I always feel a little extra trashy when I drag a big old bottle of the world’s cheapest vodka up to the register at the liquor store.

There’s this urge to explain myself.

“It’s not what you think! I’m not trash, I promise! It’s for extracts. Yes, extracts. No, I don’t actually drink this stuff…honest.”

Honest.

Would I actually drink something that has a wolf on the label?

Well, maybe I would.

But not in this case. I couldn’t tell you what good vodka tastes like because I’m a beer gal. But I can tell you that when it comes to homemade extracts, you don’t have to be a snob! Nope, you can buy the cheapest stuff there is. Because it doesn’t matter. Isn’t that great? You too can raise judgemental eyebrows! (If you didn’t need help there already).

So join me. Buy the biggest, ugliest bottle of vodka you can find, and let’s make some mint extract. Because just around the corner is hot chocolate season. Baking season. Warm up the house with a pan of brownies spiked with mint season.

Let’s go.

Homemade Mint Extract

Ingredients:

• 1 cup packed fresh mint leaves
• 1 pint vodka

Directions:

1. Select a pint jar with a tight fitting lid (canning jars work great).
2. Bruise or chop the mint leaves to extract the oil. You can do this by gently crushing them between your fingers or mashing with the bottom of a cup, or simply chopping them with a knife. Place the leaves into the jar.
3. Pour the vodka over the leaves and give the jar a gentle swirl. You will notice the leaves floating at first; they will sink eventually.
4. 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).
5. 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.

Use 1/2 teaspoon of extract in chocolate cake, brownies, or other chocolate desserts.

Add a dash to your hot chocolate.

Use to flavor homemade candy, meringue, frostings, and more! Start small, and add more as needed.

Enjoy.

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