starts to struggle, little adjustments to the amount of sunlight, heat, water, etc can bring it back pretty easily.

For this reason, it is very easy to end up with an abundance of mint in the summer. Aside from drying or freezing, another great method for preserving mint for use the rest of the year is by making an extract.

What is an extract?

An extract is a preservation method in which you are soaking your intended harvest in alcohol in order to draw out all of the flavor and beneficial properties of the plant.

While you can buy different extracts at the store, they are also really easy to make at home. Vanilla and mint are some of the most common variations but you can make an extract with many plants that you harvest.

Why make a mint extract?

Extracts have many uses, particularly in baking and cooking. Many holiday baking recipes call for mint extract.

You can also use it for cocktails and alcoholic drinks that require a minty flavor.

Mint extract can also be a really nice gift if you package it in a cute jar.

What kind of mint?

You can really use any type of mint you have growing as there are a ton of different varieties.

My favorite is Spearmint but you could always use varieties such as chocolate, lemon, orange, etc.

What type of alcohol?

You can really use any alcohol to perform an extraction but the best would be a clear alcohol such as vodka.

I definitely recommend that you a cheap alcohol for this, especially if you are only using the mint extract for cooking.

Homemade Mint Extract Recipe

Step 1. Harvest the mint

Harvest mint from plant by cutting the stems from the plant.

This is really a great way to preserve your mint leaves. You can do it in a large batch which will use up a large amount of leaves.

Step 2. Wash leaves and pick leaves from the stems.

Rinse the harvested stems and leaves to remove any dirt or bugs. Dry leaves thouroughly and disgard the stems.

Step 3. Crush or chop the mint leaves

Coarsely chop the mint leaves with a sharp knife. You can even use whole leaves without chopping, just make sure that you crush them to release the mint oils

Step 4. Mix alcohol and mint

Combine your choice of consumable alcohol, preferably a clear alcohol with the chopped mint. Vodka works best. This is a great project to use your cheaper alcohol.

There is not an exact ratio, it will depend on your preference. For the batch in the pictures, I used 1/4 cup mint leaves to 3/4 cups of alcohol. Consider what volume of extract you need and go from there. Add as much mint as needed for the desired flavor. It may take a few batches to get a flavor that you like.

Just make sure that there is enough alcohol to cover the leaves so that mold does not start growing.

Step 5. Place tightly sealed glass jar in a dark place.

Tightly seal a glass jar or container and store in a dark place for 1-2 months. Taste test after a month to check the flavor.

Step 6. Strain the mint leaves from the alcohol.

Once the desired flavor is achieved, strain the mint leaves from the alcohol.

Store the mint extract in a glass jar and use as needed. You can also give them away as gifts!

Easy Homemade Mint Extract

Directions

Step 1: Harvest the mint leaves.

Step 2: Wash leaves and remove from stems.

Step 3: Crush or coarsely chop mint leaves.

Step 4: Add mint leaves to alcohol.

Step 5: Place tightly sealed jar in a dark place.

Step 6: Strain out mint leaves and enjoy!

Do you want a simple life? Don’t forget to get your free Simple Living Starter Kit now!

Stephanie

Welcome to Wingin’ it on the Homestead! My name is Stephanie Leaf. I am a wife to a can-fix-anything husband, mother of two boys under 3, future expert gardener, lover of anything old and dusty, and inspiring homesteader. My family and I are new to this journey and loving every minute of it. Please join me in embracing a simpler life!

We participate in the Amazon Associates Program. Please assume that all Amazon links are affiliate links.  Affiliate links are links to third-party products and services.  If you use those links and make a purchase, we will receive a small commission.  Using these links will not cost you any extra money.  An affiliate relationship does not change or influence the nature of the recommendation or opinion. 