Home Made Creme de Menthe
Ingredients:
2 cups granulated sugar
2 cups water
3.5 cups 80 proof vodka
1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 drops of green food coloring
Directions:
Bring water and sugar to a boil, stirring frequently.
Lower heat and simmer for five minutes.
Allow to cool to room temperature.
Add flavorings, color and vodka and stir until mixed.
Store in a glass bottle in a dark place for one week.
This serious-looking minty green concoction can REALLY decorate a home bar's liqueur shelf. Put it in a nice bottle and you've got a real eye-catcher!
Creme de Menthe is an integral ingredient in cocktails such as The Grasshopper, The Girl Scout Cookie, The Green Lagoon, and the classic Stinger.
For the more artistic-types, who like to experiment and develop their own cocktail recipes at home, (*ahem*,) Creme de Menthe possesses a certain appeal. With it's luminous allure of bright green, it could be the perfect touch for any number of "sci-fi" themed drinks, creepy horror-themed beverages, and a nice rendition of the "Shamrock Shake," come St. Paddy's!
And, as with the Home-made Amaretto, presented in a really nice display-quality bottle, some home-made Creme de Menthe would make a really nice and unusual gift idea!
Cheers, Chris
