Refreshing Cordial Peppermint Drink (Printable Version)

Sweet peppermint cordial ideal for chilling, cocktails, or dessert toppings in just 20 minutes prep.

# What You'll Need:

→ Peppermint Base

01 - 1 cup fresh peppermint leaves, washed and lightly packed
02 - 2 cups vodka (minimum 40% ABV)

→ Syrup

03 - 1 cup granulated sugar
04 - 1 cup water

→ Optional

05 - 2 to 3 drops natural green food coloring

# Step-by-Step:

01 - Place peppermint leaves in a clean, sealable glass jar and pour vodka over to fully submerge the leaves.
02 - Seal the jar and store in a cool, dark place for 1 to 2 weeks, shaking gently every few days.
03 - After steeping, strain the vodka through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth, discarding the leaves.
04 - In a small saucepan, combine sugar and water; heat over medium, stirring until sugar dissolves. Allow to cool to room temperature.
05 - Mix the cooled syrup with the strained peppermint vodka, stirring thoroughly to combine.
06 - If desired, add 2 to 3 drops of natural green food coloring to achieve a minty hue.
07 - Transfer the cordial to a sterilized bottle using a funnel. Store in the refrigerator or a cool, dark place and serve chilled.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • You get to feel like a liqueur maker without any of the fussy equipment or expertise.
  • It's shelf-stable enough to keep on hand for unexpected guests, cocktails, or midnight dessert cravings.
  • Fresh peppermint transforms into something elegant and syrupy that tastes nothing like store-bought versions.
02 -
  • Steeping time matters more than you'd think—go too long and the peppermint can become medicinal or even slightly numbing instead of refreshing.
  • Always cool your syrup completely before mixing it into the vodka, or you risk the alcohol evaporating and throwing off your balance of sweet and minty.
03 -
  • Use the highest-proof vodka you can find—the alcohol helps extract mint oils more efficiently and creates a more concentrated final product.
  • If you're impatient, you can speed up steeping slightly by storing the jar in a slightly warmer spot, but don't rush it more than a few extra days or the flavor becomes one-dimensional.

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