Grasshopper
The Grasshopper is a classic dessert cocktail known for its vibrant green hue and delicious mint-chocolate flavor. Made with equal parts crème de menthe, crème de cacao, and cream, it is a smooth and indulgent drink. It is shaken with ice and served straight up, offering a rich and satisfying experience perfect for concluding a meal. Its simple three-ingredient composition makes it both easy to prepare and delightful to sip.
Preparation
Preparation time: 3 minutes
Preparation time
Difficulty
Drink Classification
The Grasshopper is classified as an after-dinner cocktail or digestif. It is a sweet, creamy drink, often served as a liquid dessert. It falls into the category of classic cocktails that gained popularity in the mid-20th century.
Serving
This cocktail is served chilled and straight up in a pre-chilled coupe or martini glass. It's a relatively small drink with a moderate alcohol content, perfect as a liquid dessert.
Serving size
Approximately 120 ml / 4 oz
Alcohol content
15-20% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled glass
Backstory
The Grasshopper was created in the early 20th century by Philibert Guichet, the owner of the bar Tujague's in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana. He invented the drink for a cocktail competition in New York City in 1918, where it won second place. The cocktail's popularity surged in the 1950s and 1960s, particularly in the American South, becoming a staple after-dinner drink.
Origin
The drink originated in New Orleans, USA, around 1918. It was invented at Tujague's restaurant, which is one of the oldest and most historic establishments in the city.
Grasshopper
The drink is universally known as the Grasshopper or Grasshopper Cocktail. Its name is derived from its signature vibrant green color, which resembles the insect. There are no other significant alternative names for this classic after-dinner drink.
Original name
Grasshopper
Alternative name
Grasshopper Cocktail
Characteristics overview
The Grasshopper offers a prominent flavor of mint and chocolate with a rich, velvety texture. Its taste is distinctly sweet, leaving a smooth and minty aftertaste, all presented in an iconic, opaque pastel green color.
Flavor
minty, chocolate, creamy, sweet, rich
Aroma
mint, chocolate, dairy
Taste balance
sweet
Aftertaste
lingering, minty, creamy, smooth
Fizziness
none
Color appearance
creamy, opaque, pastel green
Texture
smooth, velvety, rich
Seasonality
dessert, holiday, celebratory
Flavor intensity & Experience
This drink is defined by its high sweetness and creaminess, with no sour or salty notes. Its alcohol strength is low, making the mint and chocolate flavors the stars of the show.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation
Ingredients
The classic Grasshopper requires just three ingredients in equal parts: green crème de menthe, white crème de cacao, and heavy cream. Quality liqueurs are recommended for the best flavor.
- Green Crème de Menthe30 ml / 1 ozUse the green version for the classic color.
- White Crème de Cacao30 ml / 1 ozWhite crème de cacao is preferred to maintain the green color; dark would make it muddy.
- Heavy Cream30 ml / 1 ozCan be substituted with single cream or half-and-half for a lighter version.
Ice type
- Cubed
Mixing equipments
You will need a standard cocktail set including a shaker, a jigger for accurate measurements, and a strainer to serve the drink without ice.
- Cocktail shaker for chilling and mixing
- Jigger for measuring ingredients
- Strainer for pouring into the glass
Instructions
Preparation is straightforward: combine all three ingredients with ice in a shaker, shake until very cold, and double-strain into a pre-chilled glass.
1. Chill a coupe or martini glass in the freezer for at least 10 minutes.
2. Add the green crème de menthe, white crème de cacao, and heavy cream to a cocktail shaker.
3. Fill the shaker with cubed ice.
4. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds until the outside of the shaker is well-chilled.
5. Double-strain the mixture into the chilled glass to remove ice shards.
6. Garnish with freshly grated chocolate or a mint sprig, if desired.
Garnishing
A common garnish is a sprinkle of chocolate shavings or a fresh mint sprig on top, which enhances the drink's aroma and visual appeal.
- Chocolate shavings on top
- Mint sprig on the rim
Dietary Information
This cocktail contains dairy and is not suitable for vegans or those with lactose intolerance. It is, however, typically free from caffeine, eggs, nuts, and gluten.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✕ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✕ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly
Nutrition information
As a dessert cocktail, the Grasshopper is relatively high in calories, carbohydrates, and sugar due to the sweet liqueurs and heavy cream.
Calories
Averagely 250-300 kcal / 1046-1255 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 20-25 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 20-25 g
Sugar level
Occasions
The Grasshopper is ideally suited as an after-dinner or dessert drink due to its sweetness and richness. It is also a popular choice for festive occasions and holiday parties like Christmas or St. Patrick's Day, thanks to its vibrant color.
- After-dinner drink
- Dessert course
- Holiday parties
- Celebrations
Pairing suggestions
The Grasshopper is best enjoyed on its own as a liquid dessert. It also pairs beautifully with dark chocolate treats, a simple espresso, or light, buttery cookies that complement its mint-chocolate profile without overwhelming it.
- Dark chocolate desserts
- Coffee
- As a standalone dessert
- Shortbread cookies
The Grasshopper: A Leap into Mint-Chocolate Bliss
The Grasshopper is a classic, creamy after-dinner drink that hails from New Orleans. Its iconic green color and harmonious blend of mint and chocolate flavors have made it a beloved dessert cocktail for over a century. Simple to make with just three equal-part ingredients, it offers a smooth, rich, and indulgent experience. Best served ice-cold in a chilled coupe glass, it is the perfect sweet finale to any meal.
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