Making the most of green before the white settles in

Verdant hues may be gone from this part of the world, but I've got a little bit of summer green in a bottle.  The chocolate mint was exceptionally strong smelling this year and I've been trying to think of a way to make use of it before the frost takes it away.  This is the recipe I came up with.  

Fresh Mint Liqueur

1 1/4 cups fresh mint leaves, slightly packed
3 cups vodka
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup water

Wash leaves in cold water several times. Shake or pat gently dry. Snip each leaf into halves or thirds, discarding stems. Measure cut mint leaves to above measurement.

Combine leaves and vodka, steep for 2 weeks. Shake occasionally. Strain out leaves. Boil sugar and water together, cool. Add to vodka mixture. Age 1 to 3 months. Yield: 1 quart.