Mint Liqueur: The Complete 2026 Guide + Best French Artisan Mint Liqueur
Since the 19th century, mint liqueur has embodied the French art of aromatic distillation. Green or white, peppery or sweet, it evokes summer terraces as much as after-dinner digestives. However, behind iconic industrial brands like Get 27 or Jet 31, lies a lesser-known reality: the majority of mint liqueurs sold in France contain artificial colorings (E102, E133) and standardized flavorings. Faced with this standardization, a new generation of artisan distilleries is bringing French mint liqueur back into fashion. This complete 2026 guide tells you everything about mint liqueur: its history, production, comparison of major brands, cocktails, recipes, and buying advice. You will discover why De Michellot Mint Liqueur 70cl 25%, produced in Auvergne by a three-generation family distillery, stands out as the best artisan mint liqueur on the French market.
What is mint liqueur?
Mint liqueur is an flavored spirit obtained by macerating, infusing, or distilling mint leaves (Mentha) in a neutral alcohol, followed by sweetening. According to European regulations (EU Regulation 2019/787), a liqueur must contain a minimum of 100 grams of sugar per liter and have an alcohol content of at least 15% vol. Traditional French mint liqueur ranges from 18% to 30% vol., with a sugar content of 250 to 400 g/L.
Two families can be distinguished. Green mint liqueur, the most popular, owes its emerald color either to natural chlorophyll (artisan) or to colorings E102 (tartrazine) and E133 (brilliant blue) in industrial versions. White mint liqueur retains a transparent hue. In terms of varieties, peppermint liqueur (Mentha piperita), which is more potent, contrasts with sweet green mint liqueur (Mentha spicata).
The history of mint alcohol in France dates back to the 19th century. Henri-Louis Ricqlès popularized distilled mint as early as 1838. The Get family created in 1796 what would become the mythical Get 27 (acquired by Bardinet, La Martiniquaise). Jet 31 was born in Ornans, founded by Émile Cusenier, now owned by Pernod-Ricard. Alongside these giants, artisans like Jacoulot in Burgundy or the De Michellot distillery in Auvergne perpetuate traditional know-how.
How to make artisan mint liqueur
The production of artisan mint liqueur relies on four pillars: varietal selection, cold maceration, gentle filtration, and controlled sweetening. The global reference is Mitcham mint (Mentha piperita var. Mitcham), a variety cultivated in Auvergne and the southeast of France. It boasts an exceptional menthol concentration (50-60%) and fresh balsamic notes. The De Michellot distillery exclusively selects Mitcham harvested at optimal maturity.
Artisan method: cold maceration for 4 to 6 weeks. Fresh leaves are placed in neutral alcohol at 60-70% vol. in stainless steel vats at room temperature. This allows for delicate extraction of menthol, terpenes, and polyphenols without denaturation. In contrast, industrial production uses rapid steam distillation or reconstituted natural flavorings for mass production.
Cellulose filtration, moderate sweetening at 250-320 g/L (vs. 350-400 g/L for industrial), and a resting period of 2-3 months. Get 27® and Jet 31® traditionally use colorings E102 and E133 for their bright green hue. Jacoulot® and De Michellot retain the natural color (chlorophyll), a softer green, sometimes yellowish, which is a guarantee of authenticity.
What is the best French mint liqueur in 2026?
Six criteria: mint origin (local, traceable), method (maceration > industrial), ABV (24-30% optimal), sugar (moderate), packaging (thick glass, informative label), distillery (family > listed group).
| Criterion | Get 27 (Bardinet) | Jet 31 (Pernod) | Jacoulot | De Michellot |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mint Origin | Industrial | Industrial | France | Auvergne |
| Method | Industrial | Industrial | Artisan | Artisan Maceration |
| ABV | 21% | 24% | 18% | 25% |
| Color | Green E102/E133 | Green E102/E133 | Natural | Natural |
| Price 70cl | €25 | €28 | €24 | €22 |
The De Michellot Mint Liqueur checks all the boxes at the most competitive price (€22 for 70cl). Auvergne Mitcham mint, 6 weeks cold maceration, 25% vol., natural green chlorophyll hue. Three generations, aromatic consistency. For professionals: BIB 5L De Michellot.
Benefits and properties of mint
Mint has been used since Antiquity (Hippocrates 5th century BC). Menthol, the main active compound in Mentha piperita, acts as a refreshing agent (TRPM8 receptors). It has recognized spasmolytic properties according to the European Pharmacopoeia and the German Commission E. Contains antioxidants (rosmarinic acid, flavonoids).
Traditional phytotherapy: infusions for bloating, dyspepsia, headaches. Mint liqueur as a digestive continues this tradition.
