Cream of Mint

Ingredients

• 1 quart (946 ml) Grain alcohol or vodka (95% proof) (Spirits of wine refers to high-proof grain alcohol; vodka is a suitable modern substitute)
• 25 drops Food-grade peppermint essential oil (Must be food-grade essential oil)
• 3 drops Food-grade citron essential oil (Lemon oil can substitute if citron is unavailable)
• 1 quart (946 ml) Simple syrup (1:1 sugar to water ratio) (Equal parts sugar dissolved in water)
• 1 teaspoon (or to desired color) Green food coloring or natural green tincture (Adjust to achieve desired green hue; natural alternatives include chlorophyll or spinach extract)

Instructions

1. 1Pour the grain alcohol or vodka into a clean glass bottle or jar. Add 25 drops of peppermint oil and 3 drops of citron oil to the alcohol.
2. 2Seal the container tightly and shake vigorously for 2-3 minutes until the essential oils are fully dissolved and incorporated into the alcohol. The mixture should appear uniform.
3. 3Add the quart of simple syrup to the alcohol mixture. Add green food coloring gradually, starting with 1/2 teaspoon, until you achieve the desired green color. Stir or shake gently to combine.
4. 4Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth or coffee filter into a clean container to remove any undissolved particles. This may take 10-15 minutes for the liquid to pass through completely.
5. 5Pour the filtered liqueur into clean glass bottles using a funnel. Seal tightly with caps or corks. Label with the date and contents. Store in a cool, dark place. The liqueur will be ready to serve immediately but improves with age over 1-2 weeks.