For dried mint leaves, use vodka containing 45–60% alcohol (90–120 proof). For fresh mint leaves, since they already contain water, use vodka or Everclear with 90–95% alcohol (180–190 proof).
Wash fresh mint leaves before chopping. There’s no need to remove the stems, but throw away any slick or dark leaves, as these may be rotting.
The leaves may float at first. You can try to push them down with a spoon, but they should sink on their own after a few days.
You can taste a drop of the mixture to decide whether it’s strong enough for you.
If the tincture has a vodka smell to it, or isn’t as strong as you would like, leave the jar out for another week with a fresh coffee filter or cloth over the lid. Some of the alcohol will evaporate.
Drinking peppermint can help with some forms of indigestion, but avoid it if you have acid reflux (heartburn), or a hernia.
Keep the cotton balls out of reach of pets.
