Garden-Inspired Cocktails

After Dinner Mint Cocktail Recipe – CRÈME DE MENTHE

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There’s nothing cozier or classier than an after-dinner cocktail by the fire on a cold winter’s night. And whether you are preparing drinks for a crowd or simply looking to sweeten up a simple night in, our homemade crème de menthe is a garden-fresh digestif that’s sure to please. 

Traditionally, crème de menthe is a neon green concoction that belongs on a spaceship as much as in a coup glass. This recipe omits artificial ingredients and coloring, opting instead for fresh, home-grown mint and a touch of simple syrup for sweetness. It totally changes the way we think about liqueurs. 

HELPFUL HINTS

Plan ahead. If you want to serve this at tonight’s dinner party, you are, unfortunately, out of luck. Mint leaves steep directly into vodka overnight, so you’ll need to get started on this at least one day in advance. 

Pick the right vodka. The vodka you pick as the base determines the flavor of your finished product. Be sure that you’re picking something nicer (we recommend Tito’s) for a smooth and satisfying finish. 

Patience is key. Take your time! Aside from the overnight steeping, you will need to let your syrup cool completely before adding it into your vodka. Adding it in too early will lead to a funky taste (and potentially a funky texture). You should also let it sit in the fridge for a few hours if you plan on serving it cold. Serve creatively. This recipe is good enough to enjoy on its own, but that doesn’t mean you have to! We recommend adding a splash to some hot chocolate or serving with club soda for a fun and festive beverage.

After Dinner Mint Cocktail Recipe - CRÈME DE MENTHE
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After Dinner Mint Cocktail Recipe – CRÈME DE MENTHE

Recipe by GardenuityCourse: DrinksCuisine: FrenchDifficulty: Easy
Servings

5

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

6

hours 
Calories

560

kcal

Ingredients

  • 750 milliliters vodka

  • 1 ¼ cups fresh mint, divided

  • 1 cup water

  • 1 ½ cups sugar

  • ¼ cup fresh mint

Directions

  • Take about a cup of fresh mint and pound it a few times with your hands to release the mint oils in the leaves. Add the mint to a large container with the vodka.
  • Let vodka steep overnight.
  • The next day, strain out the mint leaves from the vodka. Be sure to get all the leaves as any leftovers will go rancid in the vodka over time
  • In a small pot, combine water, sugar, and 1/4 cup fresh mint. Stir together and bring to a simmer over medium heat to dissolve sugar.
  • When sugar is dissolved, kill the heat and let cool. Once cool, strain out mint and add sugar to the vodka.
  • Optionally, add a few drops of green food coloring to the infused drink to give it that bright green color.