Refreshing Cordial Peppermint Drink

There's something deeply satisfying about watching a jar transform over time, and that's exactly what happened the first time I made peppermint cordial. I'd bought a bundle of fresh mint from the farmers market on a whim, and instead of the usual tea routine, I decided to try infusing it into vodka. Two weeks later, I opened that jar to the most incredible minty aroma—it filled my entire kitchen and made me feel like I'd actually created something magical, not just mixed ingredients in a container.

I remember serving this cordial at a dinner party last winter, drizzled over vanilla ice cream, and watching my friend's face light up when she tasted it. She thought I'd bought it from some specialty liquor store, which made me laugh because honestly, I'd just been patient enough to let time do the heavy lifting. That moment made me realize homemade cordials aren't pretentious—they're just thoughtful.

Ingredients

• Fresh peppermint leaves (1 cup, 20 g): Make sure they're washed and gently packed—bruised leaves can turn bitter during steeping, and you want that clean, bright mint flavor to shine.
• Vodka (2 cups, 500 ml): Choose at least 40% ABV; higher proof extracts the mint oils faster and creates a crisper final product.
• Granulated sugar (1 cup, 200 g): This balances the intensity of the steeped peppermint and gives the cordial its signature smooth sweetness.
• Water (1 cup, 240 ml): Room temperature or slightly warm makes dissolving the sugar effortless.
• Natural green food coloring (2–3 drops, optional): This is purely for looks, but it does give that classic minty-green appeal that makes people want to taste it.

Instructions

Prepare and pack:

Place your washed peppermint leaves into a clean glass jar, packing them gently so they're just snug. You'll smell the mint release as you handle them—that's the signal you're working with fresh, quality herbs.

Submerge in vodka:

Pour the vodka over the leaves until they're completely covered, then seal the jar tightly. Any leaves poking above the liquid can oxidize or develop mold, so make sure everything stays submerged.

Steep with patience:

Store the jar in a cool, dark place for 1–2 weeks, giving it a gentle shake every few days. You'll notice the vodka gradually turning pale green and tasting increasingly minty as the days pass.

Strain the solids:

After steeping, pour the vodka through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean bowl, discarding the leaves. Don't squeeze the leaves—let them drain naturally to avoid bitterness.

Make the simple syrup:

Combine sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring until every grain of sugar has dissolved. This usually takes 3–5 minutes; let it cool completely to room temperature before mixing it in.

Marry the flavors:

Pour the cooled syrup into your strained peppermint vodka and stir thoroughly. Taste it here—this is the moment you can adjust sweetness or mint intensity if needed.

Add color (optional):

If you want that jewel-toned green hue, add just 2–3 drops of natural green food coloring and stir gently until the color is even.

Bottle and chill:

Transfer to a clean, sterilized bottle and store in the refrigerator or a cool, dark place. Serve it ice-cold, and it will stay fresh for months.

Save

There's a quiet joy in opening a bottle of something you made yourself, especially when it tastes like sophistication in a cordial glass. This cordial taught me that patience in the kitchen isn't about waiting—it's about trusting the process and letting time reveal flavors that couldn't be rushed.

Using Your Cordial

Once you've got a bottle of this made, you'll find endless uses for it. I've splashed it into hot chocolate on cold mornings, mixed it into mojitos and mint juleps, and poured it over vanilla ice cream for impromptu desserts. It's the kind of homemade ingredient that makes ordinary moments feel a bit more special, and guests always ask where you bought it.

Flavor Variations to Explore

If you want to experiment after mastering the basic recipe, spearmint creates a slightly milder, more floral version that some people prefer. You can also add complementary herbs like basil or a small amount of lavender during steeping for unexpected depth, though I'd suggest making the classic version first so you know what you're tweaking.

Storage and Shelf Life

Properly stored, this cordial lasts surprisingly well—the alcohol acts as a preservative, and the sugar helps too. Keep it in a dark glass bottle away from direct sunlight, and it will stay vibrant and delicious for at least a year, though honestly, it rarely lasts that long in my house.

• Store in the refrigerator for everyday use, or in a cool, dark cabinet if you're keeping it longer.
• Use a sterilized bottle to minimize any risk of contamination or flavor degradation.
• If you notice any cloudiness or off flavors developing, that's your signal to use it up in cooking or baking rather than sipping straight.

Save

Making cordial is proof that some of the best things come from simply showing up and waiting. This peppermint version has become one of my favorite ways to give homemade gifts, and it always arrives with a story attached.

Recipe FAQs

→ How long should the peppermint leaves steep?

Steeping for 1–2 weeks allows full flavor extraction, though extending up to 3 weeks intensifies the mint taste.

→ Can I use different types of mint?

Yes, substituting spearmint offers a milder, sweeter flavor while peppermint provides a stronger, sharper note.

→ What is the best vodka to use?

Using a high-proof vodka (at least 40% ABV) ensures better extraction and a clean, smooth infusion.

→ Is the syrup necessary in the process?

The simple syrup balances the herbal bitterness and adds sweetness, creating a harmonious taste profile.

→ How should the cordial be stored?

Once prepared, keep the cordial in a sterilized bottle refrigerated or in a cool, dark place, serving chilled for best flavor.

→ Can the cordial be used in other drinks or dishes?

It pairs wonderfully in cocktails, hot chocolate, coffee, or drizzled over ice cream and desserts for minty freshness.