Peppermint extract is now getting popular for its unique, refreshing, and versatile minty flavor. It is different from its close cousin mint extract in having a stronger aroma, while a pure and milder flavor profile. However, sometimes finding this flavor enhancer is quite challenging because of its higher demand. Thereby, you must look for the best peppermint extract substitute.
Peppermint extract conveys a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, minty, and peppery flavors to a number of sweet treats. It also lends refreshing yet exciting aromatic sensations to the baked creations that’re incredibly appealing and appetizing.
Substituting peppermint extract isn’t a big deal if you have a collection of alternatives and know how to replace them in a recipe. Here, we’ll guide you about some essential replacements for peppermint extract, where and how to use them. So, let’s get started.
Peppermint Extract Substitute
All baking lovers have peppermint extract on hand as it makes a usual food recipe incredibly flavorful, delicious, and refreshing. Its irresistible minty scent and aromatic notes seem irreplaceable and unique.
However, a lot more exciting ideas are always out there to make interesting and amazing substitutions. The same goes for peppermint extract.
Most of the time, people are craving something different from a mint flavor or they may not be good fans of mint flavor. What they can do?
Well, here’s we have got some really great and working ingredients that you can use instead of peppermint extract. In the later section, we’ll also tell you some non-minty peppermint extract substitutes.
All the given peppermint extracts are closest to the original thing and make your simple recipe just out of this world. So, let’s try them out one by one.
1. Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil is not the same as peppermint extract yet a closer relative. It is a concentrated, aromatic, and pronounced oil that infuses your baked items a delicious peppery and minty flavor notes.
For substitution, use ¼ teaspoon in place of one teaspoon of peppermint extract. Otherwise, it can also overpower the dish making it unpleasant and inedible.
Peppermint oil makes a good replacement in doughs, desserts, and other sweet baked creations.
2. Peppermint Syrup
Peppermint syrup is also the closest and similar candidate derived from the peppermint plant. The final mouthfeel of both the peppermint syrup and extract is similar as they stimulate the taste buds equally.
However, the difference may come in their consistency and so the quantity to be used in a recipe.
Peppermint syrup is prepared from peppermint leaves, sugar, and water to give an ideal flavoring agent. Because of this added sugar, use it in a lesser quantity in your baked goods.
Replace one teaspoon of peppermint extract with ½ teaspoon of peppermint syrup and it pairs great this way. Peppermint syrup works well in refreshing beverages, cocktails and desserts.
3. Spearmint Extract
Spearmint is another deserving alternative for peppermint extract and is often used interchangeably in various recipes. It is a flavorful herb mostly used to prepare peppermint extract.
Spearmint extract lacks the characteristic peppery, minty, and refreshing sensations of peppermint. It’s more on the sweet side and thus goes perfect in sweet treats, beverages, and desserts instead of peppermint extract.
Use 1:1 ratio of spearmint extract and make your usual baking experience extraordinary and unmatchable.
4. Peppermint Schnapps
Peppermint schnapps is a perfect combination of alcoholic beverages and peppery, minty mouthfeels. It’s a clear, distilled, stronger, and flavorful spirit that you can use in place of peppermint extract.
Another alcoholic beverage white Crème de Menthe is also similar to peppermint extract offering a smooth and balanced flavor profile.
Cut their quantity in your respective recipe as compared to peppermint extract as they can unintentionally bold the overall flavor.
5. Watermint Extract
The right proportion of Watermint and spearmint extract gives peppermint extract. So, one can also use Watermint as a peppermint replacement in recipes. Indeed, it’s an easiest and most handy option to try.
Watermint extract is full of refreshing and cooling minty notes with a bit stronger flavor profile. So, dilute it by using a few drops of water before replacing peppermint extract in your next baking item.
6. Herbal Mint Tea
Herbal mint tea is easiest to find and use to get a similar mint flavor, like peppermint extract. It’s usually available in every home kitchen and seems a good alternative to peppermint extract.
You can try this option if nothing seems suitable and worthy to be used in your particular dish recipe. Adjust its quantity and flavor by adding it in intervals until you get your expected outcomes.
Peppermint Extract Substitutes | |
Ingredients | Best For? |
Peppermint Oil | Doughs and desserts |
Peppermint Syrup | Beverages and cocktails |
Spearmint Extract | Baked goods and desserts |
Peppermint Schnapps | Cocktails and sweet treats |
Herbal Mint Tea | Desserts |
Non-Minty Peppermint Extract Substitute
After considering all the possible replacements for peppermint extract, it’s time to discuss some ingredients without mint flavor. This is because some people don’t like mint as much as others.
So, the following substitutions are for those people who are looking for something different instead of peppermint extract with the same flavor versatility. Let’s count them.
1. Basil
Basil is a common culinary herb obtained from the same mint family. Although it’s a member of the mint family, it doesn’t have a characteristic and pronounced minty flavor. However, it has a stronger aroma with sweet and savory combinations of peppery flavor.
Basil is a worthy candidate to make a usual try if anyone wants to get something unique and different from a usual routine. It works great as a non-minty peppermint extract alternative in desserts.
2. Rosemary
Rosemary is another great, versatile, and evergreen non-minty ingredient that you can use in place of peppermint extract. It lends a delicious combination of citrusy, sweet, woodsy, and peppery notes to the sweet treats.
The flavor and aroma of rosemary differ greatly from peppermint extract. So, it’s a great substitute for people who are looking for unique baking and cooking experience.
3. Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extract is all-time available on the pantry and common as a flavorful taste enhancer. If peppermint extract isn’t on hand or you want to avoid mint flavor in desserts, simply switch it with vanilla extract.
You May Also Read: Best Substitutes for Vanilla Bean Paste
Use 1:1 ratio of vanilla extract to replace peppermint extract. It goes great in baked items, sweet creations, beverages, and tea.
Non-Minty Peppermint Extract Substitutes | |
Ingredients | Best For? |
Basil | Desserts and baked creations |
Rosemary | Cooking and baking recipes |
Vanilla Extract | Sweet treats |
Homemade Peppermint Extract Substitute
If nothing seems perfect for your particular recipe, make your own peppermint extract. It’s quite easy, simple, and quick to perform the procedure. The ingredients you require are peppermint leaves, peppermint oil, vodka, peppermint schnapps or white crème de menthe.
Wash peppermint leaves carefully and place them in a glass jar. Fill the jar with vodka and peppermint schnapps and swish the mixture. Allow the jar to set properly in a dark place away from the direct sunlight.
Swish gently the mixture daily for a maximum of four to five weeks. During this time period, the peppermint leaves get a strong minty aroma. Stain the extract from the jar and store it.
This way, you can make your own homemade peppermint extract and use it in all the recipes calling for original ingredient.
To sum up, there’s a lot more alternative options are available to manipulate in your favorite recipes in place of other essential ingredients. Similarly, you can also choose the best peppermint extract substitute from the above-listed ingredients and check whether it suits your recipe or not.
