Grasshopper Cocktail Recipe

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.

Save it For Later

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

Save it For Later

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.

Save it For Later

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.

Save it For Later

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.

Grasshopper Cocktail Frequently Asked Questions

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

Looking for other recipes like Grasshopper Cocktail? Try these: