As a home cook, I’m always in search of the best substitutes for ingredients that I might not have on hand.
One such ingredient is Creme de Menthe. Often used in desserts and cocktails, this mint liqueur can be hard to come by or might not be suitable for all occasions.
For this reason, I have compiled a list of the 15 best Creme de Menthe substitutes that work just as well, if not better.
I’ll be sharing how to use them and the ratios you should follow to achieve the perfect taste. Get ready to transform your baking and cocktail-making game!
In short, " What I Can use instead of creme de menthe?" Peppermint Extract, Mint Syrup, Mint Chocolate, Fresh Mint Leaves, Mint Tea, Mint Jelly, Mint Mouthwash, Mint Liqueur, Spearmint Extract, Essential Oil, Mint Extract, White Creme de Menthe Syrup and many more.
What is creme de menthe, and what does creme de menthe taste like?
Creme de menthe is an alcoholic beverage made from a blend of neutral grain spirits, peppermint extract, and other flavorings. It has an emerald green hue and a distinctively sweet, minty flavor.
The traditional method of serving creme de menthe is in a cordial glass or over crushed ice.
Its sweetness allows it to be appreciated on its own as an after-dinner drink or even as a refreshing summertime spritzer.
Uses of creme de menthe
Creme de Menthe is an alcoholic liqueur made from a mix of mint and other ingredients such as brandy, rum, vodka, and cream.
It is a popular ingredient used in many cocktails, desserts, and drinks. Its flavor is typically sweet and mellow with a bright minty finish.
The use of creme de menthe dates back as early as the 17th century when it was used by the French to make herbal remedies for various ailments such as headaches and indigestion.
In more modern times, it has become widely popular in culinary recipes across Europe and the United States.
Creme de menthe can be added to cocktails such as Grasshoppers, Lemon Drops, and Brandy Alexanders to provide a refreshing flavor element.
Additionally, it can be used in dessert recipes like Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream or even No Bake Mint Oreo Pie for an extra minty kick.
On its own, it can also be enjoyed over ice or mixed with club soda for a refreshing beverage that can be served either hot or cold.
Where to buy creme de menthe?
If you are looking for where to buy creme de menthe, there are a few different places you can go. Many specialty food stores carry it, as do some international grocery stores.
You can also order online from many retailers that provide a variety of diverse flavors and types of creme de menthe.
Best creme de menthe substitutes
1. Peppermint Extract – a good creme de menthe substitute
If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic creme de menthe substitute, then peppermint extract is a great option to consider.
It’s a concentrated liquid made from distilled peppermint leaves and alcohol that gives a strong, cool mint flavor.
You can use it in cocktails, coffee drinks, or desserts such as chocolate mousse, frosting, and ice cream.
Ratio or measurement: To use it as a creme de menthe substitute, add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract per 2 tablespoons of the original recipe's amount.
You can modify the quantity according to your taste preference.
2. Mint Syrup
Mint syrup, also known as spearmint syrup, is a thick, sweet liquid that’s made by steeping fresh or dried mint leaves in sugar syrup.
It’s commonly used in cocktails, lemonade, tea, and other beverages to give a fresh, herbal flavor.
Mint syrup can also be used as a creme de menthe substitute in desserts or baked goods, such as brownies, cheesecake, or fudge.
Ratio or measurement: To substitute creme de menthe with mint syrup, use an equal amount of syrup and reduce the sugar content of the recipe.
3. Try Mint Chocolate in place of creme de menthe
If you’re making a dessert that requires both chocolate and mint flavors, then mint chocolate can be an excellent substitute for creme de menthe.
Mint chocolate is a type of chocolate that’s flavored with natural peppermint oil or extract and gives a smooth, creamy texture.
You can use it in baking or as a garnish in drinks or desserts, such as hot chocolate, cookies, or cupcakes.
Ratio or measurement: To use it as a creme de menthe substitute, use 1/2 to 1 ounce of chopped or melted mint chocolate per 2 tablespoons of the recipe's original amount.
4. Fresh Mint Leaves
Using fresh mint leaves is a great way to add natural mint flavor to your dishes without using any processed ingredients or alcohol.
You can use fresh mint leaves in cocktails, salads, or even in soups to add a refreshing, herbal taste.
To use fresh mint leaves as a creme de menthe substitute, muddle or crush the leaves to extract the flavor and strain the liquid before adding it to your recipe.
Ratio or measurement: You can use 2-3 fresh mint leaves per tablespoon of creme de menthe in your recipe.
5. Mint Tea –a decent creme de menthe alternative
Mint tea is a popular herbal tea that’s made by steeping fresh or dried mint leaves in hot water.
It’s a great option for those who want to keep their dishes non-alcoholic and use a natural, herbaceous flavor.
You can use mint tea as a creme de menthe substitute in cocktails, punches or to flavor baked goods such as cakes or bread.
Ratio or measurement: To use mint tea as a creme de menthe substitute, brew a strong cup of mint tea and use it in place of creme de menthe in a 1:1 ratio.
6. Mint Jelly
Mint jelly is a sweet, fruit-based spread that’s made from boiled mint leaves, sugar, and pectin. It’s commonly used as a condiment for meat dishes such as lamb or pork.
