Fragrant, refreshing and beautiful – mint is a true summer favourite that belongs both in the kitchen and in your glass. While many associate mint with classic drinks like the Mojito, there are actually several varieties, each with its own unique flavour profile.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the most common types of mint and show you how to use them in cocktails, food and desserts.
What Is Mint – and Why Are There So Many Kinds?
Mint is a versatile herb used for centuries in food, drinks and wellness. It grows easily, smells amazing and comes in over 20 different varieties. The most common ones differ quite a lot in flavour – from mild and sweet to sharp and cooling.
Choosing the right type of mint makes a real difference, especially in cocktails where each layer of flavour matters.
Common Types of Mint – and How to Use Them
Spearmint
🌿 The classic cocktail mint.
Mild, slightly sweet and well-rounded in flavour – ideal for Mojitos, Hugos and other refreshing summer drinks. Also great in salads, cold sauces, couscous and herbal teas.
Peppermint
❄️ Sharp, strong and menthol-rich.
Used in teas, chocolate desserts and candy. A bit overpowering in cocktails if not used sparingly, but great in warm drinks or as a flavour boost in dark chocolate pairings.
Apple Mint
🍏 Fruity and soft, with hints of green apple.
Lovely in fruit salads, iced teas and as a garnish for desserts like sorbet or panna cotta.
Chocolate Mint
🍫 Smells and tastes like mint chocolate.
Perfect in chocolate-based desserts, after-dinner coffee, or as a surprising twist in a gin & tonic.
Pineapple Mint
🍍 Lightly sweet with a tropical aroma.
A bit more unusual, but beautiful and distinctive. Great in mocktails, smoothies, iced tea or fruit-forward summer drinks.
🍸 Cocktail Tip – Chocolate Mint Gin & Tonic
This is an unexpected yet refined twist on the classic G&T. Chocolate mint adds a soft note of mint chocolate, which plays beautifully with the bright botanicals in gin.
Ingredients:
– 4–5 fresh chocolate mint leaves
– 5 cl dry gin
– Tonic water
– A strip of orange peel
– Ice
How to make it:
-
Gently press the chocolate mint leaves with the back of a spoon to release the aroma – no need to muddle them.
-
Fill a glass with ice.
-
Add the gin and top with tonic water.
-
Express the orange peel over the glass to release its oils, then drop it in.
-
Garnish with a sprig of chocolate mint.
A cool, aromatic cocktail – perfect for summer evenings, either before dinner or as a light and elegant finish to the night.
More Ways to Use Mint This Summer
– In salads with watermelon, grilled vegetables or feta cheese
– In tzatziki for a fresher, herbal twist
– In fruit salads, especially with citrus or berries
– In iced tea or sparkling water
– As a garnish on desserts, cakes or cocktails
Whether you grow mint at home or buy it fresh from your local market, it's a simple way to add life, flavour and elegance to your summer. Try experimenting with different varieties – maybe chocolate mint for your dessert, or apple mint in your next cocktail?
Let mint become a natural part of your season – and add a refreshing twist to your wine memories.
Curious for more? Check out our cocktail posters here: View all drink posters
