Ingredients
- 5-6 fresh large mint sprigs, approximately a large bunch
- 750mL vodka
- Two large clean bottles or jars
- Cheesecloth or other fine strainer
- Funnel
Instructions
- Thoroughly wash mint sprigs, allowing to air dry, or pat dry carefully.
- In a large clean bottle or jar, add your fresh mint and vodka
- Seal the container and then give a gentle swirl to mix the ingredients.
- Store the infusion in a cool, dark place for approximately 3 to 4 days, giving the container a swirl for a few seconds each day.
- After the appropriate time has gone by, take a sample by pouring into a glass. If you want more of a cool, mint flavor, then allow the ingredients to steep longer.
- If the flavor meets your expectations, then carefully remove mint sprigs and discard.
- Funnel or pour the infused vodka into a second clean bottle, filtering with the cheesecloth or another strainer to filter out any particles.
- Carefully seal and store in a cool, dark place for up to two years.
You can enjoy the infused vodka straight away. You can also store unused vodka tightly sealed in a cool, dark place for approximately one to two years without flavor being affected, but it's best to discard it when the flavor starts to fade or no longer tastes quite right.
Variations of Mint-Infused Vodka
A mint-infused vodka is crisp and refreshing, but don't let that stop you from experimenting with both expected and unexpected flavor pairings.
- Infuse the mint with subtle spice notes by adding a tablespoon of cloves, two whole cinnamon sticks, three to four sprigs of fresh dill, basil, or rosemary, or five to six sage leaves or thyme sprigs.
- Opt for a fruity, refreshing vodka by including an unpeeled, sliced apple, pear, or peach, two to three whole, sliced lemons or limes, a whole, sliced orange, or a cup of peeled and cubed pineapple.
- Go the berry route with a cup of berries cut in half; you can use blackberries or raspberries.
- Make an even more refreshing and spa experience vodka by peeling and slicing one cucumber to add to the infusion.
- Explore floral notes by adding three to four lavender sprigs to your mint, or soften things up with a half to whole vanilla bean.
Mint-Infused Vodka Cocktails
A mint cocktail restores the soul and brings balance to the day. Best not to go without it. Thankfully, you have a full stock of mint vodka.
Watermelon Mint Cooler
Take a dip in the proverbial pool by cooling off with this cocktail.
Ingredients
- 1½ ounces mint-infused vodka
- ¾ ounce simple syrup
- ½ ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
- 3 ounces watermelon juice
- Ice
- Mint sprig for garnish
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, add ice, mint vodka, simple syrup, lime juice, and watermelon juice.
- Shake to chill.
- Strain into rocks glass over fresh ice.
- Garnish with mint sprig.
Mimi's Mint Martini
Keep it refreshing, elegant, and classy while never missing out on those refreshing mint notes in a martini.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces mint-infused vodka
- ¾ ounce dry vermouth
- Ice
- Lemon ribbon and shredded mint for garnish
Instructions
- Chill a martini glass or coupe.
- In a mixing glass, add mint vodka and dry vermouth.
- Stir rapidly to chill.
- Strain into chilled glass.
- Garnish with lemon ribbon and shredded mint.
Modern Grasshopper
Go bigger on the chocolate flavor in this spin on the classic grasshopper.
Ingredients
- Chocolate shavings and lemon wedge for rim
- 1½ ounces mint-infused vodka
- 1½ ounce white crème de cacao
- 2 ounces heavy cream
- Ice
Instructions
- Chill a martini glass or coupe.
- To prepare rim, rub the rim of the martini glass or coupe with the lemon wedge.
- With the chocolate shavings on a saucer, dip either half or the entire rim of the glass in the shavings to coat.
- In a cocktail shaker, add ice, mint vodka, white creme de cacao, and heavy cream.
- Shake to chill.
- Strain into prepared glass.
Vodka Mojito
Skip the muddling, skip the prep time, and skip straight to the good part in this mint vodka mojito.
Ingredients
- 4-6 fresh mint leaves
- 1-2 lime wedges
- 2 ounces mint-infused vodka
- ¾ ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
- ½ ounce simple syrup
- Ice
- Club soda to top off
- Mint sprig for garnish
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, add ice, mint leaves, lime wedges, mint vodka, lime juice, and simple syrup.
- Shake to chill.
- Pour, do not strain, into highball glass.
- Top off with club soda.
- Garnish with mint sprig.
Mixers for Mint Vodka Drinks
Less work can be better when you're looking for a quick drink to make; pair your mint vodka with one of these mixers.
- Plain club soda
- Flavored club soda, such as lemon, lime, coconut, vanilla, mango, peach, raspberry, or vanilla
- Ginger beer
- Ginger ale
- Tonic water
- Lemon juice
- Lime juice
- Pear nectar or juice
- Simple syrup
- Coconut water
- Lemon-lime soda
- Gin
- Rum
- Orange liqueur
Cooling Mint-Infused Vodka
Whether you make an Andes mint martini or another mint-flavored concoction, there's no better way to handle your sudden abundance of mint than mint-infused vodka. So take a load off with a splash of mint vodka on the rocks, or add a slice of lime and a little club soda for an instant mojito riff. It'll be the highlight of your day.
