Mint Extract RECIPE
Fresh mint leaves, alcohol, and a bit of patience you can create a big batch of mint extract for much less than what you’d pay for a small bottle at the store. Plus, you can customize the flavor and potency to your liking.
Ingredients
- Fresh Mint Leaves
- High-Proof Alcohol Like Everclear
Instructions
- Wash and thoroughly dry your mint leaves.
- gently wash and pat dry. Crush or bruise slightly to release their oils.
- Optional: Bruising the mint leaves slightly can help release their flavor more readily during the extraction process. You can do this by gently pressing the leaves between your fingers or using a muddler to bruise them.
- Place prepared mint leaves into a clean, airtight glass jar.
- Pour the base alcohol over the ingredients to completely submerge them.
- Seal the jar tightly and store it in a cool, dark place for optimal infusion.
- Allow the ingredients to steep in the alcohol for several weeks to several months, depending on the desired intensity of flavor.Shake the jar occasionally to redistribute the flavors.
- Once steeping is complete, strain the extract through a fine mesh sieve, cheesecloth, or coffee filter to remove solid particles.Press gently to extract as much liquid as possible.Transfer the strained extract into clean, airtight bottles or jars.Seal tightly and store in a cool, dark place until ready to use.
Notes
- Patience is key: Allow sufficient time for the flavors to fully infuse into the alcohol.
- Quality matters: Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best results.
- Experiment and customize: Feel free to mix and match flavoring ingredients to create unique blends.
- Labeling: Be sure to label your homemade extracts with the date and ingredients for future reference.
- Shelf life: Homemade extracts can last for an extended period if stored properly, but flavors may diminish over time.