Peppermint Extract Fresh Flavor (Printable version)
Infuse your dishes and drinks with vibrant minty flavor using fresh peppermint and alcohol.
# What You'll Need:
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01 - 1 cup high-proof vodka or food-grade alcohol (at least 40% ABV)
02 - 1 cup loosely packed fresh peppermint leaves, washed and dried
# Directions:
01 - Lightly bruise the peppermint leaves by rolling them between your fingers to release their oils.
02 - Place the bruised leaves in a clean glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.
03 - Pour the vodka over the peppermint leaves, ensuring they are fully submerged.
04 - Seal the jar and store it in a cool, dark place for infusion.
05 - Shake the jar gently every few days during the steeping period.
06 - After 4 weeks, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean bottle, discarding the leaves.
07 - Seal and store the peppermint extract in a cool, dark place. Use as needed.
# Expert advice:
01 -
- The flavor is clean and vibrant, nothing like the artificial sharpness of store-bought bottles.
- You control exactly what goes in, no mystery additives or fading potency over time.
- One batch lasts through a year of baking, hot chocolate, and mojito experiments.
02 -
- If you leave the leaves in too long past four weeks, the extract can start tasting grassy or bitter instead of bright.
- Make sure the leaves are completely dry before adding them, even a little moisture can cloud the extract or shorten its shelf life.
03 -
- Label your jar with the start date, because four weeks feels like forever when you forget when you began.
- If you want a stronger extract, add more leaves instead of steeping longer, it keeps the flavor clean and avoids bitterness.