Easy Chocolate Mint Extract Recipe - Just Three Ingredients (2024)

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Do you like the taste of chocolate and peppermint together? Then you should enjoy this easy chocolate mint extract recipe. It's made in a similar manner to the vanilla, almond and lemon extracts. (Check out the other homemade extract recipes here.) I use the chocolate mint plant as the basis for my extract, but peppermint will also work in combination with cacao nibs.

Easy Chocolate Mint Extract Recipe - Just Three Ingredients (1)

Homemade extracts are great for holiday gift giving. The flavor gets stronger the longer you allow the extract to steep, so make sure to plan for at least 6 weeks of infusion. I haven't purchased commercial mint extract in years.

You can use your homemade chocolate mint extract for all sorts of things. Add a little to your brownies, hot chocolate or hot chocolate eggnog, ice cream, homemade peppermint patties – use your imagination!

Easy Chocolate Mint Extract Recipe - Just Three Ingredients (2)

Easy Chocolate Mint Extract Recipe

Ingredients

80 Proof (40% alcohol by weight) vodka

Fresh chocolate mint leaves -OR- Fresh peppermint leaves

1 tablespoon of cacao nibs

Directions

Harvest mint in the morning after the dew has cleared. Remove any spoiled leaves and debris, rinse with cold water if needed and pat dry. Keep in mind that any excess water will dilute the extract and may lead to spoilage. Get your leaves nice and dry before chopping them for extract. We've have a LOT of rain here recently, so I didn't bother with a rinse.

I snip off the tender tops, and then strip the rest of the mint leaves from the stem by running my hand from top to bottom. Chop the mint leaves coarsely to create more surface area. A little rough handling/smashing as you pack them in the jar also helps release the oils.

Place chopped mint leaves in a small jar, enough so that the jar is filled but there is still some room for the leaves to wiggle and the booze to fit in. (I used a recycled jam jar, but a cup or half cup canning jar would work well, too.)

Add 1 tablespoon of cacao nibs per cup jar for chocolate mint extract, if you are using peppermint leaves, or if you'd like to add a little more chocolate flavor to your chocolate mint.

Fill jar with vodka to cover the mint leaves. Place lid on jar. Store out of direct sunlight, stirring or shaking daily, for 6-8 weeks. Longer is better if you have the time.

Strain out the mint leaves and cacao nibs with a fine mesh strainer, cheesecloth or flour sack towel. Store in a dark bottle out of direct sunlight. Order a set of 4 ouncedark bottles here.

Easy Chocolate Mint Extract Recipe - Just Three Ingredients (3)

Experiment with Other Mint Extracts

You can use a similar method with whatever sort of mint you have on hand. (I do think catmint might taste a little funny.) Spearmint, gingermint and applemint would be lovely, I'm sure. (There are over 600 varieties of mint, so you have a lot of options.) Don't have fresh mint? You can also make mint extract with dried mint. Can't find chocolate mint at your local nursery? Via the wonder of the internet, you can order a chocolate mint plant online.

Once you've established an herb garden, or even tucked in a few herb plants here and there (many of mine are free range, like chickens, and wander around the yard), you can enjoy years of harvests. Mints do like to spread, so plant them in a pot, or where they have plenty of room to grow or where you can mow around them to keep them in check. I made up this extract after we had already had our first fall frosts. (These plants are tough.) On the same day I filled the dehydrator with chocolate mint, catnip and spearmint. (Chocolate mint makes wonderful herbal tea!)

What's your favorite low maintenance herb, and how do you like to use it? It's always a pleasure to exchange information and get new ideas from our readers.

You may also find useful:

  • How to Make Liquid Sweetener from Homegrown Stevia – Homemade Stevia Extract
  • How to Make Homemade Extracts – Vanilla, Lemon and Almond
  • Apple Scrap Vinegar – Get More Out of Your Apple Harvest

Printable Version of Chocolate Mint Extract Recipe

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Easy Chocolate Mint Extract Recipe

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Easy chocolate mint extract made with fresh mint leaves and cacao nibs.

Ingredients

Scale

80 Proof (40% alcohol by weight) vodka

Fresh chocolate mint leaves

-OR-

Fresh peppermint leaves and 1 tablespoon of cacao nibs

Instructions

Harvest mint in the morning after the dew has cleared. Remove any spoiled leaves and debris, rinse with cold water if needed and pat dry. Keep in mind that any excess water will dilute the extract and may lead to spoilage. Get your leaves nice and dry before chopping them for extract. We've have a LOT of rain here recently, so I didn't bother with a rinse.

I snip off the tender tops, and then strip the rest of the mint leaves from the stem by running my hand from top to bottom. Chop the mint leaves coarsely to create more surface area. A little rough handling/smashing as you pack them in the jar also helps release the oils.

Place chopped mint leaves in a small jar, enough so that the jar is filled but there is still some room for the leaves to wiggle and the booze to fit in. (I used a recycled jam jar, but a cup or half cup canning jar would work well, too.)

Add 1 tablespoon of cacao nibs per cup jar for chocolate mint extract, if you are using peppermint leaves, or if you'd like to add a little more chocolate flavor to your chocolate mint.

Fill jar with vodka to cover the mint leaves. Place lid on jar. Store out of direct sunlight, stirring or shaking daily, for 6-8 weeks. Longer is better if you have the time.

