Don't Spend a Mint on Mint Extract

How to Make Mint Extract

There is nothing more frustrating than looking at a a recipe you really want to make, and realizing there are a bunch of expensive ingredients involved.  Extracts are a prime example of this, and from vanilla to lemon you want to make sure you have the good stuff.  The good news is, you can make a lot of these in your own kitchen.  With the holidays right around the corner, we’re really excited about mint extract right now, and if you’ve ever grown it you’ll know that you often have so much on hand, you’re not quite sure what to do with all of it.  But have no fear, in the above we’ll show you how to make your very own mint extract at home. Peppermint bark and mint chocolate chip cookies here you come!

Ingredients:

• Three large handfuls of mint (spearmint, chocolate mint, etc…)

• Vodka

 Special Equipment:

• 8 oz mason jar

Instructions

1. Pick the mint leaves off the stems and wash them.

2. Lay the leaves onto a paper towel and allow to dry completely. You don’t want any water in your extract.

3. Gently squeeze the mint to release the essential oils and pack it tightly into the mason jar.

4. Pour vodka over to cover and secure the lid onto the jar. Turn and tilt the jar a couple times and place it in a dark cupboard.

5. Allow the extract to sit for 6 weeks for great flavor and then strain out the leaves.