Cordial Peppermint Sweet Liqueur

I made my first batch of peppermint cordial on a humid July afternoon when the mint in my garden had taken over the back fence. The house smelled like a candy cane factory for days. I gave a bottle to my neighbor, and she told me weeks later she'd been sneaking capfuls straight from the fridge every night before bed.

One winter I stirred a spoonful into hot chocolate for friends after a long walk in the cold. Nobody said much at first, just cupped their mugs and stared into the steam. Then someone asked if I could make another bottle before the holidays.

Ingredients

• Fresh peppermint leaves: Use the brightest, most fragrant sprigs you can find because they carry the whole flavor of this cordial.
• Vodka: Choose something clean and strong, at least 40% ABV, so it pulls every bit of oil and sweetness from the mint.
• Granulated sugar: This balances the sharp alcohol and the coolness of the mint without fighting either one.
• Water: It turns the sugar into syrup and softens the final cordial just enough to make it sippable.
• Green food coloring (optional): A couple of drops give it that classic mint green look, but the taste is perfect without it.

Instructions

Start the infusion:

Tuck the peppermint leaves into a clean glass jar and pour the vodka over them until theyre completely covered. Seal it tight and tuck it somewhere cool and dark.

Let it steep:

Leave the jar alone for one to two weeks, shaking it gently every few days when you remember. Youll see the vodka turn pale green and smell like summer.

Strain the mint:

Pour everything through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a bowl. Press the leaves lightly to get the last drops, then toss them.

Make the syrup:

Heat the sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium until the sugar dissolves completely. Let it cool to room temperature before doing anything else.

Combine and color:

Stir the cooled syrup into the strained mint vodka until its smooth and sweet. Add a few drops of green coloring if you want that jewel tone look.

Bottle and store:

Use a funnel to pour the cordial into a sterilized bottle. Keep it in the fridge or a cool cupboard and serve it cold.

Save

I keep a bottle in the freezer now and pour it over vanilla ice cream when I want something that feels fancy but took almost no effort. The cold makes it syrupy and the mint wakes up every bite.

How to Use It

This cordial is stunning in cocktails, especially anything with chocolate or coffee. I love it in hot drinks during winter and over ice with soda water in the summer. A small drizzle over brownies or into whipped cream turns dessert into something people remember.

Adjusting the Flavor

If you want a bolder mint punch, let it steep for up to three weeks or add more leaves at the start. Spearmint gives a softer, sweeter flavor if peppermint feels too sharp. Taste it after you add the syrup and adjust sweetness with a little more sugar dissolved in warm water if needed.

Storage and Shelf Life

This cordial keeps for months in the fridge and even longer in the freezer where it stays perfectly pourable. The alcohol preserves it beautifully, so you dont have to rush through the bottle.

• Always use sterilized bottles to avoid any off flavors or spoilage.
• Label your bottle with the date so you remember when you made it.
• Give it a gentle shake before pouring if it sits for a long time.

Save

This recipe taught me that patience tastes better than anything you can rush. Make a batch, tuck it away, and let time do the work.

Recipe FAQ

→ How long should I steep the peppermint leaves?

Steeping typically lasts 1–2 weeks to fully extract mint flavors, but extending to 3 weeks intensifies the taste.

→ Can I use spearmint instead of peppermint?

Yes, spearmint can substitute for a milder, sweeter mint character with a gentler aroma.

→ What is the best vodka to use?

Use a high-proof vodka with at least 40% ABV to effectively extract peppermint oils, ensuring a smooth finish.

→ How should I store the finished cordial?

Store in a sterilized bottle, kept refrigerated or in a cool, dark place to preserve freshness and flavor longevity.

→ Can I add color to the liqueur?

Yes, a few drops of natural green food coloring can provide a classic minty hue without altering flavor.

→ What are some serving suggestions?

Serve chilled alone, mix into cocktails, or drizzle over desserts like ice cream or hot chocolate for a refreshing twist.