Chocolate Mint, a delightful hybrid of peppermint and water mint, is a versatile herb, scientifically known as Mentha x piperita f. citrata ‘Chocolate.’ Did you know that chocolate mint contains rosmarinic acid, an antioxidant with potential anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties?1
From its role in traditional medicine to its modern applications in the kitchen and garden, chocolate mint has earned its place as a beloved herb. Here are 15 ingenious ways to put this aromatic herb to use, transforming your garden, kitchen, and daily life with its sweet, minty magic.
1. Brew a Soothing Tea
Chocolate mint leaves make for an exceptional herbal tea that’s both refreshing and comforting. Simply steep a handful of fresh leaves in hot water for 5-10 minutes to create a caffeine-free beverage that’s perfect for any time of day.
The resulting infusion offers a subtle chocolate aroma with a cool mint finish, making it a delightful alternative to traditional teas.
For an extra indulgent treat, add a splash of milk or a drizzle of honey to your chocolate mint tea. This herb’s natural sweetness means you can enjoy a dessert-like drink without the added calories of sugary beverages. Plus, mint tea has been shown to aid digestion and reduce bloating, making it an excellent after-dinner choice.
2. Elevate Your Desserts
Incorporating chocolate mint into desserts adds a unique twist to classic treats. Chop the leaves finely and fold them into brownie batter, ice cream, or chocolate mousse for a burst of fresh mint flavor.
The herb’s natural affinity for chocolate makes it an ideal partner in confectionery creations.
Experiment with chocolate mint in homemade ice cream or sorbet for a refreshing summer dessert. You can also use the leaves to infuse cream for ganache or whipped toppings, adding a subtle mint flavor to cakes and pastries. The possibilities are endless, and your desserts will stand out with this special ingredient.
3. Create Aromatic Bouquets
Chocolate mint’s attractive foliage and pleasant scent make it an excellent addition to floral arrangements. Incorporate sprigs of chocolate mint into bouquets for a pop of green and a delightful aroma. The herb’s sturdy stems and long-lasting freshness ensure your arrangements will stay beautiful for days.
These aromatic bouquets can serve as natural air fresheners in your home or office. Place them in areas where you want to introduce a subtle, refreshing scent. The combination of chocolate mint with flowers creates a unique sensory experience that can uplift moods and create a welcoming atmosphere.
4. Craft Homemade Beauty Products
Harness the natural properties of chocolate mint in DIY beauty products. The herb’s essential oils can be extracted and used in homemade soaps, lotions, and lip balms. Its refreshing scent and potential skin-soothing properties make it a popular choice for natural skincare enthusiasts.
To make a simple chocolate mint body scrub, mix finely chopped leaves with sugar and coconut oil. This exfoliating treatment not only smells divine but also helps to invigorate the skin. For a relaxing bath experience, tie a bundle of chocolate mint leaves in a cloth and hang it under running bath water to infuse your tub with its soothing aroma.
5. Enhance Your Cocktails
Chocolate mint can take your mixology skills to the next level. Use the leaves to muddle in mojitos, garnish chocolate martinis, or infuse simple syrups for unique cocktail creations. The herb’s complex flavor profile adds depth and intrigue to both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
Try making a chocolate mint julep by muddling chocolate mint leaves with sugar, then adding bourbon and crushed ice. For a non-alcoholic option, blend chocolate mint leaves with lemonade for a refreshing summer drink. The herb’s versatility in beverages makes it a must-have for any home bartender or drink enthusiast.
6. Natural Pest Repellent
Like other mint varieties, chocolate mint has natural pest-repellent properties. Plant it around your garden or patio to deter mosquitoes, flies, and other unwanted insects. The strong aroma that makes it appealing to humans is often off-putting to many pests.
You can also create a natural insect-repellent spray by steeping chocolate mint leaves in water and adding a small amount of witch hazel. This DIY solution is a chemical-free alternative to commercial bug sprays and can be safely used on the skin or around outdoor living areas. Remember to reapply frequently for best results.
7. Flavor Infused Water
Add a few sprigs of chocolate mint to your water bottle or pitcher for a refreshing twist on plain water. As the leaves infuse, they impart a subtle minty flavor with hints of chocolate, encouraging increased water intake throughout the day. This flavored water is particularly refreshing during hot summer months.
Experiment with combinations like chocolate mint and cucumber or chocolate mint and strawberry for varied flavor profiles. These infused waters not only taste great but also offer the potential benefits of mint, such as improved digestion and fresher breath. It’s a simple way to make staying hydrated more enjoyable and interesting.
8. Aromatherapy & Relaxation
Harness the calming properties of chocolate mint in aromatherapy practices. The herb’s scent is known to reduce stress and promote relaxation. Create sachets filled with dried chocolate mint leaves to place in drawers, under pillows, or in your car for a constant source of soothing aroma.
