Make Your Own Fresh Mint Liqueur

Making your own mint liqueur is a great way to preserve mint to use in cocktails well past the herb's shelf life.

You'll need:

• 6-10 Mint stems
• 1 cup or more of 100-proof vodka
• 3 tsp. of sugar

1. Pick leaves from the stems and place them on a wood or plastic cutting board (not glass).

2. Cover mint with a paper towel or plastic wrap and pound with a meat tenderizer. This releases oils without cutting up the mint.

 3. Place mint in a small saucepan and add vodka. Heat covered on high until boiled.

 4. Use a slotted spoon to remove mint leaves from the vodka while it is still hot.

 5. Add sugar and stir until it is dissolved.

6. Strain the liquor into a bottle with a cap for storage.