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The Grasshopper is a classic cocktail featuring green creme de menthe (mint liqueur), white creme de cacao (chocolate liqueur), and heavy cream. The result is a silky, sweet dessert cocktail that tastes like boozy mint chocolate chip ice cream.
Table of Contents
Brief History
The Grasshopper was created in the early 1900s by Philibert Guichet, the owner of Tujague’s, one of the oldest bars in New Orleans, Louisiana. The story goes that Guichet entered the drink in a New York cocktail competition, where it took second place.
While the Grasshopper became a staple in the 1950s, it has recently returned to the craft cocktail scene for its nostalgic, dessert-like appeal. If you find yourself in NOLA, you’ve got to get the full experience at Tujague’s and sip one from their signature tulip flute glass.
If you’re looking for more delicious dessert cocktails, try the Chocolate Espresso Martini, White Russian, and Frozen Mudslide.
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
- Creme de menthe: this gives the Grasshopper its signature minty flavor. Be sure to use green creme de menthe for the classic look. If you only have white creme de menthe, it will taste the same but lack the signature green hue. You can always add a drop of green food coloring.
- Creme de cacao: use white (clear) creme de cacao for the right green color. Dark creme de cacao will work but will darken the drink slightly and add a deeper chocolate flavor.
- Heavy cream: heavy cream creates the creamiest texture, but you can use whipping cream or half-and-half for a lighter version.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities below.
Expert Tips
- The Grasshopper is typically made with equal parts cre.me de menthe, crème de cacao, and heavy cream, however, I like to increase the cream portion to 1 1/2 parts for a richer and slightly less sweet variation.
- This cocktail benefits from a vigorous shake to froth the cream and adequately mix. Double-strain with a fine mesh strainer to eliminate tiny ice chips from entering the cocktail.
- While some will garnish with grated chocolate or chocolate syrup, I prefer to keep it simple and classic. This cocktail is sweet enough without additional sugar.
More Dessert Cocktails
Enjoy this recipe? If you made this cocktail, please leave a ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ star rating in the recipe card below & a review in the comments!
Grasshopper Cocktail
Ingredients
- 1 ounce green creme de menthe
- 1 ounce white creme de cacao
- 1-1½ ounce heavy cream, or whipping cream
Instructions
- Combine creme de menthe, creme de cacao, and heavy cream in a shaker with ice.
- Shake and double strain into a chilled coupe or tulip flute glass.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
