Peppermint extract is made from peppermint leaves, and adds a minty flavor and cooling effect to your recipes, whether they are baked goods, desserts, or teas. Peppermint extract is made in two ways: by diluting the essential oils with alcohol and by steeping and straining the leaves in alcohol.
Peppermint extract is widely available in supermarkets and comes in three varieties: natural, imitation, and artificial. Natural peppermint extract typically contains only three ingredients: peppermint oil, alcohol, and water.
Imitation and artificial peppermint extracts, on the other hand, contain artificial flavors and may or may not contain peppermint.
What is Peppermint?
Peppermint is a fragrant mint herb that is a cross between watermint and spearmint. It is abundant in Asia and Europe, and it has been widely used for years not only for the flavor it imparts, but also for the numerous health benefits it provides.
Peppermint is a fragrant mint herb that is a cross between watermint and spearmint.
Peppermint has a strong sweet aroma and a warm, cooling flavor. Aside from being a culinary herb, it is also found in toothpaste, candies, and other products.
Benefits of Peppermint
Peppermint is known to have a variety of health benefits. It can relieve indigestion and bloating because it relaxes the stomach muscles and improves the flow of the digestive system. According to research, peppermint can also help with headache symptoms and migraines.
Peppermint is known to have a variety of health benefits.
Peppermint is a popular flavoring in mouthwashes, kinds of toothpaste, and chewing gums due to its antibacterial properties and soothing smell.
Because of its main chemical component, menthol, peppermint steam may also help to unclog sinuses. It is regarded as a decongestant that aids in breathing when suffering from a cold.
13 Best Substitute For Peppermint Extract
Many recipes, particularly desserts and beverages, benefit from the addition of peppermint extract. But what if you don’t have any peppermint extract in your kitchen or at your local grocery store?
Worry no longer, because here is the best peppermint extract substitute that you can use in your recipes while still getting that cool mint flavor!
Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil is the most commonly used substitute for peppermint extract. It is widely available in herbal shops and grocery stores. Take note that for safe consumption, you must only purchase organic and chemical-free products.
This must be used with caution because it is very concentrated and may not produce the desired taste if more drops are used. It has a strong odor and a strong flavor. Begin with a few drops and gradually increase the amount until you achieve the desired taste.
Although peppermint oil is known to be beneficial for those suffering from irritable bowel syndrome, excessive consumption can cause nausea and heartburn. Ideally, 1 part peppermint oil should be substituted for 4 parts peppermint extract.
Mint Leaves
Mint leaves are a good substitute because they are widely available and relatively inexpensive. Mint leaves, on the other hand, have less menthol flavor.
This may not provide the same strong flavor as peppermint extract. It can be chopped into recipes and blends well in desserts and other dishes.
Mint leaves are also known to be high in Vitamin A.
Peppermint Syrup
Peppermint syrup is another popular substitute for peppermint extract. It has a slightly dense texture and is made from peppermint leaves, sugar, and water. It is commonly used in baking and beverages such as hot cocoa and warm mocha drinks.
It can be an excellent substitute for peppermint extract because it retains the extract’s cooling flavor and sweetness. Keep an eye on the amount of peppermint syrup you use, as too much can make your dish too sweet.
Herbal Mint Tea
Following on from the mint leaves, herbal mint tea is another possible substitute for peppermint extract. It is one of the most widely available substitutes, as it can be found in almost any grocery store near you.
You can use this in any dish you want by starting with a small amount and gradually increasing it until it reaches the desired taste.
Peppermint Schnapps
Peppermint schnapps can also be used in place of peppermint extract in beverages and some desserts. Peppermint schnapps is a drink made from peppermint leaves and pure grain alcohol that comes in green and colorless varieties.
However, use with caution because it contains alcohol and may not be suitable for children or those with allergies. It has a more subtle flavor and aroma than peppermint extract.
Instead of one teaspoon of peppermint extract, use three teaspoons of peppermint schnapps.
Basil
Basil leaves can also be used in place of peppermint extract. It is also a member of the mint family and has a strong aroma, but a slightly different taste than peppermint.
It is an excellent substitute if you want a sweet touch of peppermint and savory flavor in your dish or beverages, but if you want to tone down its flavor, simply dilute it.
Basil has a complex flavor and several varieties, with Thai basil being the most similar to the flavor and aroma of peppermint.
Spearmint Extract
Spearmint belongs to the same genus as peppermint but has less menthol flavor. Spearmint has a milder flavor than peppermint because it contains only 1% menthol, whereas peppermint contains 40% menthol. It gets its flavor from “carvone,” a chemical that gives it a sharp flavor.
