Mint is like a breath of fresh air in your kitchen—a versatile herb that flits effortlessly from cocktails to desserts, bringing a peppery freshness that’s noticeable, yet not overpowering.
While most recipes contain just a hint of mint, its addition may still offer health advantages, including properties like iron, manganese, folate, and Vitamin A, as well as serving as a rich source of antioxidants. It can also aid digestion and soothe an upset stomach, making it the perfect starter or conclusion to a hearty meal.
Let’s explore mint's remarkable range — from refreshing beverages to bright sides to desserts that linger pleasantly on the palate — with mint recipes that will make you mad for mint.
MINT CHOCOLATE BREAKFAST SMOOTHIE
It may look like you’re starting your morning with a St. Patrick’s Day-style dessert, but this vibrant smoothie earns its emerald hue honestly, from a nutritious blend of creamy avocado and tender spinach leaves, sweetened with a touch of agave nectar and a frozen banana. This is no ordinary green smoothie, however. The addition of peppermint extract and a crown of delicate chocolate shavings transforms it into a morning wakeup call that captures the beloved combination of mint and chocolate in a surprisingly healthy package.
DARK CHOCOLATE PEPPERMINT PANCAKES
This breakfast mint recipe is a bit more decadent, but sometimes a special occasion brunch calls for just such indulging. No need for fussy prep on a busy morning. These blend up easily with a scoop of unsweetened cocoa powder, ¼ teaspoon McCormick Pure Peppermint Extract and a quick scatter of dark chocolate chips adding an extra dimension to a brunch staple. Plate them with a dusting of powdered sugar and a dollop of whipped cream for a picture-perfect presentation.
VODKA MINT LEMONADE
This energizing cocktail pairs the tartness of lemonade (no squeezing required!) with the cooling kiss of McCormick Pure Peppermint Extract, topped off with vodka for an adult twist to a classic summertime quencher. You can also whip up a non-alcoholic batch to please everyone in the crowd with a (clearly labeled) mocktail version.
DILL MINT ICE CUBES
Believe it or not, ice has become the new hero of mixology, with artisanal cubes taking your drink game to new artistic levels. In this mint recipe, dill and that superstar mint combine to add a burst of frosty flavor to summer beverages. The melting cubes will slowly release a complex flavor to create an experience that gets better with every sip. Keep a batch of these frozen gems stashed in a zip-top bag to make everything from sparkling water to cocktails look impressively (yet effortlessly) fancy as you chill out on a gorgeous day.
LEMON SPEARMINT TEA
You likely associate mint with its ability to cool you down on a hot summer day, but its versatility shines during colder months, too, when it can transform a simple cup of hot tea into a comforting ritual. By choosing McCormick Caffeine Free Spearmint Tea Bags, you’ll find it’s perfect for soothing evening enjoyment, or anytime, of course.
WATERMELON FETA SALAD
You already know about the chill properties of mint, so just imagine the cooling sensation when paired with two of summer’s quintessential refreshers — watermelon and cucumber. Adding in the salty tang of crumbled feta in this side salad provides an appealing contrast to the sweetness of the watermelon (and just a touch of sugar) and a surprisingly fresh pairing of herbs: McCormick Basil Leaves and McCormick Gourmet Organic Mint. This summer salad is the epitome of warm-weather cuisine — light and revitalizing. Pro tip: Chill the watermelon and cucumber before preparing, then assemble it just before serving (adding that garnish of mint leaves for a beautiful finishing touch) to maintain its crisp brilliance.
LAMB SKEWERS WITH MINT YOGURT SAUCE
Another one of mint’s superpowers? Bridging cultures and cuisines, as evidenced in this Mediterranean-inspired lamb dish. Succulent lamb chunks, cherry tomatoes and onions are spiced just right in an oil-based marinade featuring McCormick Whole Rosemary Leaves, McCormick Whole Thyme Leaves and McCormick Garlic Powder. They’re elegantly skewered and perfectly charred on the grill, then smothered with a creamy, dreamy mint-infused yogurt sauce that features an unexpected warm note from McCormick Ground Cumin.
CHOCOLATE MINT CROWNIE PIE
This mint recipe represents the ultimate “quadruple threat” dessert. The cleverly named crownie pie offers the richness of a fudgy brownie, the chewy texture of a chocolate chip cookie and the invigorating zing of mint extract — all in pie form. This show-stopping treat is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Whether your guests are craving pie, cookies or brownies, this qualifies as “all of the above.” But don’t stop there. Top it with a generous scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream to really hit the dessert jackpot.
BUTTER MINTS RECIPE
Add a pop of color and a burst of freshness to your next gathering with these vibrant and deliciously easy colorful butter mints. With a few drops of McCormick Assorted Food Colors & Egg Dye, you can customize these bite-sized mints to match any occasion or celebration.
Recipes with Mint
Looking for even more mint-condition dessert bites? Try these:
