Described is a genus of menthyl half acid ester derivatives having the structure: and processes for producing same, wherein n is an integer of from 1 to 5; wherein X is either —OR″ or —NRR′; wherein R″ is hydrogen, C1-C5 lower alkyl or C3-C6 lower alkenyl; wherein R is hydrogen, C1-C5 lower alkyl, 2-hydroxyethyl or cyclopropyl and wherein R′ is hydrogen, methyl or ethyl; with the proviso that when X is —OR″, n is an integer of from 3 to 5, having utility for augmenting, enhancing or imparting a taste or cooling effect or refreshing effect in or to an ingestible or topical composition.