However, you can also use mint jelly as a creme de menthe substitute in cocktails or desserts like ice cream, sorbet or pudding.
Ratio or measurement: To use mint jelly as a creme de menthe substitute, dissolve a tablespoon of jelly in hot water until it reaches a syrup-like consistency and add it to your recipe in a 1:1 ratio.
7. Use Mint Mouthwash to replace creme de menthe
While it might seem odd to use mouthwash in cooking or baking, spearmint or peppermint mouthwash can be an effective substitute for creme de menthe.
Most mouthwash products contain alcohol, which helps to extract the mint flavor.
However, be sure to use an alcohol-free brand if you’re preparing a recipe for children or those who avoid alcohol.
Ratio or measurement: To use mint mouthwash as a creme de menthe substitute, mix it with a little sugar syrup or water to get the desired sweetness and use it in a ratio of 1:1.
8. Mint Liqueur
Mint Liqueur is a great substitute for Creme de Menthe and brings a robust flavor to your drinks and desserts.
It’s available at most liquor stores, and you can substitute it in equal parts for Creme de Menthe. Please note that the liqueur is alcoholic, so it might not be suitable for young children.
9. Spearmint Extract – similar taste to creme de menthe
Spearmint extract has a sweeter and subtler taste compared to peppermint extract.
Ratio or measurement: To substitute for Creme de Menthe, use 1/4 teaspoon of spearmint extract for every 2 tablespoons of Creme de Menthe.
You might need to taste and adjust accordingly for this substitute.
10. Essential Oil
Essential oils are strong, concentrated flavors that can be used as a last resort for Creme de Menthe substitutes.
Ratio or measurement: To use, mix with a cup of sugar syrup and 2 drops of peppermint essential oil.
This substitute is perfect for making homemade mint chocolate truffles or as a base for cocktails.
Learn more: Best mint substitutes
Tips on How to Choose the Most Suitable Substitution Option for Creme de Menthe
When choosing a suitable substitution option for creme de menthe, consider the following tips:
1. Peppermint Extract: Peppermint extract is a common substitute for creme de menthe. It provides a strong and concentrated mint flavor.
Start with a small amount, as the extract is highly concentrated, and adjust according to taste.
2. Mint Syrup: Mint syrup, often used in cocktails, can be a good alternative to creme de menthe. It offers a sweet mint flavor similar to creme de menthe.
Adjust the quantity to achieve the desired intensity of flavor.
3. Fresh Mint Leaves: If you prefer a fresh ingredient substitute, you can use fresh mint leaves. Muddle or finely chop the leaves to release their natural oils and flavor.
Keep in mind that fresh mint leaves will provide a milder mint taste compared to creme de menthe, so you may need to use a larger quantity.
4. Mint Extract: Mint extract is another option for substituting creme de menthe. It is less commonly found than peppermint extract but can provide a similar minty flavor.
Use it sparingly, as it is highly concentrated.
5. Mint Tea: If you’re looking for a more subtle mint flavor, steeping mint tea and using it in your recipe can be an option.
Brew a strong mint tea and let it cool before using it as a substitute for creme de menthe.
6. Mint Leaves Infused in Simple Syrup: Infusing mint leaves in simple syrup is a great way to add a subtle mint flavor to your recipe.
Simmer equal parts of water and sugar with fresh mint leaves until the sugar dissolves, then strain the syrup and let it cool before utilizing it as a substitute.
7. Experiment and Adjust: The intensity of mint flavor can vary between creme de menthe and its substitutes.
Start with a smaller quantity and gradually add more, tasting as you go until you achieve the desired minty flavor.
Consider the specific recipe requirements and the overall balance of flavors when selecting a substitution option for creme de menthe. Each substitute may have slight variations in flavor and sweetness, so adjust accordingly.
Non-alcoholic substitute for creme de menthe
1. Mint Extract
Mint extract is an ideal substitute for creme de menthe and can be used in a 1:1 ratio to replace it. It has the same minty, sweet flavor without the alcohol content of creme de menthe.
This makes it great for adding a minty flavor to desserts and drinks without worrying about the alcohol content.
2. White Creme de Menthe Syrup
White creme de menthe syrup is another suitable substitution for creme de menthe, as it contains no alcohol but still delivers a sweet and minty taste.
The ratio for this substitution is 1:2; one part of creme de menthe can be replaced with two parts of white creme de menthe syrup.
This syrup can be added to cocktails or desserts to give them a unique flavor profile.
3. Peppermint Extract
Peppermint extract is another popular choice when it comes to non-alcoholic substitutes for creme de menthe.
It has a strong peppermint flavor that will still provide that delicious sweetness without any of the booze.
The recommended ratio when using this substitution is 2/3 teaspoon powdered peppermint extract per 1 ounce of liqueur needed in your recipe.
However, you may need to experiment with this depending on how powerful you prefer your mint flavor to be!
4. Lemon & Lime Juices
Combining lemon juice and lime juice can make an excellent substitute for creme de menthe if you’re looking for something boozy-free but still full of flavor.
