Homemade Crème de Menthe
A vibrant, sweet, and minty homemade liqueur that serves as a perfect digestif or a colorful addition to cocktails like the Grasshopper. This large-batch recipe requires patience to ripen but rewards you with a smooth, emerald-green spirit boasting intense peppermint flavor.
What it tastes like
The aroma is dominated by sharp, cool peppermint and a faint medicinal note from the grain alcohol. On the palate, the texture is heavy and viscous with intense sugar sweetness that coats the mouth. The finish provides a lingering cold sensation and a persistent syrupy aftertaste.
Flavour profile
Ingredients
- Granulated Sugar8 ml
- Water6 ml
- Grain Alcohol1 ml
- Pure Peppermint Extract1 oz
- Green Food Coloring1 tbsp
Preparation
- 1
Combine the sugar and water in a large saucepan.
- 2
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes to create a syrup.
- 3
Remove from heat and allow the syrup to cool completely.
- 4
Add the grain alcohol, peppermint extract, and green food coloring to the cooled syrup and stir well.
- 5
Transfer the mixture to a sealed container, cover, and let it ripen for 1 month before serving.
Substitutions
- Grain AlcoholVodka — Using vodka reduces the overall proof and provides a cleaner, more neutral finish.
- Granulated SugarDemerara Sugar — This swap adds a light caramel undertone and a darker hue to the liqueur.
- Peppermint ExtractFresh Mint Leaves — Steeping fresh mint yields a more complex, vegetal flavour but requires fine-straining.
- Green Food ColoringOmit — Leaving out the dye creates a clear liqueur commonly known as White Crème de Menthe.
Variations
Stinger
Stir two parts cognac with one part of this mint liqueur over crushed ice for a potent after-dinner drink.
Grasshopper
Shake equal parts of this liqueur, white crème de cacao, and heavy cream to create a rich, mint-chocolate dessert cocktail.