Mint Liqueur

How is Mint Liqueur made?

Mint liqueur starts with fresh mint leaves—typically peppermint or spearmint—that are either macerated directly in neutral spirits or distilled to create a concentrated mint essence. The mint-infused alcohol is then blended with sugar syrup to achieve the desired sweetness level, with many producers adding natural or artificial coloring to create that signature bright green hue. Some premium brands use a combination of both maceration and distillation techniques, allowing them to capture both the bright, fresh mint oils and the deeper, more complex herbal compounds that develop during the steeping process.

How do you drink Mint Liqueur?

Mint liqueur shines brightest when mixed into cocktails rather than sipped neat, though it makes a refreshing digestif served chilled or over ice after a heavy meal. You'll find it starring in classic cocktails like the Grasshopper and Stinger, plus modern creations that play up its cooling properties alongside whiskey, rum, or vodka. The crisp, herbaceous character makes mint liqueur perfect for warm weather entertaining, holiday celebrations (especially around the winter holidays when peppermint flavors feel festive), and any time you want to add a bright, cooling element to your drink.

How do I choose good Mint Liqueur?

Start by considering whether you want the clean, cooling punch of peppermint or the warmer, more complex flavor of spearmint – peppermint works beautifully in chocolate-based drinks and holiday cocktails, while spearmint shines in fresh summer sippers and mojito variations. For classic cocktails like the Grasshopper or Stinger, go with a time-tested brand like Crème de Menthe, but if you're mixing modern craft cocktails, seek out artisanal options that offer more nuanced herbal notes and less artificial sweetness. Always taste before buying when possible, as mint liqueurs can range from candy-sweet to bracingly herbal, and match the intensity to your intended use – lighter, more delicate liqueurs work well in champagne cocktails, while bolder versions can stand up to dark spirits like whiskey or rum.

Nutritional Information

Typical Calorie Range per Ounce: 80-110 calories

Typical Carbohydrate Range per Ounce: 8-12 grams

Typical Sugar Range per Ounce: 7-11 grams

Typically Gluten Free: Yes

Most mint liqueurs are made from neutral grain spirits that have been distilled to remove gluten proteins, combined with mint extracts, herbs, and sugar. The distillation process typically removes gluten, making these liqueurs safe for most people with gluten sensitivities. That said, always check the specific product label and manufacturer information to confirm gluten-free status, especially if you have celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity. Some producers may use additives or flavorings that could introduce gluten into the final product.

Scrolled this far? Your reward? Mint Liqueur Trivia!

1. The original Crème de Menthe recipe from 1885 called for actual mint leaves to be macerated in grain alcohol for exactly 40 days, then filtered through crushed pearls and powdered silver to achieve that crystal-clear finish. Modern producers skip the precious metals, but some artisanal distilleries still use the 40-day steeping method.
2. Green mint liqueur gets its vibrant color from chlorophyll extracted directly from fresh mint plants, not artificial dye. The chlorophyll breaks down over time when exposed to light, which is why authentic green Crème de Menthe comes in dark bottles and gradually fades to yellow if stored improperly.
3. Peppermint schnapps was accidentally invented in 1920s Germany when a distillery worker mistakenly added ten times the normal amount of peppermint oil to a batch of neutral grain spirit. Instead of discarding the "ruined" batch, the master distiller tried it and realized the intense mint flavor paired perfectly with the higher alcohol content.
4. The famous Grasshopper cocktail was created in 1950s New Orleans specifically to mask the taste of medicine during Prohibition era hangovers. Bartenders discovered that mint liqueur combined with cream and chocolate liqueur made even the strongest medicinal tonics palatable, leading to its reputation as the "hangover cure cocktail."
5. Monks at the Abbey of Fécamp in France have been making mint liqueur since 1510 using a secret blend of 27 different mint varieties, including some species that grow exclusively in their monastery gardens. The recipe has never been written down and is passed orally from one monk to the next, making it one of the oldest unbroken distilling traditions in Europe.