For a more intense aromatherapy experience, add a few drops of chocolate mint essential oil to a diffuser. The resulting mist can help create a calm, focused atmosphere in your home or workspace.
Some people find that the scent of mint improves concentration and mental clarity, making it ideal for study or work areas.
9. Garnish Savory Dishes
While often associated with sweets, chocolate mint can also enhance savory dishes. Use it as a garnish for lamb dishes, add it to salads for a surprising twist, or incorporate it into savory sauces for a unique flavor profile.
The herb’s subtle chocolate notes can add depth to many dishes without overpowering other flavors.
Try chopping chocolate mint finely and mixing it into yogurt-based dips or adding it to grain salads for a fresh, unexpected flavor. It pairs well with Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines, complementing ingredients like feta cheese, olives, and grilled vegetables. This versatile herb can transform ordinary dishes into gourmet experiences.
10. Natural Air Freshener
Forget artificial air fresheners – chocolate mint can naturally deodorize and freshen your home. Hang bundles of fresh or dried chocolate mint in rooms, closets, or your car to enjoy its pleasant aroma. The herb’s natural oils will slowly release over time, providing a long-lasting fresh scent.
For a quick room refresh, simmer a handful of chocolate mint leaves in water on the stove. This natural air freshener will fill your home with a delightful minty-chocolate scent, eliminating cooking odors and creating a welcoming atmosphere. It’s an eco-friendly alternative to commercial air fresheners and doesn’t introduce any harmful chemicals into your living space.
11. Soothing Foot Soak
Create a luxurious and refreshing foot soak using chocolate mint leaves. Add a handful of fresh leaves to warm water in a basin, along with Epsom salts for added relaxation. The mint’s natural cooling properties can help soothe tired, achy feet after a long day.
This foot soak not only feels great but can also help combat foot odor thanks to mint’s antibacterial properties. For an extra indulgent treatment, follow your foot soak with a peppermint-infused lotion or oil massage.
It’s a simple way to bring a spa-like experience into your home using natural ingredients from your garden.
12. Chocolate Mint Pesto
For a unique twist on traditional pesto, substitute some or all of the basil with chocolate mint leaves. This unconventional pesto can be used as a spread on sandwiches, a sauce for pasta, or a dip for vegetables. The mint adds a fresh, cool element that pairs surprisingly well with the other pesto ingredients.
Experiment with different nuts and cheeses to find your perfect chocolate mint pesto combination. Try using walnuts instead of pine nuts, or add a bit of dark chocolate for an even more pronounced chocolate flavor. This versatile condiment can transform ordinary meals into gourmet experiences with just a spoonful.
13. Natural Fabric Freshener
Harness the fresh scent of chocolate mint to naturally freshen fabrics and linens. Create a simple spray by steeping chocolate mint leaves in water and adding a splash of vodka to help the scent linger. Use this spray on curtains, upholstery, or bed linens for a subtle, refreshing aroma.
You can also add dried chocolate mint leaves to sachets and place them in drawers or closets to keep clothes smelling fresh. This natural method is particularly beneficial for those with sensitivities to artificial fragrances.
Plus, the pleasant scent can help repel moths and other fabric pests, protecting your clothing naturally.
14. Decorative Container Plant
Chocolate mint’s attractive foliage and cascading growth habit make it an excellent choice for decorative containers. Plant it in hanging baskets or window boxes where its trailing stems can create a lush, fragrant display. The plant’s rapid growth ensures a full, abundant look in no time.
In addition to its aesthetic appeal, having chocolate mint in containers around your outdoor living spaces provides easy access for culinary use and natural pest-repellent benefits. Place pots near seating areas to enjoy the herb’s refreshing scent while relaxing outdoors. Remember to keep the plant contained, as mint can be invasive if allowed to spread unchecked in garden beds.
15. Homemade Mint Extract
Create your own chocolate mint extract for baking and cooking. Steep fresh chocolate mint leaves in vodka for several weeks, then strain and bottle the resulting liquid. This homemade extract offers a more complex flavor profile than store-bought peppermint extract and can be used in a variety of recipes.
Use chocolate mint extract in cookies, cakes, and frostings for a unique minty flavor. It also makes an excellent addition to hot chocolate or coffee for a minty mocha experience. As an added bonus, homemade extracts make wonderful gifts for food-loving friends and family members.
The chocolate mint plant is a true garden gem, offering a wealth of applications that extend far beyond its aromatic charm. From culinary delights to natural remedies, this versatile herb proves its worth in countless ways.
Whether you’re sipping on a soothing tea, crafting homemade beauty products, or simply enjoying its pest-repelling properties, chocolate mint has something to offer everyone.
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Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.