Mint Spritz Stovetop Hydrosol Recipe

What Is a Hydrosol?

A hydrosol is essentially a floral or herbal water, a method used to extract the volatile oils of the plant you are using. Steam is created and condensation is collected. This method is perfect for the really aromatic type of herbs and flowers. When creating a hydrosol, you’re getting the best water-soluble parts one bead drop at a time.

One thing to point out here is that a hydrosol is different from the essential oils you may be more familiar with. Essential oils are highly concentrated products of just the aromatic constituents. Hydrosols are water-based blends of water and some of the aromatic components of the plant, much lighter than an essential oil, and can be applied directly to the skin without dilution.

This mint spritz, a homemade stovetop hydrosol, using mint, is just what you need to get you through summer! Plus, it makes a great gift if you find yourself with bottles to spare.  

Ingredients

Large handful of fresh mint – pick plenty!

2 cups of filtered/distilled water

Bag of ice to replenish 5 sandwich size bags

Directions

• Place a ramekin upside down inside a stockpot

• Sprinkle fresh mint in the pot, do not cover ramekin.

• Place small bowl on top of ramekin.

• Pour about 2 cups of water into the pot, do not submerge ramekin.

• Place stockpot lid upside down on the pot.

• Place a sandwich bag filled with ice on the lid.

• Simmer pot for about an hour.

• Change out sandwich bag of ice as it melts.

• After one hour, turn off heat, carefully remove the lid.

• Use clean oven mitts or silicon grip to remove the bowl of hydrosol liquid.

• Bottle hydrosol and store in the fridge.

To Use:

This mint spritz can be sprayed liberally over your entire body. Give yourself a refreshing spritz on your face to cool down. Or, mist on the arms and chest—or one of my personal favorites—the back of the neck. Feel the mint cool your skin as the refreshingly chilled hydrosol lightly covers your body. Keep a mint spritz bottle in your bag when you’re on the go; you’ll be glad to have it on hand this summer!  

I have a deep appreciation for the beauty and versatility of using plants and herbs for self-care. It is truly amazing how a common kitchen ingredient such as mint can be transformed right on your stove into a powerful cooling agent for the summer. I am constantly in awe of the various ways you can turn to plants for help. This mint spritz recipe is an example of how an everyday item can be used in ways beyond what you are used to. I hope you try it out!