Mint Extract is used in several of my favorite recipes. And if your garden includes mint, chances are it’s TEEMING with mint right now, just like mine. Last summer I had run-away mint. You probably already know this, but mint is invasive. Meaning it’ll take over. I was initially warned by a true friend when I added mint to my garden.
He said, “Plant it in a five gallon bucket, then set it in the ground. Because the trailing roots will take over.”
Did I pay a bit of attention?
Nope. Not a bit. I was too lazy to dig a hole to fit that five gallon bucket.
And by summer’s end last year, my herb garden, particularly the mint, had wended its way throughout my flower garden. There are only so many glasses of lemonade and iced tea to garnish. I hated to waste all that lovely mint and it was, well, everywhere….
So I did a google search to find out what I could do with all the extra mint. The first thing that came up was Mint Extract. I was thrilled, made a big batch on the spot to use as gifts and in my favorite recipes.
I use Mint Extract to make Peppermint Bark. Also yummy in a chocolate smoothie or milk shake. Garnishes lemonade and iced tea beautifully. How ’bout peppermint frosting at Christmas?
I also use this mint extract in Dark Chocolate Mint Brownies.
A little Mint Extract goes a long way. Also makes a great little stocking stuffer for all the bakers in your life. (Buy amber glass bottles for gift giving and storage on Amazon here.)
All you need for Mint Extract are two ingredients: mint leaves and vodka. And a little time. And soon you’ll have your very own Mint Extract for baking and gifts.
DIY Mint Extract
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh mint leaves de-stemmed, washed and patted dry
- 1 1/2 cups vodka
Instructions
- Place clean mint leaves in a pint mason jar.
- Muddle (lightly crush) leaves with a wooden spoon.
- Fill jar with 1 1/2 cups vodka.
- Lightly stir, then screw on the lid.
- Put in a dark closet or pantry for 1-2 months.
- Use a strainer and remove leaves, then pour extract into glass jars for gifting or keeping.
Mint Extract
You may also enjoy: DIY Clementine Wreath
Kristina says
we have our mint in a half wine barrel… SO FAR it is contained! there is some random mint in our front yard – it has been there for years.
still, this is a GREAT idea, and I wouldn’t mind having that mint problem 😉 I definitely want to make this!
Melissa says
I have a ton of mint in my garden. This is the perfect idea to utilize it Allie. Can’t wait to try it!
Denise says
I don’t have a green thumb but the amount of mint I’m growing is ridiculous! Mine is contained in a whiskey barrel. Brilliant idea because I can’t drink another glass of refreshing water with mint in it! haha.
Abby @ The Frosted Vegan says
My mint plant is alllll over the place, so I have to make some of this ASAP!
Karen @ On the Banks of Salt Creek says
Oh yes, I know only too well how invasive mint is.
I know it is easy to make vanilla extract and it looks like mint is just as easy.
MAYBE I’ll plant some mint just so I can make some.
Great post.
Have a great day.
Aunt Pinkie says
What a great idea! My mint has taken over the garden on the side of my cottage! Shall have to spring for the vodka and make some! Thanks, Allie!
Linda Jenkins says
Allie, I just love that there is inspiration in every single thing around you. Great idea for the mint. Thanks for sharing.
Alexis @ Upside Down Pear says
This is such a great idea! All those peppermint chocolate brownies and bark look amazing 😀 I don’t have any mint extract on me, but it would be great to have around. I’ve never thought to add it to smoothies before. That sounds like an interesting idea. I’ll have to try it out!
Chrissie (thebusybaker.ca) says
I planted new mint this year (we recently moved) and it didn’t come up! But I was given some yesterday and I think I might just try this. Thanks for sharing!
Catherine says
Dear Allie, I am surprised how easy it is to make your own extract. I have so much mint this year…it’s growing wild! This would be perfect for all my winter baking. Saving for later. xo, Catherine
chrysta@noshed says
whoa this is awesome! I love making extracts. Mint is now on my list.
Julia says
What a great idea!! I have so much mint that grows in the summer so I should use it for this Mint Extract. I feel like this would be great to have for holiday baking around Christmas time!
Stephanie says
I LOVE this!!!! Mint is one of my favorite flavors 🙂
Laura @MotherWouldKnow says
I wish I had the “problem” of invasive mint. I love this idea so much I may have to go searching for a friend with a lot of mint and do a trade (I get the mint and will return a lovely container of extract when it’s done.)
Amy Basso | Amy's Apron says
What a great idea for Christmas gifts!
Sharon @ What The Fork Food Blog says
I’ve been meaning to make this with my mint! Like you, I just planted it in the ground and now it’s taking over
Eve says
This DIY mint extract will be a nice gift to give to my friends and the neighborhood. Thank you for sharing the recipe.
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