Best Grasshopper Cocktail Recipe

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The Grasshopper cocktail is a classic New Orleans drink made with crème de menthe, crème de cacao, and cream. It has a silky-smooth, milkshake-like consistency and a vibrant green color. This recipe shows how to make the perfect Grasshopper, including tips on ingredients, garnishes, and making it ahead of time.

Why it matters

The Grasshopper is a beloved New Orleans cocktail classic with a unique flavor profile and eye-catching appearance. It's a perfect addition to any St. Patrick's Day or after-dinner drink lineup, offering a grown-up twist on mint chocolate chip flavors.

The details

To make the Grasshopper cocktail, you simply blend together crème de menthe, crème de cacao, and cream. Shake the mixture vigorously with ice until it has a silky-smooth, milkshake-like consistency. Then pour the cocktail into a chilled coupe glass and garnish with chocolate-covered mint candies. The cocktail's name is believed to be inspired by its vibrant green color. While you can use milk instead of cream, the cocktail won't be as rich and creamy. You can also make a "White Grasshopper" by swapping the green crème de menthe for white, which changes the color but not the flavor.

• The Grasshopper cocktail was created in the early 1900s by Philip Guichet, the owner of Tujague's restaurant in New Orleans.
• The cocktail quickly became a beloved classic in the Crescent City after Guichet earned second place in a cocktail competition in New York.