This Grasshopper beverage recipe transforms mint and chocolate liqueurs into a rich dessert cocktail that is sure to impress everyone! Here are my professional tips for crafting this minty green after-dinner drink.
As a lifelong fan of mint chocolate chip ice cream, it’s no wonder I’m attracted to the Grasshopper drink! This light green classic cocktail originated in 1918, yet it remains a favorite today.
The blend of crème de menthe and crème de cacao creates this remarkably smooth, creamy beverage that resembles dessert more than a cocktail: which is precisely the aim! It stands out as one of my preferred sweet alcoholic beverages and is quite easy to prepare at home.
What Makes a Grasshopper Unique?
The Grasshopper cocktail is a post-meal drink featuring two liqueurs: crème de menthe and crème de cacao. Allegedly, it was created in New Orleans in 1918 by the proprietor of Tujague’s bar.
According to Tujague’s legend, Philip Guichet designed it for a cocktail contest in New York City, where it placed second. He later introduced it to his bar, and Tujague’s has continued to serve it ever since.
Key Ingredients
The Grasshopper gained such popularity that it was included in the International Bartender Association’s IBA official cocktails, which means it has an “official” classification. There’s also a variation of the Grasshopper that includes ice cream, resembling more of a milkshake. The classic Grasshopper cocktail consists of:
– Crème de menthe: The Grasshopper is the primary reason to purchase this liqueur, although you may occasionally use it in other cocktails like the Stinger Cocktail. It’s a vibrant green liqueur developed in the 1880s and contains no actual cream: it’s alcohol infused with peppermint. The flavor is intensely minty, akin to peppermint schnapps but more polished and balanced. You want the green version for a Grasshopper.
– Crème de cacao: This chocolate liqueur is slightly more adaptable: it boasts a smooth milk chocolate taste with hints of vanilla. Besides Grasshoppers, you can incorporate crème de cacao into Chocolate Martinis, Brandy Alexanders, and Mudslides.
– Heavy cream: Cream provides the silky texture of this cocktail. Similar to a White Russian, you can substitute half and half, whole milk, or even full-fat coconut milk or oat milk for a non-dairy alternative.
The Frozen Grasshopper Variation
If the term Grasshopper conjures images of a boozy milkshake, then you’re thinking of its variant known as the Frozen Grasshopper. The Frozen Grasshopper originated in Wisconsin and was frequently served at supper clubs there.
The Wisconsin drinking style is also responsible for classics like the Brandy Old Fashioned, Pink Squirrel, and Brandy Alexander: it’s all about enjoyable, sweet cocktails heavy on dairy!
To create a frozen version, use 2 scoops of vanilla ice cream in place of cream and blend until smooth. It tastes like a mint chocolate milkshake with a spirited twist!
Serving Recommendations and Presentation Tips
Present your Grasshopper in a chilled martini glass or coupe, adorned with shaved dark chocolate or a light sprinkle of cocoa powder. You can also rim the glass with chocolate syrup or create a swirl inside (similar to this Chocolate Martini).
This beverage is perfect as a dessert drink after a meal. It complements chocolate desserts such as flourless chocolate cake, brownies, or chocolate-covered strawberries beautifully. It’s also a festive green drink for St. Patrick’s Day thanks to its vivid hue (though there’s nothing Irish about it).
For a playful twist during the festive season, consider serving mini Grasshoppers (a half recipe) in cordial or host glasses as a dessert cocktail flight, alongside Spiked Hot Chocolate or Irish Coffee.
Storage and Pre-Making Tips
A Grasshopper cocktail tastes best when served immediately after shaking. The cream can separate if left too long, and the frozen version melts quickly.
To prepare this drink in batch, you can mix 2 to 3 cocktails at once (approximately 12-16 ounces of liquid) in a 28-ounce cocktail shaker. Ensure you don’t fill it more than two-thirds full.
The liqueurs themselves are stable on the shelf and will last for 2 to 3 years in your liquor cabinet. Keep them in a cool, dark environment shielded from direct sunlight.
Common Questions
Can I substitute white crème de menthe for green? It would have the same taste but would lose the stunning green color! The flavor will be identical, but you’d forfeit that iconic emerald look (you could add a drop of food coloring if desired).
What distinguishes a Grasshopper from a Mint Chocolate Martini? A classic Grasshopper incorporates cream and equal amounts of the two liqueurs, resulting in a decadent, dessert-like drink. Mint chocolate