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If you believe that dessert is the most important part of the meal, the Grasshopper Cocktail is your spirit animal. Max calls this the "Liquid Thin Mint" because it tastes exactly like a melted mint chocolate chip milkshake, but with a grown-up kick. It is a retro classic that hails from New Orleans, known for its stunning pastel green color and creamy, velvety texture. It is the perfect after-dinner drink to satisfy your sweet tooth without picking up a fork.
Jump to:
- Why You Will Love This Grasshopper Cocktail
- How To Make Grasshopper Cocktail
- What Pairs Well With Grasshopper Cocktail
- Grasshopper Cocktail Variations
- Equipment
- Storage / Make Ahead / Serving Tips
- Top Tips for Best Grasshopper Cocktail
- Grasshopper Cocktail Frequently Asked Questions
- More Sweet Sips
- Related
- Grasshopper Cocktail
Why You Will Love This Grasshopper Cocktail
This recipe is the definition of "low effort, high reward." It requires only three ingredients in equal parts, making it impossible to mess up. It is sweet, minty, and rich, serving as both a cocktail and a dessert. The vibrant green hue makes it a showstopper for holiday parties or St. Patrick's Day, while the chocolate shavings on top add a touch of elegance that makes it feel like a fancy speakeasy creation.
How To Make Grasshopper Cocktail
To achieve the smooth, pastel green look seen in the photo, the secret is using white crème de cacao and green crème de menthe. If you use the dark version of the cocoa liqueur, the drink turns a muddy swamp color. We shake the liqueurs with heavy cream and ice until frost forms on the shaker—this aeration gives it a luxurious mouthfeel. We strain it into a chilled martini glass and garnish it generously with shaved chocolate and a fresh mint sprig for that professional finish.
Grasshopper Cocktail Ingredients
The Trinity of Flavor
- 1 oz Green Crème de Menthe (this provides the color and mint flavor)
- 1 oz White Crème de Cacao (provides the chocolate flavor without darkening the drink)
- 1 oz Heavy Cream (for that rich, milkshake-like consistency)
The Garnish
- Dark chocolate block (for shaving)
- Fresh mint sprig
Step by Step Method
Chill the Glass
- Place your martini or coupe glass in the freezer for 10 minutes before starting. A frosty glass keeps this dairy-based drink cold and delicious.
Measure and Shake
- Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice cubes.
- Pour in the Green Crème de Menthe, White Crème de Cacao, and Heavy Cream.
- Shake vigorously for at least 15–20 seconds. You want to hear the ice smashing back and forth; this chills the cream and creates a slightly frothy texture.
Strain and Serve
- Strain the mixture into your chilled glass. It should be an opaque, creamy pastel green.
Garnish
- Use a microplane or vegetable peeler to shave dark chocolate directly onto the center of the drink.
- Clap a fresh mint sprig between your hands to release the oils and clip it to the rim of the glass.
Max’s Reaction: "It doesn't taste like alcohol at all! It's like drinking a mint chocolate candy bar. I want another one."
What Pairs Well With Grasshopper Cocktail
Since this is essentially a dessert in a glass, it pairs best with chocolate-forward treats. Serve it alongside a slice of flourless chocolate cake or a brownie. It also works beautifully as a standalone "dessert course" after a heavy savory meal like steak or roast chicken.
Grasshopper Cocktail Variations
The Flying Grasshopper
- Swap the heavy cream for vodka. This creates a stronger, less creamy drink that hits harder.
Frozen Grasshopper
- Instead of shaking with ice, blend the liqueurs with a large scoop of vanilla ice cream. It turns into a boozy milkshake that is incredibly popular in Wisconsin supper clubs.
The Dirty Grasshopper
- Use Baileys Irish Cream instead of plain heavy cream for an extra layer of flavor and richness.
Dairy-Free
- Substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or oat milk barista blend. The coconut adds a subtle tropical note that works surprisingly well with the mint.
Equipment
- Cocktail Shaker
- Jigger (for measuring)
- Microplane or Peeler (for chocolate shavings)
- Martini or Coupe Glass
Storage / Make Ahead / Serving Tips
Make Ahead Strategy
You can pre-mix the Crème de Menthe, Crème de Cacao, and Cream in a pitcher and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When guests arrive, just pour portions into a shaker with ice and shake to wake it up.
Serving Temperature
This drink must be served ice cold. If the cream gets warm, the texture becomes unappealing. Always use plenty of ice when shaking.
Garnish Tip
For the look in the photo, shave the chocolate right in the center so it floats on the surface tension of the cream rather than sinking immediately.
Top Tips for Best Grasshopper Cocktail
The ratio is the key: 1:1:1. It’s the easiest recipe to memorize. However, if you find it too sweet, you can slightly increase the heavy cream or add a splash of vodka to cut the sugar. Also, ensure you buy Green Crème de Menthe. There is a "white" (clear) version that tastes the same but will result in a beige drink, losing that signature visual appeal.
Grasshopper Cocktail Frequently Asked Questions
Does this have a lot of alcohol?
Not really. It is a low-ABV cocktail. Both liqueurs are usually around 15–25% ABV, and they are diluted with cream and ice. It’s a gentle sipper.
Can I use half-and-half?
Yes, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the texture will be thinner and less velvety than the version shown in the image.
What does it taste like?
It tastes almost exactly like an Andes Mint chocolate or mint chocolate chip ice cream.
More Sweet Sips
If you love dessert drinks, this Grasshopper is just the beginning. For a cozy winter treat, try the Dirty Snowman Recipe which features ice cream and hot chocolate. The French Hot Chocolate Recipe offers a thicker, richer cocoa experience, while the Strawberry Hot Chocolate adds a fruity twist to your mug.
Share your Grasshopper Cocktail! Tag us @HannahCooking with #GrasshopperCocktail; we’re dying to see your version and hear about your homemade kitchen stories!
⭐️ Rate this Grasshopper Cocktail recipe and let us know what twists or ingredients you used!
Related
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- Hawaiian Roll Garlic Bread25 Minutes
- Best Red Velvet Cupcakes40 Minutes
- Creamy Parmesan Beef Linguine with Garlic Butter Sauce25 Minutes
Grasshopper Cocktail
Equipment
- 1 Cocktail shaker (Standard)
- 1 Martini glass (Chilled)
- 1 Microplane (For chocolate)
Ingredients
- 1 oz Green Crème de Menthe - For mint flavor & color
- 1 oz White Crème de Cacao - Clear chocolate liqueur
- 1 oz heavy cream - For richness
- 1 cup ice cubes - For shaking
- 1 tablespoon dark chocolate - Shaved garnish
- 1 sprig fresh mint - Garnish
Instructions
- Chill a martini or coupe glass in the freezer for 10 minutes.
- Add Green Crème de Menthe, White Crème de Cacao, and heavy cream to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake vigorously for 20 seconds until the shaker is frosty.
- Strain into the chilled glass.
- Garnish with shaved chocolate in the center and a sprig of mint on the rim.
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