Grasshopper Cocktail
Cool, creamy, and minty, the Grasshopper is a classic after-dinner cocktail that tastes a little like melted mint-chip ice cream. It is easy to shake at home with equal parts crème de menthe, crème de cacao, and cream.
- Total time
- 5 min
- Yield
- 1 cocktail
- Difficulty
- Easy
Prep 5mCook 0mAmericanDrinks
The Grasshopper cocktail became popular in the mid-20th century, when sweet, creamy drinks were a favorite way to end a meal. Its pale green color comes from green crème de menthe, a mint liqueur with a candy-cool flavor.
This recipe keeps the classic equal-parts formula: one part crème de menthe, one part white crème de cacao, and one part heavy cream. Shake it hard with ice so the drink turns cold, smooth, and lightly frothy.
Serve it in a chilled coupe or small martini glass. It is rich, so one small cocktail is usually plenty.
01What you'll need
Ingredients
5 items · 1 cocktail
- Ice, for shaking
- 1 ounce green crème de menthe
- 1 ounce white crème de cacao
- 1 ounce heavy cream
- Fresh mint sprig, for garnish, optional
02How to make it
Step-by-step
1. Chill the glass
Place a coupe, small martini glass, or small cocktail glass in the freezer for 5 minutes. A cold glass helps the creamy drink stay crisp and refreshing.
2. Fill the shaker
Add a generous handful of ice to a cocktail shaker. Ice chills the drink and adds a little dilution, which softens the sweetness.
3. Measure the liqueurs
Pour in the green crème de menthe and white crème de cacao. Use a jigger or small measuring cup so the drink stays balanced.
4. Add the cream
Pour in the heavy cream. Heavy cream gives the classic Grasshopper its smooth body, but you can see the tips for lighter swaps.
5. Shake until cold
Seal the shaker tightly and shake hard for 15 to 20 seconds. The outside of the shaker should feel very cold, and the drink should look slightly foamy.
6. Strain the cocktail
Strain the drink into the chilled glass. Straining keeps the ice chips out and gives the cocktail a clean, silky texture.
7. Garnish and serve
Add a small mint sprig if you like. Serve right away, while the drink is cold and freshly shaken.
03From our kitchen
Cook's tips
- Make-ahead: Do not shake the cocktail ahead with ice, or it will turn watery. You can measure the two liqueurs into a small jar and refrigerate them for up to 1 day. Shake with cream and ice just before serving.
- Storage: A finished Grasshopper is best right away. If you have leftovers, cover and refrigerate for a few hours, then shake again with fresh ice before serving. The texture will not be quite as frothy.
- Cream swap: Half-and-half makes a lighter drink, but it will be thinner. For a richer dessert-style cocktail, use heavy cream as written.
- Color note: Green crème de menthe gives the signature color. If you use clear crème de menthe, the flavor will be similar, but the cocktail will be white instead of green.
- Cacao choice: White crème de cacao keeps the drink pale green. Dark crème de cacao works in a pinch, but it will muddy the color and give a slightly deeper chocolate flavor.
- Dairy-free option: Use full-fat canned coconut milk or an unsweetened barista-style oat creamer. The flavor will change, but the drink will still be creamy.
Cook's note
Nutrition is estimated for one cocktail made with 1 ounce each green crème de menthe, white crème de cacao, and heavy cream. Liqueur brands vary in sugar and alcohol content, so the numbers can shift slightly.
04Frequently asked
Questions & answers
What does a Grasshopper cocktail taste like?
It tastes like sweet mint chocolate with cream. Many people compare it to mint chocolate chip ice cream or a thin mint-style dessert.
Can I make a Grasshopper without a cocktail shaker?
Yes. Use a jar with a tight lid. Add the ice and ingredients, seal well, shake hard, then strain through a small sieve into your glass.
Is a Grasshopper served before or after dinner?
It is usually served after dinner because it is sweet and creamy. Think of it as a dessert drink rather than a light aperitif.
Can I blend it with ice?
Yes. For a frozen Grasshopper, blend the liqueurs and cream with about 1 cup of ice until smooth. It will be thicker and more like a milkshake.
Why is my Grasshopper too sweet?
The drink is naturally sweet because both liqueurs contain sugar. To soften it, shake it longer with plenty of ice, or use 1 1/2 ounces cream instead of 1 ounce.
05Per serving
Nutrition facts
Nutrition Facts
1 cocktail
Amount per serving
% Daily Value*
- Total Fat11 g
- 14%
- Saturated Fat7 g
- 35%
- Cholesterol34 mg
- 11%
- Sodium9 mg
- 0%
- Total Carbohydrate23 g
- 8%
- Dietary Fiber0 g
- 0%
- Total Sugars23 g
- Protein1 g
- 2%
- Vitamin D0.3 mcg
- 2%
- Calcium20 mg
- 2%
- Iron0.1 mg
- 1%
- Potassium30 mg
- 1%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.
05Keep cooking
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