Best Mint Substitutes for Cooking, Drinks & More

By Sophia Martinez · January 24, 2026

What Can I Use in Place of Mint?

If you're looking for a substitute for mint, the best alternatives include basil, lemon balm, pennyroyal, spearmint (if regular mint is unavailable), and lemongrass. These herbs offer similar refreshing, citrusy, or cooling flavors and are widely used in culinary, beverage, and medicinal applications.

Why Substitute Mint?

Mint is prized for its cool, aromatic flavor and versatility. However, substitutions may be needed due to:

Allergies or sensitivities to menthol
Lack of availability in certain regions or seasons
Desire for different flavor profiles while maintaining freshness
Gardening limitations (e.g., invasive growth of mint plants)

Top Mint Substitutes by Use Case

Culinary Uses

In cooking, especially Middle Eastern, Southeast Asian, and Mediterranean dishes, mint adds brightness. When substituting:

Basil: Ideal in salads, pesto, and tomato-based dishes; offers sweet, slightly peppery notes.
Cilantro: Works well in salsas and curries but has a polarizing soapy note for some.
Dill: Best in yogurt sauces and cucumber salads—shares mint’s coolness.

Beverages

For teas, cocktails, and infused waters:

Lemon Balm: A member of the mint family with mild citrus tones—perfect for herbal teas.
Lemongrass: Adds zesty lemon flavor to mojitos or iced tea without overpowering.
Sweet Woodruff: Traditionally used in May wine; subtle vanilla-herbal profile.

Medicinal & Digestive Applications

Mint is often used for digestion and nausea relief. Alternatives include:

Fennel Fronds: Contain anethole, which soothes bloating and gas.
Peppermint Tea Alternatives: Spearmint tea lacks high menthol but still calms the stomach.
Chamomile: Not a direct flavor match but excellent for calming digestive tracts.

Comparative Analysis of Mint Substitutes

Herb	Flavor Profile	Menthol Content (%)	Best Use	Substitution Ratio (vs. Mint)
Basil	Sweet, anise-like	0	Pesto, Caprese, drinks	1:1
Lemon Balm	Citrusy, mild mint	0.05	Teas, desserts	1:1
Spearmint	Cool, herbal	0.5	Tabbouleh, tea	1:1
Pennyroyal	Strong minty	4.2	Aromatic only (toxic if ingested)	Not recommended for consumption
Lemongrass	Lemon-citrus	0	Curries, infusions	1 stalk per tablespoon chopped mint
Chamomile	Floral, apple-like	0	Tea, soothing blends	1 tsp dried per 1 tbsp fresh mint

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows that while spearmint and lemon balm closely mimic mint’s sensory impact, they contain significantly less menthol, making them safer for sensitive individuals. Basil and lemongrass offer strong flavor alternatives without any cooling effect, ideal when avoiding menthol entirely.

Growing Your Own Mint Alternatives

If growing at home, consider these non-invasive options:

Lemon Balm: Easy to grow in containers; attracts pollinators.
Basil: Thrives in warm climates and pots; requires regular harvesting.
Chamomile (Roman or German): Self-seeds moderately; gentle ground cover.

Unlike mint, these herbs don’t spread aggressively via underground runners, making them garden-friendly.

About Mint Substitutes: Common Questions

Can I use basil instead of mint in a mojito?

Yes, basil makes an excellent substitute in mojitos, offering a sweet, aromatic twist with a hint of anise. While it lacks the icy coolness of mint, its robust flavor holds up well against lime and rum.

Is spearmint the same as mint?

Spearmint is a type of mint (Mentha spicata), often referred to simply as “mint.” It contains less menthol than peppermint, giving it a milder taste, making it ideal for cooking and teas where a softer mint flavor is desired.

What herb tastes most like mint?

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) tastes most like mint due to its shared lineage in the Lamiaceae family. It has a softer, lemon-scented version of mint’s freshness and is safe for children and pregnant women in moderate amounts.

Are there any toxic mint substitutes?

Yes, pennyroyal is highly toxic when ingested and should never be used internally despite its strong mint aroma. Always verify the safety of any herb before using it medicinally or culinarily.

Can I substitute dried herbs for fresh mint?

Yes, but use one-third the amount of dried herb compared to fresh, as drying concentrates flavors. Dried lemon balm or spearmint work best; avoid using dried basil or dill as substitutes in drinks.