Apple Mint Vinegar
Apple Mint Vinegar is a versatile ingredient and the perfect finishing touch to your cooking. A splash of this vinegar will bring balance and brightness to seafood, lamb, chicken and salads and more.
Why should I make Apple mint vinegar?
If you want to add a little something extra to your food then Apple mint vinegar brings a fresh flavour that helps tie all the flavours together.
And making apple mint vinegar couldn’t be more simple. All you need is fresh apple mint leaves, vinegar, and time to let the infusion work its magic. The result is a homemade ingredient that will raise your recipes to a new level.
Apple Mint Vinegar also makes a great gift on its own or as part of a hamper, check out my other Homemade Edible Gifts to create the perfect personalised package.
What Ingredients do I need to make Apple Mint Vinegar?
You only need two ingredients to make this delicious recipe, they are :
- apple mint leaves
- white wine vinegar
Scroll to the end of this article to find the full recipe and all quantities of ingredients, with step-by-step photo instructions.
What is apple mint?
This unique herb is has a lovely apple-like fragrance. It has larger than spearmint and they are slightly fuzzy with a more delicate, subtle taste. It’s the variety of mint that is used for mint sauce and mint jelly.
Most mint varieties are pretty hardy and will grow in pots. It grows well in Scotland as it is less tolerant of hot temperatures although I do have to protect it from the wind.
Can I use other types of mint?
You can make a flavoured vinegar with most types of mint. Each mint has its own characteristics and these will be imparted to the vinegar. Many mints have a stronger flavour than apple mint, so you may have to experiment to get the balance right.
Why should I use white wine vinegar?
White wine vinegar is light, tangy, and very versatile. It’s a real flavour booster with a mild acidity that is just the right touch—not too strong, not too weak, but just perfect to pair with apple mint to make your recipes shine.
What other vinegar could I use?
If you don’t have white wine vinegar on hand, there are several excellent substitutes that can replicate its mild acidity and tangy flavour. Here are some options:
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Slightly fruitier but works well.
- Champagne Vinegar: Light and delicate, with a very similar in taste to white wine vinegar.
These may slightly alter the flavour profile of the flavoured vinegar, so choose based on your own taste preferences.
How do I sterilise the bottle?
Find out why you should sterilise your bottles and about the different methods you can use to sterilise bottles and jars in this article.
How should I store Apple Mint Vinegar?
Store the apple mint vinegar in a sterilised bottle in a cool dark place. The refrigerator is ideal but if you have a cupboard in a cool pantry then that will work too.
How long can I keep Apple Mint Vinegar?
The flavoured vinegar will keep in a sealed sterilised bottle that has been stored properly for up to 1 year. Once you open the bottle it’s best to use within 3 months.
Can I increase the quantities that I make?
Yes, you can make as much apple mint vinegar as you want, simply increase the ingredients. It’s a great recipe to make to give as a gift or include in a homemade hamper. Why not try making some Rosemary Vinegar or Blackcurrant Vinegar too?
I recommend that you use bottles no bigger than 250 – 300 ml to ensure the vinegar is used within 3 months of opening.
Vegetarian
Apple mint vinegar is suitable for vegetarians and vegans. This recipe does not include any animal-derived ingredients, making it an excellent choice to add extra flavour to plant-based diets.
Gluten Free
Yes, this recipe is gluten-free. There are no wheat products in this recipe, making it suitable for a gluten-free diet. However, it is always recommended to check every ingredient to ensure it meets your specific dietary requirements.
For more information regarding any dietary information provided on this website, please refer to my Nutritional Disclaimer.
How should I serve Apple Mint Vinegar?
Apple mint vinegar is a delicious infusion that brings a refreshing twist to a variety of dishes and drinks. Here are some creative ways to serve and enjoy this aromatic vinegar:
As a Salad Dressing
Drizzle apple mint vinegar over fresh greens, such as rocket, spinach, or mixed lettuce. Combine it with olive oil, honey, and a touch of Dijon mustard for a simple flavourful vinaigrette. The subtle fruity notes of the vinegar will elevate the freshness of your salad.
In drinks
Add a splash of apple mint vinegar to sparkling water or lemonade for an invigorating drink with a tangy twist. For cocktails, pair it with gin or vodka, fresh fruit, and herbs to create a sophisticated mix.
In Marinades
Use apple mint vinegar as a base for marinades, especially for chicken, lamb, or seafood. Mix it with garlic, lemon juice, and your choice of spices to tenderise and infuse them with a delicate, refreshing flavour.
Make a Syrup Base
Reduce apple mint vinegar with sugar on low heat to create a sweet-tart syrup. This can be drizzled over desserts such as vanilla ice cream, crepes, or fresh fruit.
For Pickling
Use apple mint vinegar in your pickling brine to impart a unique aromatic quality to vegetables such as cucumbers, radishes, or carrots. The result is a tangy, fragrant snack or garnish.
No matter how you choose to use it, apple mint vinegar is a versatile ingredient that adds a burst of creativity to your cooking. Serve it with care, and enjoy its delicate, fresh flavour.
More Mint Recipes
APPLE MINT VINEGAR
Equipment
- 1 glass jar with lid
- 1 measuring jug
- 1 250 ml (½ pint) glass bottle with lid
Ingredients
- 275 ml (1¼ cups) white wine vinegar
- apple mint leaves enough to almost fill the glass jar
Instructions
- Remove the apple mint leaves from their stems. Wash and dry them thoroughly on kitchen paper.
- Place enough apple mint leaves into the jar to make it ¾ full.
- Pour over 275 ml (1 ¼ cups) white wine vinegar into the jar.
- Add the lid and close firmly. Give the jar a shake. Then keep in a cool, dark place (the refrigerator is ideal) for 2 weeks to allow the herbs to infuse the vinegar.
To finish
- Use a sieve or a coffee filter to strain the leaves from the vinegar.
- Pour the vinegar into the sterilised bottle, seal and label.
- Use apple mint vinegar as a marinade, add to salad dressings or to dress cooked vegetables.
- Apple mint vinegar will keep unopened in a cool dark place for up to 1 year. Once opened keep in the refrigerator and use within 3 months.