mint distillate (araq-e na'na)
A steam distillate of mint, clear and colourless, with a cool, delicate mint aroma.
Araq-e na'na is a distillate made in Iran by steam-distilling fresh mint, and belongs to the large family of Persian herbal waters. It is clear, unsweetened and tastes mildly and coolly of mint, without the grassy, slightly bitter edge of mint tea. That purity is what governs its use: it goes by the spoonful into syrup drinks, yoghurt drinks and sweets, where it adds freshness without colour or cloudiness. You can find it in Persian grocery shops, sometimes in well-stocked Middle Eastern or Turkish supermarkets, and from online retailers. Stored cool and dark it keeps for a long time, though once opened it slowly loses its fragrance.
Substitute:
There is no true equivalent. Steeping fresh mint briefly in water and straining it comes closest, but tastes greener and more bitter and tints the liquid slightly. A drop of peppermint extract in water stays clear but is sharper and more artificial, and is hard to dose.