Strain out the mint leaves and cacao nibs with a fine mesh strainer, cheesecloth or flour sack towel. Store in a dark bottle out of direct sunlight.

Notes

Use in your favorite recipes that call for mint extract, or anywhere you'd like a little chocolately-minty flavoring.

Easy Chocolate Mint Extract Recipe - Just Three Ingredients (5)

Originally posted in 2014, updated in 2017.

Easy Chocolate Mint Extract Recipe - Just Three Ingredients (2024)

FAQs

Why did my mint extract turn brown? ›

The weather being too hot in my location – While most instructions for homemade mint extract stated that it should be done at room temp in a dark spot (or some in the sunshine….

What is chocolate mint made out of? ›

Chocolate mint is a close relative to ordinary peppermint (Mentha piperita). This hybrid is formed by crossing M. citrata (orange mint) with M. piperita to make the 'Chocolate' cultivar.

How long does homemade mint extract last? ›

Store in a cool, dry, dark place (such as a cupboard) and swirl once a day for at least 4 weeks (or longer, if you prefer a stronger extract). Strain out the leaves and pour the extract into a dark jar or other container (exposing your extract to light can decrease shelf life). Will keep for up to 6 months.

What is chocolate mint extract used for? ›

However, its addition to basically any recipe already continuing chocolate is destined to be delicious. I am particularly fond of adding it to hot chocolate & brownies. Chocolate mint also makes delicious tea -- simply dry the leaves & flowers, or steep it fresh on its own for a lovely cup.

Is there a difference between mint extract and peppermint extract? ›

Mint extract is a mixture of spearmint and peppermint, whereas peppermint extract is just that. Whether you prefer the subtle flavor of spearmint or the in-your-face flavor of peppermint, we have a recipe to suit your taste. Below, we've shared some of our favorite mint recipes.

Can you have too much mint extract? ›

Its side effects are claimed to be usually mild and minimally toxic (gastro esophageal reflux, heartburns, nausea, vomiting, allergic reactions and diarrhea). High doses could be hepatotoxic[2] and nephrotoxic (rarely interstitial nephritis and acute renal failure).

What's the difference between peppermint and chocolate mint? ›

Chocolate mint is a cultivar of peppermint, a cultivar being a strain cultivated specifically for a few desirable characteristics—in the case of chocolate mint, the pretty brown hue of its stems and an aroma that's been compared to Andes mints (the chocolate-peppermint candy that your grandparents liked to keep in the ...

What does mint chocolate do to your body? ›

Chocolate Mint contains several vitamins and minerals that can aid your immune system and reduce chronic inflammation. Its refreshing flavour, like other mints, awakens the mind, increasing focus and cognitive function. Its soothing qualities may aid digestive function and relieve breathing problems.

What can I use chocolate mint leaves for? ›

With its tantalizing aroma, chocolate mint makes a great addition to an array of desserts including mousse, custard, and ice cream. It also makes lovely flavored ice cubes and is a fun addition to popsicles.

What are the side effects of mint extract? ›

What Do We Know About Safety? Peppermint oil appears to be safe when taken orally (by mouth) or applied topically in the doses commonly used. Peppermint oil has been safely used in many clinical trials. Possible side effects of peppermint oil taken orally include heartburn, nausea, abdominal pain, and dry mouth.

What are the ingredients in mint extract? ›

Natural peppermint extract includes minimal ingredients: alcohol, peppermint oil, and sometimes, water. Imitation and artificial extracts contain artificial flavorings.

Can you make extract without alcohol? ›

Flavoring extracts are typically made with vodka, bourbon or some other type of alcohol, but they can be made without alcohol. The alcohol flavor may not be desirable if you are adding it to a recipe that doesn't cook it out.

Why is chocolate mint so good? ›

The mint touches the lighter side of your pallet, while the chocolate provides a full-bodied texture with a sweet and bitter combination to create a delectable flavor many people love.

What is chocolate mint flavor? ›

As its name suggests, Chocolate mint is a variety of mint that has nuances of chocolate in both fragrance and flavor. Subtle notes of cocoa and vanilla mix with a traditional spicy mint finish. When grown in sufficient sunlight, the lush green leaves even develop burgundy veins to match the chocolate-colored stems.

Is mint bad if it turns brown? ›

Mint leaves turn brown due to low environmental humidity (common in many homes during winter), improper watering (too much or too little), lack of nutrients and pests/diseases such as fungal infections.

How can you tell if peppermint extract is bad? ›

The signs of spoilage in peppermint extract are often evident through changes in smell, taste, and appearance. An off odor—that is, any smell that deviates from the characteristic minty scent—can indicate the extract has gone bad.

What does mint look like when it goes bad? ›

Those that are wilted or discolored have likely reached their end. Giving the leaves a sniff is a key indicator to tell if the mint can still be used. If the mint smells fresh with the standard mint smell, it's likely fine, but if the smell has faded or there's a rotting odor, it's time to get a fresh bunch of mint.

Why does my mint have rust? ›

Mint rust is a disease caused by the fungus Puccinia menthae. Mint rust infects several mint species as well as some related plants including marjoram and savory. Mint rust symptoms can be expected from spring until autumn. Mint rust - discoloured spots on the upper leaf surface, corresponding to...

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