The ratio to use for this combination would be 2 parts lime juice and 1 part lemon juice per ounce of liqueur called for in the recipe.
Just make sure you adjust accordingly depending on how much liquor you need!
Explore more: Best substitute for Orange juice
5. Vanilla Extract & Green Food Coloring
If you’re looking for something non-alcoholic while still having that unmistakable light green hue associated with creme de menthe, then combining a vanilla extract with food coloring could do the trick!
The recommended ratio here would be 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract mixed with 4 drops of green food coloring per ounce of liqueur called for in the recipe – again, adjust as necessary based on your needs!
Substitute for the creme de menthe in grasshopper pie
One suitable substitute for creme de menthe in a grasshopper pie is white crème de cacao. This is a clear, sweet, and minty liqueur made from the beans of the cacao tree.
Unlike creme de menthe, which has herbal notes of peppermint and spearmint, white crème de cacao has a lighter flavor profile with notes of vanilla bean and chocolate.
It can be used to replace creme de menthe in any recipe that calls for it, including grasshopper pies.
When substituting the two spirits in baking recipes such as this, it’s important to note that you may need to adjust the amount of sugar used to make up for white crème de cacao’s sweeter flavor.
Substitute for creme de menthe in baking
A suitable substitute for creme de menthe in baking is white chocolate. White chocolate is created of cocoa butter, sugar, and milk solids and has a subtle sweetness.
It can be used to add a slightly sweet flavor with minty notes while still maintaining the texture of the baked goods.
Additionally, white chocolate chips or chopped pieces can be added to cakes, cupcakes, cookies, brownies, and other desserts to provide an interesting texture element.
Furthermore, white chocolate can be melted down with some peppermint extract or spearmint oil to create a glaze that will deliver a more potent mint flavor than if you had used creme de menthe.
Conclusion on creme de menthe substitute
In conclusion, these 15 Creme de Menthe substitutes give an excellent alternative to those who might not have the liqueur or those who might want a more natural substitute.
It’s also a perfect solution for those who do not want to use alcohol in their drinks or desserts. Remember to adjust to your liking and taste.
Now, go ahead and elevate your baking and cocktail-making game, one substitute at a time!
FAQs on creme de menthe substitute
Q1. What is similar to creme de menthe?
Similar flavors to creme de menthe include peppermint schnapps, mint-flavored liqueurs or rums, and spearmint-infused simple syrup.
These alternatives will provide a similar flavor profile while allowing for some creativity in the kitchen!
Q2. Is crème de menthe the same as mint extract?
No, crème de menthe is not the same as mint extract. Crème de menthe is a liqueur that is made with peppermint or spearmint oil and other flavors, while the mint extract is an extract made from just the essential oils of the herb mint.
Crème de menthe has a sweeter flavor than mint extract, and it often contains added sugar and other ingredients.
The mint extract has a stronger, more intense flavor than crème de menthe. It is used to add a hint of mint flavor to dishes such as ice cream, cakes, cookies, and salads.
Q3. Can you substitute peppermint schnapps for creme de menthe?
It is possible to substitute peppermint schnapps for creme de menthe in some drinks, but there are a few important differences to keep in mind.
Creme de menthe is a liqueur with an alcohol content of around 30%, while peppermint schnapps usually has an alcohol range of around 40%.
This difference can affect the flavor and potency of the drink. Additionally, creme de menthe tends to have a much stronger mint flavor than peppermint schnapps, so it may not be an ideal substitution if you’re looking for something with a delicate minty finish.
Finally, depending on the recipe, you may need to adjust other ingredients to accommodate the different levels of sweetness between creme de menthe and peppermint schnapps.
Q4. Can I substitute mint extract for creme de menthe?
Yes, you can substitute mint extract for creme de menthe in certain recipes.
Creme de menthe is an alcoholic liqueur that has a mint flavor, while the mint extract is a non-alcoholic flavoring agent made from distilled water and essential oils from peppermint or spearmint leaves.
The mint extract will have a more concentrated and intense flavor than creme de menthe, so you may need to use less than the amount of creme de menthe called for in the recipe.
Additionally, the texture of the finished dish may be slightly different since creme de menthe is thicker due to its alcohol content.
Q5. Can you substitute spearmint for mint?
Yes, spearmint can be substituted for mint in many recipes. Spearmint is a type of mint with a slightly different flavor than regular mint, with a cool and sweet taste.
While spearmint has a milder flavor than other types of mint, it still adds a fresh and fragrant aroma to dishes.
It can be used as an herb in dishes like salads, sauces and stews. Spearmint also has medicinal qualities and is often used to make tea or taken as an herbal supplement for digestive problems and allergies.
Q6. Can you substitute peppermint for mint?
Yes, you can substitute peppermint for mint in many recipes. Peppermint is a combination of watermint and spearmint and has a unique flavor that is sweet and minty at the same time.
It’s often used to make tea, candy, syrups, jellies and cakes.
In cooking, it adds a refreshing twist to salads, sauces and dressings.
When using peppermint as a substitute for mint in recipes, you should start with less than the recipe calls for because the flavor of peppermint is stronger than that of regular mint.
