Peppermint extract is not a commonly used ingredient, so it may be difficult to find. However, there are other extracts and ingredients that can serve as peppermint extract substitutes.
The closest substitutes for peppermint extract are peppermint oil, peppermint schnapps, spearmint extract, mint extract, and crème de menthe. You can also use other extracts; these will change the flavor profile, though. You can also make your own peppermint extract by crushing peppermint leaves and soaking them in vodka.
What Can I Use Instead of Peppermint Extract?
Peppermint extract is not used as commonly as other extracts, like vanilla, so it may be difficult to find. Other peppermint ingredients can easily be found, so they can work as substitutes fairly easily.
Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil is the closest in taste to peppermint extract. Peppermint oil is an essential oil, so it will be a bit more expensive than peppermint extract, but it is safe to consume. Peppermint oil will taste very similar, if not the exact same, as peppermint extract, so it can be used in every recipe you may be using.
Peppermint Schnapps
Peppermint schnapps has a similar taste to peppermint extract, the only difference being an alcoholic aftertaste. Peppermint schnapps can be used in your baking and alcoholic drinks in place of the extract.
Spearmint Extract
Spearmint extract does not smell or taste as strongly as peppermint extract, but spearmint can be used as a good substitute in many recipes. Peppermint is a hybrid of spearmint and wintergreen mint, so spearmint will taste very similar.
Mint Extract
Mint is the parent plant of peppermint and other types of mint, so mint extract is a very good substitute for peppermint extract. Mint extract can be used in any recipe you would normally use peppermint extract in.
Crème de Menthe
Crème de Menthe can be found as both a liqueur and a non-alcoholic syrup. Crème de Menthe is sweeter than peppermint extract, but it has the same minty taste, so it can be used in certain recipes as a substitute.
Other Extracts
If your recipe does not necessarily need to taste like peppermint, you can use any other extract you have on hand. Extract is an important ingredient in many baked goods to maintain the right texture. You can also muddle peppermint, or other mint, leaves, and use the liquid from those to supplement any other extract you use.
