Minty Delights: 5 BEST Substitutes for Creme de Menthe

Craving that minty kick in your cocktails but ran out of Creme de Menthe?

No sweat, we’ve got your back with some top-notch swaps that’ll keep your drinks minty fresh and your guests none the wiser.

Finding the perfect substitute can be a game-changer for your home bar.

Sure, Creme de Menthe is a staple for that cool, refreshing flavor.

Yet, sometimes you gotta improvise, adapt, and overcome the lack of it.

And guess what? The alternatives we’re about to reveal are not only easy to find but might already be in your pantry.

We’re talking about swaps so good, you’ll be thanking us after your next cocktail party.

Every suggestion is cherry-picked to ensure your drinks remain the talk of the town.

Ready to shake things up?

What is Creme de Menthe?

Creme de Menthe is a mint-flavored alcoholic liqueur created in the 19th century.

It has origins in Ireland and Scotland and was originally used to help digestive aid issues and other ailments.

The deep green color of Creme de Menthe comes from added herbs, sugar, and of course, the oil of peppermint.

Its taste is very distinct, with a sweetness balanced against the strong mint flavors.

Many recipes call for Creme de Menthe as an ingredient in cocktails such as Grasshopper or Stinger, as well as creative desserts such as Chocolate Mint Pie.

Some also enjoy it served on its own over ice.

However, you choose to use it, Creme de Menthe makes a great addition to any palate.

The 5 Best Substitutes for Creme de Menthe

If you’re looking for the perfect substitute for creme de menthe, you’ve come to the right place.

Here is a list of five great alternatives that will offer an equally delicious flavor and texture:

1 – Peppermint Schnapps

Peppermint Schnapps is an Italian liqueur made from peppermint and other natural flavors, creating a delicious spirit that many cocktail aficionados swear by.

When taken neat, it has a cooling menthol flavor with a slightly sweet aftertaste that some find reminiscent of peppermint candy.

It can also be used to add complexity and sweetness to creative cocktails and desserts.

As a substitute for Crème de Menthe, Peppermint Schnapps adds fragrant herbal notes along with the desired menthol palate.

By combining Peppermint Schnapps with vodka or gin, you’ll get the same balance of sweet and herby flavors but in a powerful shot at 50 proof.

2 – Vodka + Peppermint Extract

Vodka and peppermint extract make for a surprisingly harmonious duo.

For those looking to mix up a unique cocktail, this tart combination might just fit the bill.

Though you won’t have any syrupy sweetness from the vodka, it will provide the perfect backdrop for letting the peppermint essence truly shine.

As you take a sip of your new creation, you’ll be hit with a refreshing wave of flavor, delightfully crisp without being overly harsh.

As an added bonus, if you’re out of Creme de Menthe, you can use this substitution to retain the desired taste, and certain drinks won’t even suffer much in the transition.

Whether sipping or mixing in cocktails, vodka + peppermint extract is an interesting duo worth trying out.

3 – Smirnoff Peppermint Twist

Smirnoff Peppermint Twist is a vodka-based liqueur flavored with peppermint.

It has an alcohol content of 30%, making it a refreshing and potent party drink.

The taste is a perfect balance between sweet and icy mint, with an unmistakable zing that lingers deliciously on the palate.

To replicate the flavor of creme de menthe without the addition of sugar, you can use Smirnoff Peppermint Twist as an excellent substitute.

Its strong alcoholic kick and uniquely cool sensation can really kick any drink up a notch for your next night out.

4 – Peppermint Infused Gin

Peppermint-infused gin is a delightful take on the classic Gin spirit.

It’s made by adding peppermint oil distillate to gin, resulting in an irresistible balance of herbal and fruity notes with a hint of mint.

The taste is sweet, almost like a liqueur, and pairs wonderfully with tonic water or mixed into classic cocktails.

It also makes for an eye-catching addition to any bar, as it has a deep green hue from the peppermint oil.

For those looking for an alternative to Creme de Menthe, this peppermint-infused gin can be used in place for many recipes; just adjust the servings if needed.

5 – Phillips White Peppermint Alcoholic Cordial

If you’re looking for a unique and delicious flavor to your mixed drinks, Phillips White Peppermint Alcoholic Cordial is the perfect addition.

With 16% alcohol by volume, this cordial has a crisp, refreshing minty taste that brings a special sweetness to any cocktail.

Whether it’s a cosmopolitan margarita or something else entirely, Phillips White Peppermint Alcoholic Cordial will bring its signature flavor and quality to the mix.

For those looking for something with a milder mint flavor than traditional creme de menthe, this cordial makes a great substitute.

It still has all the flavor of peppermint but with a lower alcohol content providing just the right balance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these five substitutes for Creme de Menthe all offer different flavor profiles and alcohol content levels.

Whether you’re looking for a boozy punch or something subtler to mix into your cocktails, one of these options will suit your needs.

Peppermint Schnapps adds fragrant herbal notes along with the desired menthol palate, while vodka + peppermint extract provides a tart and crisp kick.

Smirnoff Peppermint Twist, peppermint-infused gin, and Phillips White Peppermint Alcoholic Cordial all offer their own unique take on the classic liqueur with varying degrees of sweetness and strength.