Concentrated vials of flavouring extract are overpowering when used in excess. Of all the extracts on the market, the only one that requires more than a few drops is vanilla.

So what is the best way to get just a drop of peppermint, banana, almond, lemon, orange, or coconut?

Take something with a small but strong edge, like a metal cake tester or a toothpick. Poke one hole in the foil that covers the vial.

When you shake the vial over a spoon, one drop should come out – if not, gently and slowly widen the hole by wiggling the toothpick back and forth, until one drop falls out.