Peppermint Extract Recipe

Peppermint is one of my favorite flavors, especially during the holiday season. I also love peppermint throughout the rest of the year because of the cool, refreshing taste. Over the summer, I grew my own peppermint in my garden. I dried some of the leaves in my oven at the lowest temperature possible to make my own peppermint tea this winter. Because I like baking with peppermint during the Christmas season, I also used a bowl of fresh peppermint leaves to distill my own peppermint extract. Making extract takes at least two months, but the results are well worth the time! Extracts are also expensive, so I save a ton of money by making my own.

Ingredients

• Fresh peppermint leaves
• Plain vodka

Materials

• Herb scissors or knife
• Mason jars with lids
• Coffee filters

Directions

1. Pick the peppermint leaves from the plant.
2. Wash the leaves in cold water.
3. Chop the clean leaves into small pieces using herb scissors or a knife.
4. Fill a mason jar with the chopped peppermint.
5. Pour plain vodka over the peppermint, covering the leaves completely. If the leaves are not completely covered, the uncovered leaves may mold.
6. Put the lid on the jar.
7. Store the jar in a cool, dark place for at least two months. Shake the jar occasionally, making sure all the leaves remain covered with vodka.
8. After a minimum of two months, filter the leaves from the extract by pouring the liquid through a coffee filter.
9. Use the homemade peppermint extract for baking, hot cocoa, and other peppermint-infused treats.
10. Store the peppermint extract in a cool, dark place.

 

 

 

 

For ideas for using the homemade peppermint extract, check out my peppermint recipes.

Image Credits

Peppermint Extract Recipe © 2018 Heather Johnson
Fresh Peppermint for Peppermint Extract © 2018 Heather Johnson
Peppermint Leaves for Peppermint Extract © 2018 Heather Johnson
Chopping the Peppermint for Peppermint Extract © 2018 Heather Johnson
Soaking the Peppermint in Vodka for Peppermint Extract © 2018 Heather Johnson
Soaked Peppermint Leaves for Peppermint Extract © 2018 Heather Johnson
Filtering the Peppermint Extract © 2018 Heather Johnson
Filtering More Peppermint Extract © 2018 Heather Johnson
Peppermint Extract © 2018 Heather Johnson