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This Grasshopper Drink is like the grown-up sibling of mint chocolate chip ice cream in happy hour-friendly format. Try the 4-ingredient cocktail the next time you’re craving a minty-chilled mixed drink.
The Grasshopper Cocktail is a Wisconsin supper club staple that’s made in a blender with ice cream. For a similar dessert cocktail experience, this minty-chocolate Grasshopper drink recipe uses equal parts crème de menthe (for the bright green color), crème de cacao, and cream.
Shake until frothy and serve it “up” in a martini glass or coupe glass with chocolate shavings or a cocoa-dusted rim to complete the classic Midwestern after-dinner drink recipe. You’ll love the minty fresh flavor!
Table of Contents
Recipe ingredients
At a Glance: Here is a quick snapshot of what ingredients are in this recipe.
Please see the recipe card below for specific quantities.
Ingredient notes
- Chocolate shavings: To rim the glass with chocolate or cocoa, first dip the martini glass in white crème de cacao. Then, dip the glass in a shallow dish with chocolate shavings or cocoa powder.
- Crème de menthe: The bright green mint-flavored liqueur is actually not creamy. “Crème” liqueurs simply designate that they’re higher in sugar than other liqueurs.
- Crème de cacao: Sometimes called creme de cocoa, this chocolate-flavored liqueur comes in white and dark versions. Opt for clear to use in this Grasshopper Cocktail recipe.
- Cream: Take your pick between heavy cream (for the richest results), light cream, or half and half (for a slightly less decadent texture due to the lower fat content).
Step-by-step instructions
- Fill a shallow dish with chocolate shavings or cocoa powder. Rub the rim of a chilled martini glass with creme de cacao or chocolate syrup, then turn the rim in the shallow dish to coat.
- In an ice-filled cocktail shaker, pour ¾ ounce crème de menthe, ¾ ounce white crème de cacao, and ¾ ounce half-and-half.
- Shake vigorously until well chilled. Strain into prepared martini glass. Garnish with more chocolate shavings or fresh mint.
Recipe tips and variations
- Yield: Each recipe as written makes 1 2 1/4-ounce cocktail.
- Glassware: Serve the Grasshopper drink in a martini glass or coupe glass.
- Garnishes: I love chocolate shavings on this Grasshopper, but you can decorate yours with chocolate sauce, chocolate sprinkles, whipped cream, fresh mint,
- Vodka: Replace the cream with vodka for a “Vodka Grasshopper” or “Flying Grasshopper.” It also tastes great with vanilla vodka.
- Dark chocolate liqueur: Add 3/4-ounce dark chocolate liqueur before shaking the cocktail recipe for an “After Eight.”
- Peppermint schnapps: Trade peppermint schnapps for the crème de menthe and you’ll have a “Girl Scout Cookie” cocktail.
- Mint ice cream: For a frozen grasshopper that will remind you of a boozy milkshake, blend all of the ingredients with 1 cup of vanilla ice cream.
Frequently Asked Questions
The grasshopper drink was invented by Philibert Guichet in 1918. Although Philip Guichet was from New Orleans, he created “The Grasshopper” for a cocktail competition in New York City. He won second place in the contest. He took the cocktail back to his own restaurant in New Orleans, Tujague’s, and the cocktail has been on its menu ever since.
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Grasshopper Cocktail
Ingredients
To rim the glass:
- chocolate shavings or cocoa powder, optional (see note 1)
- white creme de cacao or chocolate syrup
To make the cocktail:
- Ice
- 3/4 ounce white creme de cacao (see note 3)
- 3/4 ounce green creme de menthe (see note 2)
- 3/4 ounce half and half or heavy cream (see note 4)
Instructions
- Fill a shallow dish with chocolate shavings or cocoa powder. Rub the rim of a chilled martini glass with creme de cacao or chocolate syrup, then turn the rim in the shallow dish to coat.
- In an ice-filled cocktail shaker, combine ¾ ounce crème de menthe, ¾ ounce white crème de cacao, and ¾ ounce half-and-half.
- Shake vigorously until well chilled. Strain into prepared martini glass. Garnish with more chocolate shavings or fresh mint.
Notes
- Crème de menthe: The bright green mint-flavored liqueur is actually not creamy. “Crème” liqueurs simply designate that they’re higher in sugar than other liqueurs.
- Crème de cacao: Sometimes called creme de cocoa, this chocolate-flavored liqueur comes in white and dark versions. Opt for clear to use in this Grasshopper Cocktail recipe.
- Cream: Take your pick between heavy cream (for the richest results), light cream, or half and half (for a slightly less decadent texture due to the lower fat content).
- Yield: Each recipe as written makes 1 2 1/4-ounce cocktail.
Nutrition
Meggan Hill is a classically-trained chef and professional writer. Her meticulously-tested recipes and detailed tutorials bring confidence and success to home cooks everywhere. Meggan has been featured on NPR, HuffPost, FoxNews, LA Times, and more.
This is such a pretty drink! I haven’t tried it before, but it sounds so good!!! :) I need to make next time I have friends over.
Thank you, Alexandra! It’s delicious, I hope you try it! – Meggan