After Eight
The After Eight is a decadent and smooth dessert cocktail, designed to replicate the sophisticated taste of its namesake chocolate. It masterfully blends the cool, refreshing notes of crème de menthe with the rich, velvety flavor of crème de cacao. Balanced with vodka and heavy cream, it offers a luxurious after-dinner treat that serves as both a drink and a dessert in one indulgent package.
Preparation
Preparation time: 3 minutes
Preparation time
Difficulty
Drink Classification
The After Eight is primarily classified as a dessert cocktail due to its sweet, creamy, and rich flavor profile, making it a perfect liquid dessert. It also functions as a digestif, an alcoholic beverage served after a meal to aid digestion, thanks to its soothing minty quality.
Serving
Serve this moderately strong, cold cocktail in a chilled cocktail or coupe glass. The drink is a relatively small, decadent sipper designed for after a meal.
Serving size
Approximately 120 ml / 4 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 20-25% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Cocktail glass
Glass treatment
Chilled
Backstory
Named after the popular "After Eight Thin Mints" which were introduced in the UK in 1962, this cocktail was created to mimic their distinct mint-chocolate flavor. It rose in popularity during the 1970s and 80s, an era when creamy, sweet, and dessert-style cocktails were highly fashionable. It remains a nostalgic favorite for those seeking an indulgent and comforting after-dinner drink.
Origin
The exact creator and location of origin are unknown. However, the cocktail is widely believed to have been created in either the United Kingdom or the United States sometime in the late 1960s or 1970s, following the international success of the After Eight chocolates.
After Eight
The drink is most commonly known as the After Eight, directly referencing the chocolate mint it's named after. Variations in glassware lead to it sometimes being called an After Eight Martini, though the recipe is typically identical.
Original name
After Eight
Alternative names
- After Eight Cocktail
- After Eight Martini
Characteristics overview
This drink presents a smooth, creamy texture and an opaque, pale green color, with a prominent aroma of peppermint and cocoa. The flavor is a sweet and balanced fusion of mint and chocolate with a lingering, cooling aftertaste.
Flavor
Minty, Chocolate, Creamy, Sweet, Velvety
Aroma
Peppermint, Cocoa, Sweet Cream
Taste balance
Sweet
Aftertaste
Lingering, Cooling, Mint-chocolate
Fizziness
None, Still
Color appearance
Pale green, Opaque, Creamy
Texture
Smooth, Rich, Silky
Seasonality
Cooling, Rich, Dessert, Wintery
Flavor intensity & Experience
The drink is defined by its high sweetness and creaminess, with no sour or salty notes. Its alcohol strength is moderate, delivering a rich mint-chocolate flavor without being overpowering.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation
Ingredients
This cocktail requires vodka as its base, with Green Crème de Menthe and White Crème de Cacao for the signature flavor profile. Heavy cream is essential for its velvety texture.
- Vodka45 ml / 1.5 ozA neutral vodka allows the mint and chocolate flavors to shine.
- Green Crème de Menthe22.5 ml / 0.75 ozProvides the characteristic mint flavor and pale green color. White crème de menthe can be used for a colorless version.
- White Crème de Cacao22.5 ml / 0.75 ozAdds chocolate flavor without darkening the drink's color. Dark crème de cacao can be used for a brownish hue.
- Heavy Cream30 ml / 1 ozAdds the rich, creamy texture. Half-and-half can be substituted for a lighter version.
Ice type
- Cubed
Mixing equipments
You will need a standard cocktail shaker set, including a jigger for measuring, the shaker tins, and a fine-strainer for a smooth, ice-free pour.
- Cocktail shaker for chilling and mixing ingredients
- Strainer for pouring into the glass without ice
Instructions
The preparation involves chilling a glass, shaking all ingredients vigorously with ice, and then double straining into the glass. Finish with a simple garnish to enhance the aroma and presentation.
1. Chill your cocktail or coupe glass in the freezer for at least 10 minutes.
2. Fill a cocktail shaker with cubed ice.
3. Add the vodka, green crème de menthe, white crème de cacao, and heavy cream to the shaker.
4. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until the outside of the shaker is frosty.
5. Double strain the mixture into your pre-chilled glass to remove ice shards.
6. Garnish with a fresh mint sprig or freshly grated chocolate shavings.
Garnishing
A fresh mint sprig adds a complementary aroma, while fine chocolate shavings enhance the dessert quality. An actual After Eight chocolate placed on the rim is also a popular choice.
- Mint sprig slapped to release oils and placed on top
- Chocolate shavings grated over the top of the drink
Dietary Information
This cocktail is vegetarian, but not vegan as it contains heavy cream, making it unsuitable for those with dairy allergies. It is generally free from gluten, nuts, eggs, and caffeine.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✕ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✕ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly
Nutrition information
This is a high-calorie cocktail due to the combination of liqueurs and heavy cream. It is also very high in sugar and carbohydrates, consistent with its role as a liquid dessert.
Calories
Averagely 320-360 kcal / 1339-1506 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 25-30 grams
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 25-30 grams
Sugar level
Occasions
This cocktail is perfectly suited as an after-dinner digestif or as a liquid dessert. Its rich, sweet profile makes it a wonderful cap to a meal, especially during colder months or festive holiday gatherings.
- After-dinner drink
- Dessert course
Pairing suggestions
The After Eight pairs beautifully with other desserts, especially dark chocolate items that complement its flavors. It also stands strong when served alongside a hot cup of coffee, cutting through its richness. Most often, it is best enjoyed by itself as the final course of a meal.
- Dark chocolate truffles
- A cup of black coffee or espresso
- On its own as dessert
After Eight: A Decadent Mint-Chocolate Delight
The After Eight is the quintessential dessert cocktail, a liquid tribute to the classic mint-chocolate pairing. Its creamy texture and sweet, balanced flavor profile make it a delightful indulgence. While simple to prepare, its elegant presentation and satisfying taste provide a sophisticated finish to any dinner party or special occasion. It's a nostalgic classic that offers comfort and luxury in a chilled glass.
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