Grasshopper Drink Recipe: If you’re craving a sweet, minty, and creamy cocktail that feels like dessert in a glass, then the Grasshopper drink is your go-to. It’s one of those classic after-dinner cocktails that feels indulgent and refreshing at the same time.
Let’s dive deep into what makes the Grasshopper so iconic and how you can make it perfectly at home.
What Is a Grasshopper Drink?
The Grasshopper cocktail is a bright green, sweet, and creamy concoction that’s built around crème de menthe, crème de cacao, and heavy cream. This isn’t your average boozy mix—it’s dessert in cocktail form. Its signature minty flavor and striking green color make it a popular choice at parties and a charming after-dinner treat.
While it might look complex with its creamy texture and vibrant hue, it’s actually one of the easiest cocktails to prepare. Its taste is like a mint chocolate chip ice cream with a grown-up twist—cool, sweet, and satisfyingly rich.
Whether you’re trying to impress friends or just indulge in a solo nightcap, the Grasshopper is a drink that delivers flavor and flair without demanding too much effort.
History and Origin of the Grasshopper Cocktail
The Grasshopper drink isn’t a recent invention. It has roots that go all the way back to the 1910s. Created in New Orleans at the iconic Tujague’s restaurant by bartender Philibert Guichet, it quickly became a hit. The cocktail gained massive popularity in the 1950s and 60s, especially in the southern United States.
Named for its green color, the drink was meant to reflect the playful, vibrant nature of post-dinner relaxation. Over the decades, variations popped up across America—some with ice cream, others with extra chocolate or coffee liqueur. Yet, the classic triad of crème de menthe, crème de cacao, and cream remains the gold standard.
Ingredients for a Classic Grasshopper
Core Ingredients You Need
To make a traditional Grasshopper, you’ll need just three main ingredients. These are:
- Crème de Menthe (Green): This is the star of the show. It brings the vibrant color and that cool mint flavor. Go for a quality brand because this is what gives the drink its fresh, herbaceous profile.
- Crème de Cacao (White): This sweet chocolate liqueur complements the mint beautifully, creating that iconic mint-chocolate combo. Make sure to use the white version, not the dark one, to maintain the drink’s vivid green color.
- Heavy Cream: This adds the richness and velvety texture that sets the Grasshopper apart from other cocktails. It balances the sweetness and adds a dessert-like depth to every sip.
Here’s the standard ratio:
- 1 oz crème de menthe
- 1 oz crème de cacao
- 1 oz heavy cream
You can tweak these depending on how strong or sweet you prefer your drink, but this equal-parts recipe is a great starting point.
Variations and Optional Additions
Want to make your Grasshopper a bit more adventurous? Here are some fun twists:
- Frozen Grasshopper: Add vanilla ice cream instead of cream, blend it, and you’ve got a boozy milkshake.
- Mocha Grasshopper: Add a splash of coffee liqueur like Kahlúa for a deeper, more robust flavor.
- Grasshopper Martini: Serve it in a chilled martini glass with a chocolate drizzle for that fancy touch.
- Peppermint Patty: Add a dash of peppermint extract and top with whipped cream for a festive holiday version.
These variations allow you to customize the drink based on the season, your taste, or even the occasion.
Tools and Equipment Required
Bar Tools You’ll Need
Before you start mixing, make sure you have these essentials:
- Cocktail Shaker: A must-have to blend the ingredients into a smooth, creamy mix.
- Jigger: To measure your liquors accurately.
- Strainer: If your shaker doesn’t come with one built-in.
- Bar Spoon (Optional): For stirring if you decide to go with a shaken-less version.
These tools help keep your cocktail cold, well-mixed, and cleanly poured.
Glassware for Serving
Traditionally, the Grasshopper is served in:
- Coupe or Martini Glass: These not only showcase the drink’s stunning green color but also give it that classic cocktail vibe.
- Chilled Glass: Always chill your glass ahead of time. It keeps the drink colder and enhances the experience.
You can even go bold with a fun presentation—rim the glass with crushed chocolate or garnish with a mint leaf for extra flair.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Grasshopper Drink
Step 1: Chill Your Glass
Before you mix a single drop, put your cocktail glass in the freezer for about 10 minutes or fill it with ice water. A cold glass ensures the drink stays cool longer and adds a professional touch. If you’re making more than one drink, chill several glasses in advance so you can serve them all perfectly cold.
Step 2: Measure and Pour Ingredients
Grab your jigger and measure out 1 oz each of crème de menthe, crème de cacao, and heavy cream. Pour them directly into your cocktail shaker. Using equal parts gives the drink its signature balance, but feel free to adjust the cream if you want it richer or the mint if you want it punchier.
Step 3: Shake It Up
Now comes the fun part—shaking. Fill your cocktail shaker with ice, cover it tightly, and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds. You want to mix the ingredients well and create a slightly frothy, chilled consistency. Shaking with ice not only combines the flavors but also chills the drink perfectly and adds a bit of airiness that enhances its creamy texture.
Make sure your shaker is sealed tight—you don’t want any of that delicious drink flying out! A good shake should leave the shaker frosty on the outside. That’s your cue that it’s ready to pour.
Pro tip: Shake longer if you want the drink extra cold and smooth. Some bartenders even recommend double straining it to avoid ice shards if you’re aiming for a super-smooth finish.
Step 4: Strain and Serve
Once your drink is properly shaken, it’s time to strain it into your chilled glass. Hold the shaker at an angle and strain the contents smoothly to avoid breaking the frothy top layer. Pour gently to keep that lovely creamy texture intact.
Garnish options can elevate your Grasshopper cocktail:
- A small mint sprig adds freshness and aroma.
- Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder on top make it feel like dessert.
- A chocolate drizzle on the inside of the glass gives it an elegant look.
Serve immediately and enjoy the cold, minty, chocolatey indulgence. This is the kind of cocktail that not only pleases the palate but also makes a great visual impression.
Tips to Perfect Your Grasshopper Cocktail
Choosing the Best Ingredients
The secret to a standout Grasshopper cocktail lies in the quality of your ingredients. Here’s what to look for:
- Crème de Menthe: Don’t go for the cheapest option. A well-crafted crème de menthe will have a natural mint taste, not a syrupy artificial flavor.
- Crème de Cacao: White crème de cacao tends to be smoother and sweeter than the dark version, making it ideal for balancing the mint.
- Cream: Use heavy cream or half-and-half for that luxurious, velvety finish. Avoid low-fat milk—it’ll water down the cocktail and ruin the texture.
Also, ensure all your ingredients are chilled. A cold base means less melting ice and a smoother final drink.
Balancing Flavors and Sweetness
The Grasshopper is inherently sweet, but that doesn’t mean it has to be cloying. You can tweak the ratios to suit your taste:
- Want it less sweet? Add more cream or a splash of milk to cut the sugar.
- Prefer a deeper, richer flavor? Use dark crème de cacao or a touch of coffee liqueur.
- For a stronger kick, add a splash of vodka or white rum to give it an extra edge without compromising flavor.
Balancing these elements is all about knowing your palate. Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to experiment!
Creative Variations to Try
Frozen Grasshopper – The Boozy Dessert
Want to turn your Grasshopper into a decadent dessert? Try the frozen version! Swap the heavy cream with two scoops of vanilla ice cream and blend it all together. It becomes a mint-chocolate milkshake for adults—smooth, rich, and ridiculously indulgent.
Here’s how to make it:
- 1 oz crème de menthe
- 1 oz crème de cacao
- 2 scoops of vanilla ice cream
- Optional: chocolate syrup drizzle
Blend until smooth and pour into a tall glass. Top it with whipped cream and crushed mint candies for an extra treat. It’s perfect for summer evenings, dessert parties, or when you just want to skip the baking.
Mocha Grasshopper – A Coffee Lover’s Twist
If you’re someone who always picks mocha over mint chocolate, you’ll love this twist. The Mocha Grasshopper includes a splash of coffee liqueur like Kahlúa or espresso for an added depth of flavor. It tastes like a chocolate mint coffee with a little buzz.
Use this recipe:
- 1 oz crème de menthe
- 1 oz crème de cacao
- 0.5 oz coffee liqueur
- 1 oz heavy cream
Shake, strain, and serve like the classic. The result is creamy, caffeinated, and utterly addictive.
Vegan Grasshopper – Dairy-Free Delight
Want to enjoy this drink without dairy? No problem. Use coconut cream or almond milk creamer instead of heavy cream. Pair that with plant-based chocolate and mint liqueurs (many are vegan-friendly), and you’re set.
Try this version:
- 1 oz vegan crème de menthe
- 1 oz vegan crème de cacao
- 1 oz coconut cream
Shake with ice and strain into a chilled glass. You get the same lush texture and flavor, just without the dairy.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Best Times to Serve the Grasshopper Cocktail
The Grasshopper is perfect for after-dinner drinks, holiday parties, and cozy nightcaps. It’s not a “kick-start the night” kind of drink—it’s the “let’s wind down in style” cocktail. It pairs beautifully with:
- Rich desserts like chocolate cake, tiramisu, or brownies
- Light snacks like biscotti or shortbread cookies
- After-dinner cheese boards (yes, really—try it with a creamy brie)
Its sweetness and creaminess make it feel like a treat, which is why it’s often served during festive times like Christmas, New Year’s Eve, or date nights.
How to Make a Batch for a Party
Hosting a party? You don’t need to shake up 20 individual drinks. You can make a big batch ahead of time.
Try this:
- 1 cup crème de menthe
- 1 cup crème de cacao
- 1 cup heavy cream
Mix them together in a pitcher and refrigerate. Right before serving, shake each serving with ice and strain into individual glasses. You’ll save time and still deliver that freshly mixed quality.
Want to serve it frozen? Blend the large batch with ice cream and keep it in the freezer. Pour when ready!
FAQs about Grasshopper Drink Recipe
1. What does a Grasshopper cocktail taste like?
It tastes like mint chocolate chip ice cream in liquid form—sweet, minty, and creamy. Think of it as a dessert cocktail with a refreshing twist.
2. Can I make a Grasshopper without alcohol?
Yes! For a mocktail version, use mint syrup, chocolate syrup, and heavy cream. Shake with ice and serve in the same fancy glass for a kid-friendly or sober treat.
3. Is the Grasshopper a strong drink?
Not particularly. The alcohol content is relatively low due to the use of liqueurs rather than spirits. It’s more about flavor than getting buzzed.
4. How do I store leftover Grasshopper mix?
You can store it in the fridge for a day or two. Just shake well before serving again, as the cream can separate slightly over time.
5. What’s the best garnish for a Grasshopper drink?
Mint leaves, chocolate shavings, whipped cream, or even a candy cane during the holidays all make excellent garnishes.
Conclusion
The Grasshopper drink is more than just a cocktail—it’s an experience. It combines rich flavors, creamy textures, and a striking green hue into a drink that feels both nostalgic and indulgent. Whether you’re sipping it after dinner, serving it at a party, or experimenting with frozen or vegan versions, the Grasshopper brings fun and flavor to every glass. So grab your ingredients, shake things up, and treat yourself to this classic delight.
