Refreshing Peppermint Schnapps Cordial

I discovered peppermint schnapps by accident one December afternoon when I was trying to rescue a batch of homemade simple syrup that had crystallized in the pantry. Instead of tossing it, I grabbed a bottle of peppermint extract and thought, why not lean into it? That single impulse turned into something I've made every winter since—a cordial so clean and bright it tastes like the kitchen itself got a refresh. It's become my secret weapon for everything from late-night hot chocolate to unexpected dinner guests.

My neighbor actually tasted this for the first time drizzled over vanilla ice cream at a casual Sunday dinner, and she texted me the recipe request before she even finished the bowl. Now she makes it year-round, and I love that something so simple became part of her kitchen routine too.

Ingredients

• Granulated sugar (1 cup): This is your foundation—it dissolves cleanly and creates a clear, smooth syrup that won't cloud when you add the extract.
• Water (1 cup): Room temperature to start, though it'll heat quickly; the ratio keeps the syrup from being sticky or thin.
• Pure peppermint extract (1½ teaspoons): The backbone of the whole thing—alcohol-free means you're getting pure flavor without any burn, and 1½ teaspoons gives you that crisp, authentic peppermint note without overpowering everything else.
• Natural green food coloring (2-3 drops, optional): This is purely visual, and honestly, the clear version is just as lovely if you skip it.

Instructions

Combine sugar and water:

Pour both into a small saucepan and set it over medium heat. You'll notice the sugar starts breaking down almost immediately, creating little pockets of sweetness that dissolve into the water. Stir gently until you can't see any grains left, which usually takes 3–5 minutes.

Watch the temperature carefully:

The moment you see small bubbles forming at the edges, pull it off the heat—you want a simple syrup, not a caramel situation. Let it cool completely on the counter while you do something else.

Add the peppermint magic:

Once the syrup is cool to the touch, stir in your peppermint extract with a spoon or whisk. The aroma that rises up is why this whole thing works—pure, bright peppermint that fills your kitchen immediately.

Color, if you want it:

Add 2-3 drops of food coloring if you're going for that gorgeous pale green look, though it's completely optional and doesn't change the flavor one bit.

Bottle and chill:

Pour everything into a clean glass jar or bottle with a tight-fitting lid. Refrigerate, and you're done.

Shake before using:

The syrup can separate slightly over time, so give it a quick shake before you pour it into drinks or drizzle it over desserts.

Pin this

There's something almost ceremonial about pulling a chilled bottle of this from the fridge on a cold evening and adding just enough to a mug of hot chocolate to watch it bloom and swirl into the warm milk. It's those small, intentional moments that make home feel like a real kitchen, not just a place where food happens.

Storage and Shelf Life

Keep your bottle sealed and refrigerated, and it'll stay fresh and flavorful for about a month. I've found that glass jars work better than plastic because they don't absorb or impart any flavors, and the peppermint stays bright and true the whole time. If you notice any separation, that's totally normal—just shake it before pouring.

Ways to Use Your Peppermint Schnapps

This cordial is versatile in ways that might surprise you. Stir it into hot chocolate for an instant upgrade, or add a splash to coffee if you want something unexpected and cozy. It's gorgeous drizzled over vanilla or chocolate ice cream, swirled into frosting for cupcakes, or even used as a simple syrup in mocktails and sparkling water drinks.

Flavor Customization

The beauty of making your own is that you control the intensity and personality of every batch. Some seasons I keep it subtle and elegant, other times I lean hard into the peppermint for something bold and almost medicinal in the best way. One small discovery: if you want a slightly softer, less sharp peppermint note, add the extract to the warm syrup before it cools completely, then let it sit together for a few minutes before bottling.

• Start with ¾ teaspoon of extract if you prefer a gentler mint flavor, then adjust up from there.
• A tiny pinch of vanilla extract (¼ teaspoon) can round out the sharpness and add complexity if you're feeling adventurous.
• If you accidentally over-mint something, a bit of hot water and simple syrup can rescue it without waste.

Pin this

Making peppermint schnapps is one of those small kitchen skills that feels surprisingly luxurious for such minimal effort. Once you've made it once, you'll find yourself reaching for it constantly, turning ordinary moments into something just a little more thoughtful.

Recipe FAQs

→ How is the peppermint schnapps cordial prepared?

Sugar and water are heated until the sugar dissolves, then cooled. Peppermint extract is added, mixed well, and chilled before using.

→ Can I adjust the peppermint flavor intensity?

Yes, increase or decrease the amount of peppermint extract to suit your taste preferences.

→ What are some serving suggestions for this cordial?

Use chilled in mocktails, drizzle over desserts like ice cream, or sip it neat for a refreshing treat.

→ Is natural coloring necessary in the cordial?

No, the green food coloring is optional and can be omitted for a clear appearance.

→ How long does the cordial keep refrigerated?

Stored in a sealed container, it remains fresh for up to one month in the refrigerator.