Prepare these peppermint leaves as a herbal infusion: place the leaves in a cup or teapot, pour over freshly boiled water, cover, and let them steep until the drink has a clear peppermint aroma and a cooling taste. Covering the cup or pot is useful because peppermint’s character comes from essential oils, which are aromatic and can evaporate easily during brewing.
The exact strength can be adjusted to preference. If you want a softer everyday drink, use fewer leaves or a shorter steeping time. For a fuller after-meal infusion, use a little more leaf or let it steep longer, then strain before drinking. If the taste becomes too intense, dilute with hot water rather than adding sugar; peppermint is naturally fresh and often pleasant without sweetening.
For a cold version, brew the infusion in the usual way first, strain it, then cool it and keep it chilled until serving. This gives a fresher taste than simply placing dry leaves in cold water for a short time. Lemon, berries or a small amount of honey can be added after brewing, depending on whether you want a sharper, fruitier or softer drink.
Store the opened pack tightly closed, away from moisture, heat and strong-smelling foods, so the leaves keep their aroma as well as possible.