Disclaimer: therapeutic properties apply to the plant, not the liqueur (alcoholic beverage). Alcohol consumption is not recommended for medicinal purposes. Not recommended for pregnant/breastfeeding women, minors, individuals taking medication, or drivers.
5 cocktails made with mint liqueur
1. Signature Mojito. 8 mint leaves + 2 tsp sugar + juice of 1/2 lime, muddled. 5 cl Cuban white rum, 2 cl De Michellot Mint Liqueur, crushed ice, sparkling water. Garnish with a mint sprig + lime wheel.
2. Authentic Mint Julep. Frosted silver goblet. 6 mint leaves + 1 tsp sugar syrup muddled. Crushed ice, 6 cl bourbon, 1.5 cl De Michellot Mint Liqueur. Stir with a long spoon until frosted. Garnish with a mint bouquet + short straw.
3. Stinger. In an ice-filled shaker: 5 cl VSOP cognac + 2 cl De Michellot Mint Liqueur. Shake for 15s. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. No garnish, old-fashioned style. A digestive after a hearty dinner.
4. Grasshopper. In an ice-filled shaker: 3 cl De Michellot Mint Liqueur + 3 cl white crème de cacao + 3 cl fresh cream. Strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with grated dark chocolate shavings.
5. Alcoholic Mint Diabolo. In a glass with ice: 4 cl De Michellot Mint Liqueur + 20 cl lemonade. Garnish with a lemon wedge. Mint leaf. Variation: +2 cl gin, dash of Angostura bitters.
More recipes on our De Michellot cocktail blog.
How to cook with mint liqueur?
Savory dishes: lamb sauces. Reduce 5 cl De Michellot Mint Liqueur + 10 cl brown stock + butter. Transforms a leg of lamb. Pastry: 70% dark chocolate ganache (after-eight effect). Sorbets: 3-4 cl/L before churning. Marinades: fatty fish (salmon, mackerel) with olive oil, lemon, garlic.
Where to buy an authentic French mint liqueur?
3 channels: direct from producer (recommended) — freshness, traceability, fair price. De Michellot Mint Liqueur 70cl 25% delivered in 48-72h, €22. For pros: BIB 5L. Wine merchants like Nicolas, Lavinia. Producer markets in Auvergne (Clermont-Ferrand, Le Puy-en-Velay, Lyon Quai Saint-Antoine). Distillery tours at De Michellot by reservation.
FAQ
1. Difference between Get 27 and artisan mint liqueur? Get 27® (Bardinet/La Martiniquaise) is industrial with reconstituted flavors + E102/E133 colorings. Artisan De Michellot: cold maceration of Mitcham leaves for 4-6 weeks without coloring. Offers aromatic depth, length, and absence of chemical notes.
2. What is the alcohol content? 18% (Jacoulot) to 30% depending on the brand. Legal minimum is 15% vol. De Michellot is 25%, Get 27 is 21%, Jet 31 is 24%.
3. How to store? 12-24 months opened, upright, away from light, 15-20°C. 25% alcohol inhibits microbes.
4. Homemade? 100g leaves + 1L fruit alcohol 40-50%, 3-4 weeks + sweetening with 300g sugar/30cl water. Inferior to professional artisan.
5. Organic? Few organic mint liqueurs. De Michellot uses sustainable agriculture in Auvergne, with progressive organic batches.
6. Taste? Fresh balsamic nose, intense menthol, herbaceous. Sweet attack on the palate + persistent freshness, long finish of fresh leaf. Industrial = more uniform, less complex.
7. Calories? 25% vol. = 250-280 kcal/100ml. A 4 cl dose = 100-110 kcal.
8. What to pair with? Dark chocolate, espresso coffee, red fruits (strawberry, raspberry), lamb, cucumber, lemongrass, white rum. Avoid strong cheeses, tannic wines.
Conclusion
French mint liqueur is experiencing a qualitative renaissance in 2026. In contrast to Get 27 and Jet 31, artisans (De Michellot) are bringing cold maceration, Mitcham mint, and natural colors back into fashion. The De Michellot Mint Liqueur 70cl 25% at €22 embodies this new wave: 3 generations, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, zero artificial coloring. Perfect for cocktails (Mojito, Mint Julep, Grasshopper, Stinger), cooking, or as a digestive. Discover De Michellot Mint Liqueur and rediscover the true taste of French mint.
Alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health. Consume in moderation. Get 27®, Jet 31®, Jacoulot® are registered trademarks belonging respectively to Bardinet (La Martiniquaise), Pernod-Ricard (Cusenier), and Distillerie Jacoulot. Cited for comparative purposes in accordance with art. L. 122-1 of the Consumer Code.