Homemade Mint Extract Recipe | Easy Garden-to-Pantry Flavoring

5 from 3 votes

Homemade Mint Extract Recipe | Easy Garden-to-Pantry Flavoring

Turn fresh garden mint into homemade mint extract with just two ingredients! This easy DIY pantry staple is perfect for baking, desserts, drinks, and thoughtful homemade gifts. Learn how to make mint extract the traditional homestead way and enjoy fresh mint flavor year-round.

Prep Time10

Steeping Time42

Total Time42 10

Course: Ingredient

Cuisine: American

Keyword: homemade mint extract, Mint Extract

Servings: servings

Calories: 36kcal

Author: Melissa Norris

Cost: Varies

Equipment

Mason jar
Strainer
Storage Bottles

Ingredients

1 cup fresh mint leaves
2 cups vodka Or rum. See notes below for non-alcoholic instructions.

Instructions

Pick your mint leaves in the morning when they have the highest concentration of oils in leaves. Rinse and pat dry.
Discard any burnt or damaged-looking leaves. Strip the leaves from the stem. Roll the leaves up between your fingers so they’re good and bruised (or you can roughly chop them).
Put the mint leaves inside your glass jar. You’re looking for about a 1:2 ratio of mint to alcohol. So for one cup of mint, I’ll add about two cups of rum, vodka or my non-alcoholic option (see notes below).
Add alcohol to completely submerge the mint leaves. Place lid on jar and give it a good shake.
Place the jar in a cupboard or on a shelf out of direct light, but somewhere you’ll remember to shake it every few days.
Let the mint leaves steep for at least six weeks. You can allow it to steep longer for a stronger flavored extract.
When the mint extract has reached its desired strength, strain out the mint leaves with a fine mesh colander or sieve and pour the remaining extract into a glass container.

Notes

How to Make Mint Extract Without Alcohol:

If you'd like to make a non-alcoholic mint extract, you can use either apple cider vinegar or glycerin.

For Apple Cider Vinegar - Combine 1 cup apple cider vinegar with 1 cup water. Use 1 cup fresh mint leaves or ½ cup dried. Add one to two tablespoons of honey and follow the instructions in the recipe card below.
For Glycerin - Combine three parts glycerin to one part distilled water in place of the alcohol (so if you need two cups of alcohol, use 1 ⅓ cups glycerin and ⅔ cup distilled water). Continue with the recipe in the recipe card as follows. Make sure you use food-grade glycerin like that one.

Recipe Tips and Troubleshooting:

If you are short on time for gifting, create a DIY homemade extract kit by giving one of these flip-top bottles with the filled Mason jar of seeping extract and instructions on when to strain it. This way you're teaching the person how to make their own DIY mint extract by just doing the first part for them. Now they'll have the jars to make it again and only have to purchase the ingredients when they run out!
Harvest mint before flowering for the strongest flavor.
Keep all leaves completely submerged to prevent spoilage.
Label jars with the preparation date.
Use rum if you prefer to avoid grain-based alcohols.
Let the extract steep longer for a more concentrated flavor.
Store the jar somewhere visible so you remember to shake it regularly.

Mint Extract Uses:

Homemade mint extract is one of those simple pantry staples that you'll find yourself reaching for throughout the year.

I love adding a splash when making brownies with this homemade brownie mix, a chocolate wacky cake, or the best chocolate buttercream frosting.

It's equally delicious when preparing this DIY hot chocolate mix, homemade whipped cream, this refreshing mint water recipe, coffee drinks, and lattes.

During the holidays, it's a wonderful addition to cookies and homemade candies, and if you make your own ice cream or cheesecake, a little mint extract can take those desserts to the next level.

Keep in mind that mint extract is quite concentrated, so a little goes a long way. Start with a small amount and add more if needed. Mint naturally complements chocolate and vanilla flavors, making it one of the most versatile extracts to keep on hand.

Storage Instructions:

Store your homemade mint extract in a tightly sealed glass bottle away from direct sunlight and heat. A pantry or cupboard works perfectly.

Because alcohol acts as a natural preservative, mint extract has an exceptionally long shelf life and can remain flavorful for several years when stored properly. Many homesteaders make enough to last through multiple baking seasons.

Nutrition