How to Make Peppermint Extract from Leaves

You can make a peppermint extract from leaves of the peppermint plant. Peppermint extract is best when made from dried leaves rather than fresh leaves. Always choose the best quality organic peppermint leaves available. An extract can never be better than the plant material used to make it.

Instructions

• 1

  Macerate the Peppermint

  Chop, or macerate, 1/4 cup of dried peppermint leaves. This can be accomplished using a food processor, grinder, or mortar and pestle.

• 2

  Preparing the Extraction

  Place the chopped peppermint leaves in a sterile glass jar. Cover the peppermint leaves 1/2 cup vodka, apple cider vinegar, or glycerin. Any of these three liquids can be used with adequate results. Add 1/2 cup of filtered water. Cover with a tight fitting lid.

• 3

  Extracting the Peppermint

  Allow the peppermint to extract into the liquid for 2 weeks. Shake the mixture daily to aid in the extraction.

• 4

  Strain the Peppermint Leaves

  Strain the peppermint leaves from the liquid with a strainer, or cheese cloth. Discard the spent peppermint leaves. The components of the peppermint have now been extracted into the liquid and you can use this peppermint extraction alone or as a base for preparation of herbal syrups and honeys.