Can I use mint instead of yerba buena? A Definitive Guide

October 6, 2025 •

4 min read

It's a common point of confusion that 'yerba buena' is a regional Spanish term for several mint-related species, most commonly spearmint. This means that when you ask, 'Can I use mint instead of yerba buena?', the answer is almost always yes, but the specific variety you choose will have a notable impact on the final taste.

Quick Summary

Yerba buena is a regional name for various mints, most often spearmint. You can use common mint as a substitute, but flavor and aroma will differ depending on the specific variety, such as a mild spearmint versus a strong peppermint.

Key Points

Yerba Buena is Not One Plant: The term 'yerba buena' is a regional name for various aromatic plants in the mint family, most commonly spearmint (Mentha spicata).
Substitution Depends on Variety: The key to substituting is to know which type of mint you are using, as spearmint has a mild, sweet flavor, while peppermint has a much stronger, sharp menthol kick.
Spearmint for a Milder Flavor: For applications where a milder, sweeter mint is needed (like a traditional mojito), spearmint is the ideal substitute for yerba buena.
Peppermint for a Strong Kick: Peppermint works well when a powerful, cooling menthol flavor is desired, but it can easily overwhelm more delicate dishes and drinks.
Shared Health Benefits: Both yerba buena (spearmint) and other mints share similar digestive benefits, helping to soothe upset stomachs and alleviate gas.

Understanding the 'Yerba Buena' Identity

The phrase "yerba buena" translates from Spanish to "good herb" and, rather than denoting a single plant, it refers to different aromatic plants depending on the region. While it most often refers to a species of spearmint (Mentha spicata) in culinary contexts, especially for cocktails like mojitos, it can also refer to other mint family relatives or even completely different genera. This regional variation is the source of the common confusion surrounding the herb.

The Most Common Culprits

When substituting, it is crucial to understand the most likely candidates for 'yerba buena' and their individual flavor profiles. The two most common mint varieties found in grocery stores are spearmint and peppermint, and they offer distinct experiences.

Spearmint (Mentha spicata): This is the herb most often labeled as yerba buena and used in traditional mojitos. It features a mild, sweet, and clean minty flavor with a lower menthol content compared to peppermint. This makes it refreshing without being overpowering, which is why it is preferred in delicate applications.
Peppermint (Mentha x piperita): A natural hybrid of spearmint and watermint, peppermint has a much stronger, sharper, and more pungent menthol kick. While fantastic for medicinal teas or certain strong desserts, its powerful flavor can easily dominate and unbalance a recipe like a mojito, which is meant to have a milder mint presence.
Other 'Yerba Buena' Varieties: In parts of the Western United States, 'yerba buena' might refer to Clinopodium douglasii, a creeping native herb. This variety offers a more herbaceous aroma with a less aggressive mint character. Other regional versions exist, showcasing the wide interpretation of the term.

Culinary Considerations for Substitution

When deciding whether to use mint instead of yerba buena, consider the end result. Your substitution strategy should be guided by the desired flavor intensity and the specific application.

In Cocktails and Drinks

For cocktails like a mojito, spearmint (the most common yerba buena) provides a balanced, refreshing backdrop. Using spearmint is the most authentic choice. If you only have peppermint, use it sparingly. A small amount can provide a cooling sensation, but too much will completely alter the cocktail's intended character with an overly aggressive menthol flavor. Other substitutes with a milder, fresher taste like basil or cilantro could be considered for a different, yet still herbal, profile.

In Teas and Infusions

For herbal teas, the choice between spearmint and peppermint is largely a matter of preference. Spearmint provides a gentle, sweet, and calming tea, often used for its digestive benefits. Peppermint creates a much more potent, invigorating brew that can help clear sinuses and soothe stomach issues with its higher menthol content. You can also use dried mint, but remember it is more concentrated, so you'll need less of it than fresh leaves.

In Cooking and Seasoning

In savory dishes such as stews, salads, or marinades, the more nuanced flavor of spearmint is often preferred. Its mildness complements other ingredients rather than overwhelming them. For recipes that call for a powerful kick, such as certain desserts or sauces, peppermint might be a better fit. Other herbs like basil or oregano can also serve as viable, though different, alternatives in savory contexts.

The Health Benefits: Mint vs. Yerba Buena

As members of the same family, most mints share similar properties, particularly their positive impact on digestion. These benefits come from volatile oils like menthol and menthone, which help to relax the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract and aid digestion.

Here are some of the shared health benefits:

Digestive Aid: Both spearmint (often yerba buena) and peppermint are known to alleviate digestive issues like indigestion, gas, and bloating. Peppermint oil, in particular, is well-studied for managing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms.
Nausea Relief: Drinking mint tea can help calm an upset stomach and ease nausea.
Pain Relief: Some traditional uses of yerba buena include using it as a topical analgesic for headaches and muscle pain.
Antioxidant Properties: Mint contains compounds with antioxidant activity, which help combat oxidative stress in the body.

A Quick Comparison of Mint Varieties


Feature	Yerba Buena (Spearmint)	Peppermint	Clinopodium douglasii (CA Yerba Buena)
Flavor Profile	Mild, sweet, clean minty	Strong, sharp, intense menthol	Herbaceous, subtle mint
Menthol Content	Lower	High	Low
Aroma	Sweet, refreshing	Potent, pungent	Mildly minty
Best for Mojitos?	Yes, traditional choice	No, can be overpowering	Potentially, for a unique twist
Best for Teas?	Calming, digestive tea	Invigorating, sinus-clearing tea	Traditional medicinal tea
Common Use	Cocktails, savory dishes, mild tea	Strong tea, desserts, breath fresheners	Native medicine, groundcover

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Recipe

In conclusion, you absolutely can use mint instead of yerba buena, but success lies in understanding that "yerba buena" is not a single, distinct plant but a regional label for various mint species, most often spearmint. For a flavor profile closest to the traditional use in a mojito, use spearmint. If you prefer a stronger, more intense menthol flavor, peppermint is your choice, though use it with caution to avoid overpowering other ingredients. By understanding the subtle yet important differences between these mints, you can make an informed substitution and achieve the desired taste in your culinary and dietary applications.

Learn more about the broad health applications of mint species from this publication.

Frequently Asked Questions

In many regions, yerba buena is the Spanish name for spearmint (Mentha spicata). The main difference is linguistic and regional, not botanical. Both are known for their mild, sweet, and clean minty flavor.

Yes, you can, but it will change the flavor profile significantly. Peppermint has a much higher menthol content, which can create a sharp, medicinal taste that is not traditionally associated with a mojito.

Yes. Like many mints, yerba buena is traditionally used to aid digestion, relieve stomach aches, and provide anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effects. It is often prepared as a tea.

The plant most commonly referred to as yerba buena (spearmint) is known to be a vigorous and invasive grower. However, another native Californian species also called yerba buena (Clinopodium douglasii) is less invasive.

If your recipe requires a mild, fresh flavor, use spearmint, as it is the closest match. For a stronger, more pungent mint flavor, you can use peppermint but add it in smaller quantities.

Yes, but use it in smaller amounts. Dried mint is much more concentrated than fresh mint leaves, so you'll only need about half the amount to achieve a similar flavor intensity.

The name comes from the Spanish phrase "good herb," given to various aromatic, beneficial plants throughout Spanish-speaking regions. Early Spanish settlers in California used the name for the native Clinopodium douglasii.