DIY Creme de Menthe

Crème de menthe is a sweet mint liqueur that's especially popular during candy cane season. It pairs well with chocolate and many spirits, so this super-easy homemade crème de menthe recipe is a perfect holiday project.

What's Available to Buy?

DeKuyper, Marie Brizard, Hiram Walker, and Bols all make decent crème de menthe at an affordable price, though it can be a challenge to find in smaller liquor stores. It can be scary-green or clear, but the color doesn't affect the flavor. Despite the "crème" in the name, there's no cream in this liqueur. There is, however, a ton of mint-flavored extract and often artificial flavoring. It's a pretty far cry from fresh mint.

Why DIY?

Homemade crème de menthe tastes and smells like just-picked mint, completely blowing away the commercial stuff with a bright and natural flavor that you just can't get from extracts. DIY mint liqueur is like a delicious candy cane in alcohol form—and since it takes only three ingredients and one day to make, there's still time to make some for Christmas. The homemade version is a pale greenish-yellow, but you can add some green food coloring if you want it to look more festive.

Use It!

Nothing is better in winter than adding a little crème de menthe to a cup of steaming hot chocolate or coffee. If your crème de menthe is all gone by New Year's, mix up a new batch, because it also makes a mean minty champagne cocktail.

You can also shake your creme de menthe with brandy or bourbon for a Stinger, or indulge your sweet tooth with a Grasshopper. Just shake one part crème de menthe and one part white crème de cacao with two parts cream and a bunch of ice. Crème de menthe is a great addition to desserts and cakes.