This is a great substitute for hot beverages like teas, but if you don’t like the “toothpaste” flavor, you might want to look into other options.
Spearmint is also known for its health benefits due to its high antioxidant level, which aids in the prevention of diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and heart disease.
Watermint extract
As previously stated, peppermint is derived from a cross between watermint and spearmint. The amount of methanol in it affects the cooling effect. Watermint contains a high concentration of methanol, giving it a more cooling sensation.
Peppermint contains 40% menthol, while watermint contains 48%. As a result, you can only substitute it for peppermint extract if you dilute it properly to reduce the intensity of the flavor or simply add a few leaves to your recipes.
Mint Candy
Crushed mint candy is another readily available substitute for peppermint extract. This product contains a lot of sugar and preservatives.
This may be ideal for desserts and beverages, but it may not work in other savory recipes and is not a suitable substitute for people seeking a sugar-free and healthier alternative.
It can be used as a substitute by simply crushing it into a fine powder. It’s a less expensive and easier-to-find substitute for peppermint extract because it’s available almost everywhere.
Creme De Menthe
Creme de menthe, which translates to mint cream in French, can also be used in place of peppermint extract. It is a concentrated mint liquor made from mint leaves and grain alcohol that is typically added to beverages to give them a minty kick.
Because of its simple syrup base, it is a sweeter substitute than the others listed here, making it ideal for desserts and beverages. Replace 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract with 2 to 3 teaspoons of creme de menthe.
Vanilla Extract
Vanilla is a popular flavor that is enjoyed by almost everyone, and is used in a variety of dishes and baked goods. It tastes like sugary caramel and has a peppermint aroma.
Worry no longer, because vanilla extract will not disappoint you with its versatile flavor of sweetness, and just the right amount of bitterness.
Rosemary
Rosemary is in the same mint family as peppermint but has a completely different flavor. It is preferable to try other options before settling on this one.
Homemade Peppermint Extract
This is the best substitute for readily available peppermint extract because you can decide and adjust how strong the peppermint extract should be to suit your taste. However, this will take a long time, possibly even weeks, to produce good results.
You’ll need peppermint leaves and grain-proof alcohol for this, but vodka will suffice if you don’t have grain-proof alcohol. Wash and dry the peppermint leaves, preferably in the sun to remove excess moisture. When finished, cut them into smaller pieces and store them in a jar. Add alcohol to finish it off.
Replace the mint leaves every 3 to 4 weeks, depending on how strong you want the flavor to be. You will no longer have to be concerned if your local grocery stores or markets run out of peppermint extract, and you will be able to continue creating delicious dishes and beverages.
Peppermint Extract Substitute Related FAQs
What is the difference between peppermint oil and peppermint extract?
Peppermint oil has a stronger flavor than peppermint extract and is a more concentrated option that may not be ideal if used incorrectly. Use only one teaspoon of peppermint oil in place of 4 teaspoons of peppermint extract.
Is vanilla extract a good substitute for peppermint extract?
If your recipe, baked goods, or beverages do not require a strong mint flavor, vanilla extract is a good substitute. Vanilla extract has a mild flavor, whereas peppermint extract has a strong mint flavor that you will miss if you substitute vanilla extract.
How is peppermint different from mint?
Mint is the common name for plants in the Mentha family, which includes several species, one of which is peppermint.
Peppermint is a cross between spearmint and watermint. Because of its high methanol concentration, peppermint has the strongest flavor of all mint varieties.
The peppermint leaves are not used directly in recipes due to their strong flavor. [www.pediaa.com]
Is peppermint schnapps a suitable replacement for peppermint extract?
Yes, peppermint schnapps could be a good replacement for peppermint extract, especially in beverages. Substitute 3 to 4 teaspoons peppermint schnapps for 1 teaspoon peppermint extract.
What exactly is the distinction between peppermint schnapps and creme de menthe?
The most common mint-flavored liqueurs are peppermint schnapps and creme de menthe. They are made in the same way,
but peppermint schnapps have a stronger flavor, are less sweet, and contain more alcohol than creme de menthe. Creme de menthe, on the other hand, is often confused with being creamy due to its name, but the term creme only refers to the thickness due to the amount of sugar in it.
It is not suitable for drinking on its own and should be mixed with other beverages.
12 Science-Backed Benefits of Peppermint Tea and Extracts. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/peppermint-tea
Benefits, uses, forms, and precautions of peppermint. Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/265214