Grasshopper: The Minty Green Dessert Cocktail

Name: Grasshopper: The Minty Green Dessert Cocktail
Prep time: 3 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 1 cocktail
Cuisine: United States
Ingredients: 30 ml crème de cacao; 30 ml crème de menthe; 30 ml cream

BY: Lara Bolle

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updated 12 Jan 2024

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IBA Cocktail

The Grasshopper is a sweet, creamy cocktail that tastes like mint chocolate chip ice cream in drink form. This vibrant green drink is perfect for those with a sweet tooth looking for a boozy dessert in a glass.

Grasshopper: The Minty Green Dessert Cocktail

The Grasshopper is a delightful dessert cocktail that belongs to the after-dinner drink family. Its name comes from its striking green color, reminiscent of the insect it's named after. This cocktail originated in the southern United States, with both New Orleans and Nebraska claiming its creation in the early 1900s.

The classic recipe calls for equal parts of three main ingredients: Crème de Menthe, Crème de Cacao, and Heavy Cream. The Crème de Menthe provides the signature green color and mint flavor, while the Crème de Cacao adds a rich chocolate note. The Heavy Cream brings everything together, creating a smooth, creamy texture.

When you take a sip, you're greeted with a cool mint flavor, followed by the sweet chocolate notes, all wrapped in a creamy, velvety texture. It's like drinking a sophisticated, boozy version of mint chocolate chip ice cream.

The Grasshopper typically has a moderate alcohol content, as the cream dilutes the liqueurs. Its appearance is striking - a vibrant green color that's often served in a chilled cocktail glass or coupe.

This cocktail is perfect as an after-dinner drink or liquid dessert. Its sweet, creamy nature makes it especially popular during the holiday season, but it can be enjoyed year-round. The Grasshopper is particularly suited for those who enjoy sweet, dessert-like cocktails or are looking for an alternative to traditional after-dinner drinks.

While it may not be a frequent order at most bars today, the Grasshopper remains a beloved classic, especially in the southern United States. It's a staple in many old-school restaurants and bars, particularly in New Orleans.

The Grasshopper's popularity peaked in the 1950s and 1960s, during the era of sweet, colorful cocktails. Today, it's enjoying a resurgence as bartenders rediscover and reinvent classic cocktails.

This cocktail is officially recognized as part of the IBA list of approved cocktails under the Contemporary Classics category.

“

A smooth blend of mint and chocolate flavors in a glass

”

Did you know that Grasshopper...

... was at the height of its popularity in the 1950s and 1960s, often served as a nightcap in restaurants across America?

Who invented this cocktail

The Grasshopper was created by Philibert Guichet, owner of Tujague's restaurant in New Orleans, for a cocktail competition in New York City in 1918.

The origin and history of "Grasshopper"

The Grasshopper's story begins in the early 20th century in New Orleans, a city known for its vibrant cocktail culture. In 1918, Philibert Guichet, the owner of Tujague's restaurant, created the drink for a cocktail competition in New York City. Legend has it that the Grasshopper came in second place in the competition.

After the contest, Guichet brought the recipe back to Tujague's, where it became a local favorite. The drink's popularity grew slowly but steadily over the next few decades.

The Grasshopper really took off in the 1950s and 1960s, coinciding with a broader trend towards sweeter, more indulgent cocktails. During this time, it became a popular after-dinner drink in restaurants across America, often served as a nightcap.

The cocktail's bright green color and sweet, approachable taste made it a hit during the era of colorful, sugary drinks that extended into the 1970s and early 1980s. It was particularly popular in the Midwest and South of the United States.

While its popularity waned in the latter part of the 20th century as tastes shifted towards drier, more complex cocktails, the Grasshopper has never completely disappeared from bar menus. In recent years, it has seen a resurgence as part of the classic cocktail revival movement.

Today, mixologists are creating modern twists on the Grasshopper, experimenting with different cream liqueurs, adding vodka for extra kick, or even blending it with ice cream for a boozy milkshake version. Despite these variations, the classic recipe remains a beloved choice for those seeking a sweet, minty end to their meal.

Bartender Tips for making the perfect "Grasshopper"

To make the perfect Grasshopper, try these tips:

Chill your cocktail glass beforehand for the best presentation
Use fresh, high-quality cream for the best texture
Shake the ingredients vigorously with ice to ensure a proper mix and chill
For an extra minty kick, add a few drops of peppermint extract
Garnish with a mint leaf or chocolate shavings for added visual appeal

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"Grasshopper" Variations

Frozen Grasshopper: Blend the ingredients with vanilla ice cream for a boozy milkshake
Vodka Grasshopper: Add a shot of vodka for an extra kick
Grasshopper Martini: Use half-and-half instead of cream for a lighter version
Flying Grasshopper: Float a layer of brandy on top for added complexity

The Grasshopper is a delightful trip down memory lane, offering a sweet, minty escape in cocktail form. Whether you're ending a meal or simply indulging your sweet tooth, this vibrant green classic is sure to leave you with a smile.

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Current Comments: 1

Emily J.

12 Jun 2024

Tastes like mint chocolate ice cream—love it as a fun dessert drink!