DIY Mint Extract & How to Use it

Last Updated on October 30, 2024 by Michelle

DIY Mint Extract is unbelievably easy to make and so amazing to use.

I have no idea why mom always said something was coming out of her ears when she had too much of it, but if that rings true I definitely have mint coming out my ears this week. So it’s time to stock up on some DIY Mint Extract.

Read on for how to make your own DIY Mint Extract the easiest, simplest way possible…

Can I use mint stems to make DIY mint extract?

Not only will you save lots of time if you include your stems when making your DIY mint extract, it turns out that mint stems, especially the part closest to the leaves, have a really potent mint flavor.

So including the stems gives you a stronger mint flavor.

Many folks choose to remove the stems, afraid they might be slightly bitter, but honestly the different is that removing the stems leads to a slightly sweeter taste.

Because the stems are very fibrous texture, you wouldn’t want to use them in baking in any way that you’re not straining out the stems before eating or drinking your creation, but you’ll easily strain them out before bottling your DIY mint extract, so it’s fine to leave them in.

I just fold my stems into a nice handful and cut them–leaves, stems, and all–into small pieces into my mason jar.

Is mint extract the same as peppermint extract?

Officially, you want to call it “mint” extract if you’re mixing your mint varieties that you’re infusing. Call it “peppermint”extract if you’re straight up using only true peppermint mint. Otherwise, it’s all the same and tastes very much the same.

How can I use my DIY mint extract?

Most folks are set on vanilla as the only useful extract, but wow are they missing out.

Mint extract can be added to so many things. Just a few of my favorite ways to use my DIY mint extract:

Mint brownies
Mint chocolate chip protein shakes
Mint kombucha
Mint chocolate smoothies
Mint chocolate chip cookies

2 TB of mint extract is equivalent to 1 cup of fresh mint (or 1/2 cup of dried mint) in recipes like these:

DIY (Easy!) Mint Extract Recipe

It’s kinda silly to even call it a “recipe,” it’s so easy. But my recipe has a little time-saving hack included that makes it a piece of cake (so you can bake a mint chocolate cake a little sooner.)

DIY Mint Extract Ingredients

fresh mint
80 proof vodka

DIY Mint Extract Directions

Cut off many clippings from your mint plant, or if it’s the end of the season, cut them all off. You’ll need a good bit to fill a quart jar.
Using kitchen scissors, fold your stems over each other, so you can easily cut everything (leaves, stems, and all) into small chunks into a quart-size mason jar.
Pour vodka over your mint, adding more if needed to fill jar to the brim.
Place a well-sealed lid on jar. This is my favorite option.
Give your jar a good shake many times a day (or whenever you think of it) for many weeks, then occasionally for a few months, all while storing it in a cool, dark area.
Strain mint leaves and stem pieces and bottle your mint extract. These jars are perfect.

Notes on making DIY Mint Extract

You want to use 80 proof vodka
The brand name/price point of the vodka doesn’t matter at all, in my experience, so go for the cheap stuff.
Make this recipe with any amount of mint that you have, just going with a ratio of roughly 1 mint to 1 1/2 vodka.
Feel free to shorten or lengthen the steeping time, knowing that it will slightly weaken or strengthen your extract’s depth of flavor.
Feel free to use any variety of mint or even mix and match, if you grow multiple varieties like I do.
To lessen or increase your amount of DIY mint extract, feel free to use any variation of 1 parts mint to 1 1/2 parts vodka.
You’re welcome to remove each leaf by hand from the stems, of course, if you have a little more time on your hands. You may find that makes your final product slightly sweeter.
You can also try pulling each stem through a screen to remove the leaves, to save a little time, if you don’t want the stems in your jar.
If you have extra, DIY Mint Extract makes a wonderful gift. Especially if you include a mint recipe or two.

More pantry items you should be making yourself:

DIY Peanut Butter
DIY Taco Seasoning
DIY Salad Dressing
DIY Coke–a healthy drink in place of soda
The Cost of DIY Kombucha–you won’t believe how cheap it is to make!
Grab my 8-page Pantry Checklist (& lots of great Discount Codes!) for free.

–> Go here to grab my FREE 8-page Pantry Checklist, loaded with discount codes on my favorite things in my kitchen. You’ll be glad you did.

“When you have eaten and are satisfied, bless (praise) the Lord your God for the good land He has given you.” Deuteronomy 8:10

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