Making fresh peppermint extract at home allows you to enjoy a pure, natural flavor without synthetic additives. Here’s how:
Ingredients:
🪴1 cup fresh peppermint leaves (washed and dried completely)
🪴1 to 1.5 cups high-proof vodka (at least 40% alcohol)
🪴 A clean glass jar with a tight lid
🍃Optional: A dark glass bottle for storage
Instructions:
🪴Prepare the Peppermint:
* Rinse the fresh peppermint leaves under cool water and dry them thoroughly. Any moisture left on the leaves can dilute the extract or lead to spoilage.
* Gently crush or bruise the leaves using your hands or a muddler to release their natural oils.
🪴Combine Ingredients:
* Place the crushed peppermint leaves in a clean glass jar. Fill the jar loosely full with the leaves.
* Pour the vodka over the leaves, ensuring they are completely submerged. This prevents mold from forming.
🪴Seal and Shake:
* Secure the lid tightly on the jar and shake it well to mix the ingredients.
🪴Infusion Period:
* Store the jar in a cool, dark place (like a pantry) for at least 6–8 weeks. Shake the jar gently every few days to encourage infusion.
* The alcohol will slowly extract the oils and flavors from the peppermint leaves.
🪴Strain and Bottle:
* After the infusion period, strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean container to remove the leaves.
* Transfer the peppermint extract into a dark glass bottle to protect it from light and preserve its potency.
🪴Storage:
* Store your peppermint extract in a cool, dark place. It will last indefinitely due to the preservative nature of alcohol.