Do you wash spearmint before using it for Mojitos or Mint Juleps?

I am growing the spearmint in a planter for the use in Mojitos or Mint Juleps. I just need to know if I need to wash it before it is put in the drinks. Will it lose some of it's flavor if I wash it? Is there something specific I should wash it in?

Do you wash spearmint before using it for Mojitos or Mint Juleps?
Just rinse it under cool water briefly and set it out to dry off on paper towels. You won't lose any flavor, you're going to be muddling it with sugar and pulling all kinds of flavor out of it later.
Reply:just wash and dry with paper towel.a good tip is to slightly crush the mint you will get more flavour.
Reply:You are growing the wrong mint yes wash it %26amp; use it if y like mint flavor it wil be much stronger isay go for it.
Reply:There is a difference between "spearmint" and "mint". MINT is used in Mojitos.


You are growing the wrong spice. All though - it probably will work but will be much stronger.


Yes - you have to rinse it in cold water.
Reply:If it just rained you'd be OK but i'd wash it otherwise to get the bird droppings and other nasty stuff off. It wont lose its flavor. Spearmint is some good strong stuff. I've been growing it for years. You do have to watch where you put it cause it will try to take over the whole garden..:)
Reply:Yes, it's a dirty plant...with dirt. Washing vegetables and herbs and fruit does not affect teh flavor. Not washing it would probably make the drink taste bad. JUSt rinse it well under a steady stream of water, then lay flat to dry. Make sure it's dry before you use so no water gets in your drink. You could use a salad spinner if you have one.