We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Food

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Menta?

By G. Wiesen
Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 8,953
Share

Menta is mint liquor that is popular throughout European regions such as Russia and Bulgaria. It can be enjoyed as a digestif, though it is often used with other liquors and can be used to produce a traditional Bulgarian cocktail known as a “cloud.” This liquor is typically sweetened with simple syrup and often takes on a green coloration due to the use of mint leaves or oil in its production. Menta can also be made at home fairly easily, requiring only vodka, spearmint leaves, sugar, water, and one or more jars.

Often simply referred to as mint liquor, menta is enjoyed throughout a variety of Eastern European countries. In some regions, such as Russia, it can be added to other flavored liquors to produce a number of different results. Combinations such as mint and lemon liquor are often made and served as a digestif, or after-dinner drink, that is usually sipped slowly. Due to the strong mint flavor of menta, however, it is often used in combination with other liquor or spirits to produce a cocktail.

One of the most common uses of menta is in the production of the Bulgarian cocktail known as cloud. This cocktail is a combination of menta and another liquor called mastika. While there are a number of different liquors called mastika, cloud is typically made using anise-flavored liquor with a somewhat licorice-like flavor. This type of mastika takes on a cloudy appearance, similar to ouzo, when water or ice is added to it, lending the cocktail its name.

Menta is fairly easy for someone to make at home, and requires only a few days of preparation. It is usually made, like other homemade flavored liquors, using vodka, and someone making the liquor should choose whatever type of vodka he or she prefers. About 1/4 pound or 4 ounces (around 100 g) of spearmint leaves should be placed into a large jar; these should be fresh leaves if possible. Into this jar is poured about 1 quart (around 1 liter) of vodka; this is stirred, covered, and then set aside.

This jar should be left closed for five days, stored in a cool area if possible. It should not be uncovered but should be shaken gently every other day. After five days, the leaves should be strained out, then squeezed or pressed to remove any liquid that has soaked into them, and the liquor should be returned to a jar. About 1/2 cup or 4 fluid ounces (100 ml) of water and about 2 ounces (50 grams) of sugar should be combined in a pot, cooking lightly for about five minutes. This simple syrup should cool then be added to the liquor, which should be set aside for another 24 hours, after which the menta is ready to enjoy.

Share
DelightedCooking is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.delightedcooking.com/what-is-menta.htm
Copy this link
DelightedCooking, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

DelightedCooking, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.