This simple homemade mint extract only requires two ingredients.

I have always made homemade vanilla extract. It is so much simpler and cheaper than store-bought extract. With the holiday season coming up, I decided to play around with some different extracts! You can use this method to replicate any extract you would purchase at the grocery store. Next, I want to try out lemon extract to have on hand for springtime baking!

While we’re in the winter season, though, I am excited to share this simple mint extract with y’all! I am planning on using it for a few different things, from mint-flavored marshmallows to mint ice cream. I think this would be great for flavored whipped cream as well! People have even made their own toothpaste and mouthwashes with homemade mint extracts. That might have to be another project I try out soon!

The only two ingredients you need are 1) 80+ proof vodka and 2) mint leaves. You can use peppermint or any other variety of mint – though keep in mind the flavor will vary based on what you choose!

Start with 1/2-1 cup of washed and dried mint leaves. Fill a very clean pint jar with the leaves and fill the rest of the way with vodka. Shake well. Make sure that all of the leaves are covered so that they won’t mold. The alcohol will preserve the leaves at room temperature perfectly, but anything exposed to oxygen is at risk for mold! Just like fermentation, keep it all under the liquid line.

Next, you want to wait 1-2 months before you use your homemade mint extract! Store the extract in a dark, relatively cool, or moderate-temperature space. I like to shake up the jar occasionally if I see it, but this step is certainly not necessary.

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Homemade Mint Extract

Mint extract is a delicious, inexpensive addition to your holiday baking cupboard. Use in everything from marshmallows to whipped cream to toothpaste recipes.

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Equipment

• 1 Pint Jar clean

Ingredients

• 1/2-1 cup mint leaves
• 1 1/2-2 cups 80+ proof vodka

Instructions

• Start with 1/2-1 cup of washed and dried mint leaves.
• Fill a very clean pint jar with the leaves and fill the rest of the way with vodka.
• Shake well.
• Make sure that all of the leaves are covered so that they won’t mold.
• The alcohol will preserve the leaves at room temperature perfectly, but anything exposed to oxygen is at risk for mold! Just like fermentation, keep it all under the liquid line.
• Next, you want to wait 1-2 months before you use your homemade mint extract!
• Store the extract in a dark, relatively cool, or moderate-temperature space.

Notes

I like to shake up the jar occasionally if I see it, but this step is certainly not necessary.

This is an amazing gift for Christmas time as well! I think it would be such a sweet idea to bundle with a few other homemade extracts, along with some homemade candied pecans and cloth napkins (tutorials for both coming soon)!

Give this mint extract a try and let me know how it goes in the comments below! I would love to see photos of what you make with it over on Instagram @makeshifthomestead.

Talk to y’all again soon!