The Grasshopper is a cocktail that transports you to a retro diner after dark, with its velvety mint and chocolate notes swirling in a chilled glass. Equal parts green crème de menthe, white crème de cacao, and cream create a dessert-like indulgence that is both nostalgic and delightful, perfect for savoring slowly on a cozy evening.
✨ What Makes the Cocktail Unique?
The Grasshopper is a standout dessert cocktail, blending minty freshness with chocolate sweetness in a creamy, frothy texture. Unlike boozier drinks, it feels light and indulgent, evoking after-dinner mints or ice cream treats. Its vivid green color adds whimsy, making it a fun, approachable choice that bridges classic mixology with sweet tooth satisfaction.
📖 Recipe
Servings: 1
Time: Under 5 minutes
Difficulty: Creamy and Easy
🍹 Ingredients
- 1 oz green crème de menthe
- 1 oz white crème de cacao
- 1 oz heavy cream
🥂 Preparation Steps
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add green crème de menthe, white crème de cacao, and heavy cream.
- Shake vigorously until well chilled and frothy.
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Serve without garnish, or add a chocolate shaving for extra flair.
🍫 Variations & Tips
- Add 0.5 oz vodka for a boozier version that still keeps the creamy core.
- Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to lighten it up.
- For a frozen twist, blend with additional ice to make a slushy treat.
- Use high-quality liqueurs to avoid artificial flavors dominating the balance.
🌙 Perfect Setting
The Grasshopper is ideal for after-dinner lounging, holiday parties, or retro-themed nights where indulgence feels right. It pairs wonderfully with chocolate desserts or light chats that linger into the evening. This cocktail turns simple moments into sweet escapes. Cheers!
📜 From New Orleans to Mid-Century Fame
The Grasshopper was invented in 1918 by bartender Philip H. Baker at the New Orleans Shaker in Missouri, as an entry for a liqueur competition sponsored by crème de menthe producer. Its minty, chocolate profile won over judges, and the drink soon spread to speakeasies during Prohibition, where creamy cocktails offered a soft escape from hard times.
By the 1950s and 60s, the Grasshopper became a staple in American tiki bars and supper clubs, symbolizing postwar comfort and whimsy. Its green hue and dessert-like appeal made it a favorite for women’s groups and holiday gatherings, even inspiring frozen versions at drive-ins.
Today, the Grasshopper endures as a charming relic of cocktail evolution, blending Southern innovation with timeless sweetness in every frothy sip.