The Grasshopper Drink (Classic Cocktail!)

Everyone loves this Grasshopper drink recipe! Here’s the classic way to make this Electric Chocolate Mint Dessert Cocktail.

It’s bright green, rich and creamy, and it’s deliciously minty chocolate. Yes, it’s everyone’s favorite: the grasshopper Drink! Turns out, this classic cocktail has more history than you might think: it dates back to 1918. The traditional version of this drink doesn’t require ice, either. Similar to the Mudslide, its original form was not an alcoholic milkshake! After dinner, shake this chic, creamy drink in a cocktail shaker and strain into a martini glass. One sip of creamy mint chocolate and you’ll be sold.

What’s in a Grasshopper drink?

The Grasshopper cocktail is an after-dinner drink made from crème de menthe and crème de cacao. It is said to have been invented in New Orleans in 1918 by the owner of Tujague’s Bar. According to Tujague’s, Philip Guichet invented it for a cocktail competition in New York, where it won second place. He brought it back to his bar and Tujague’s has been serving it ever since. (Try these classic New Orleans drinks, too.)

The Grasshopper has become so popular that it has been included on the International Bartender Association’s list of official IBA cocktails, meaning it has an ‘official’ definition. The ingredients of a Grasshopper cocktail are:

• cream mint
• cream cocoa
• whipped cream

Do you think the grasshopper should contain ice? Well you’re right: it’s a variation on the theme. Read on: But first, let’s talk about the special ingredients.

What is Creme de Menthe?

There’s one thing that’s irreplaceable in a recipe for a Grasshopper drink, and that’s crème de menthe. What is it and worth keeping in your liquor cabinet? Yes, it’s the only spirit that gives the drink its signature color and flavor. Here’s what you need to know:

• mint cream is a light green liqueur with a sweet mint flavor. Despite its name, there’s no crema at all: it’s made from grain alcohol infused with mint. There is also a “white mint cream” that is colorless but tastes the same. Creme de menthe was invented in 1885.
• How does crème de menthe taste? It has a sweet taste with a very strong peppermint flavor, similar to peppermint schnapps.
• How much does the crème de menthe cost? A 750ml bottle costs about $15-$20. You can keep it for 5 years, so it makes quite a few locusts!
• Is it worth buying? Yes, if you like a good grasshopper! You can also drizzle it over vanilla ice cream to make crème de menthe parfaits.

What is cocoa cream?

Creme de cacao is another unique liqueur you need for this Grasshopper drink recipe: it gives the cool mint the chocolaty undertone. Here is a little more about this liqueur:

• cocoa cream is a cocoa bean flavored liqueur available in white (light) and dark varieties. It has a long history: It is perhaps one of the first alcoholic beverages, made by monks in the 17th century after cocoa beans were brought to Europe from America (source).
• How does cocoa cream taste? Crème de Cacao has a mild milk chocolate flavor with a hint of vanilla.
• How much is cocoa cream A 750ml bottle costs between $10 and $20.
• Is it worth buying? Yes, if you like sweet cocktails! Use it to make cocoa cream cocktails like a Chocolate Martini, Brandy Alexander or Bushwacker.

Variation: make a frozen grasshopper!

Have you been looking for the milkshake version washed down with a grasshopper? You’re lucky: you can do it too! It’s called a frozen grasshopper. According to Eater, the Frozen Grasshopper was invented in Wisconsin and often served at Wisconsin supper clubs. Wisconsin’s drinking style has also brought us Old Fashioned Brandy, Pink Squirrel, and Brandy Alexander: These are fun, sweet beverages that are rich in dairy.

Want to turn this Grasshopper drink recipe into its frozen counterpart? Here’s what to do:

• Replace the whipped cream with 2 scoops of ice cream.
• Blend in a blender until smooth!

You might want to double or quadruple this grasshopper cocktail recipe for a crowd. To serve 4 people, use ¾ cup crème de cacao and crème de menthe and 8 scoops of ice cream.

More green drinks

This beautiful green drink makes a great after-dinner drink that doubles as a dessert! With its bright green color it also goes well with St. Patrick’s Day (although of course there is nothing Irish about it). Here are some other green cocktails to try after this one:

When to serve this Grasshopper drink recipe

The Mudslide is an ideal dessert cocktail after dinner or on occasions like St. Patrick’s Day or even Valentine’s Day. It works well in winter or summer! Try as:

• Happy hour drink
• dessert cocktail
• Valentine’s Day Cocktail
• St. Patrick’s cocktail
• Night drink for girls or boys
• Aperitif at aperitif time