Grasshopper Cocktail Recipe
Grasshopper Nutrition Facts
Calories:350
Fat:18g
Protein:2g
Carbohydrates:30g
Alcohol:15%
Created by
Nic Polotnianko
I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.
Last Updated: August 23, 2024
Contents
History
The Grasshopper cocktail is a classic dessert drink that dates back to the early 20th century. It was first created in 1918 by Philibert Guichet, the owner of Tujague's, a historic bar in New Orleans. The cocktail gained popularity in the 1950s and 1960s, becoming a favorite after-dinner drink. It is known for its vibrant green color and sweet, creamy taste.
- Origin: New Orleans, 1918
- Creator: Philibert Guichet
- Popularity: 1950s and 1960s
How Grasshopper Tastes?
The Grasshopper cocktail is sweet, creamy, and refreshing with a hint of mint. The combination of chocolate and mint flavors creates a smooth, velvety texture that is both rich and light.
Interesting facts about Grasshopper
- The Grasshopper is often considered a dessert cocktail due to its sweet, creamy taste.
- The vibrant green color comes from the crème de menthe, a mint-flavored liqueur.
- The cocktail is named after its green color, which resembles the color of a grasshopper.
Ingredients
- Crème de menthe (green): 1 oz(30ml)
- Crème de cacao (white): 1 oz(30ml)
- Heavy cream: 1 oz(30ml)
- Ice: 1 cup
- Mint sprig: 1 (for garnish)
- Chocolate shavings: 1 pinch (for garnish)
Crème de menthe (green)
This green liqueur provides the signature minty flavor pivotal to a Grasshopper. Using 1 oz keeps the cocktail balanced without overpowering it with mint. Less would make it less refreshing, more might feel like chewing gum.
Mary Mitkina
Crème de cacao (white)
A chocolate liqueur that adds sweet, cocoa undertones crucial for the dessert-like profile. 1 oz dovetails nicely with the other ingredients, and tweaking the amount could either overshadow or underwhelm the mint.
Alex Green
Heavy cream
It gives the drink its luxurious, silky texture and helps to balance the strong flavors of the mint and chocolate. 1 oz makes it creamy without being too thick. Less would make the cocktail less smooth, more could turn it into a milkshake.
Emma Rose
Ice
Used to chill the cocktail, ensuring it's refreshing and pleasant to drink. Omitting the ice would result in a less invigorating experience.
Mary Mitkina
Mint sprig
A garnish that adds aesthetic appeal and a hint of aroma, enhancing the sensory experience when sipping the drink.
Alex Green
Chocolate shavings
The garnish of chocolate shavings not only looks elegant but also gives a slight, immediate chocolate flavor upon the first sip which allures one into the deeper flavors of the cocktail.
Emma Rose
Recipe. How to make Grasshopper Drink
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add 1 oz of green crème de menthe, 1 oz of white crème de cacao, and 1 oz of heavy cream to the shaker.
- Shake well until chilled and well-mixed.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish with a mint sprig and a pinch of chocolate shavings.
Pro Tips
- Shake the cocktail shaker vigorously to ensure the ingredients are well mixed.
- Chill your cocktail glass in advance for a colder drink.
- Use fresh mint sprigs for the best flavor in your garnish.
Perfect Pairings
Desserts
- Chocolate treats: The sweetness of the Grasshopper cocktail pairs well with various chocolate desserts, enhancing the chocolate notes.
- Mint desserts: Mint chocolate chip ice cream or minty desserts will complement the minty freshness of the Grasshopper.
- Coffee flavored desserts: The creamy aspect of the cocktail can stand up to the strong flavors of coffee.
Salty Snacks
- Salted nuts: They provide a pleasant contrast to the sweet and creamy cocktail.
- Pretzels: Their saltiness will balance the sweetness of the Grasshopper.
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What you could change in Grasshopper
- You can substitute Crème de menthe with peppermint schnapps for a stronger mint flavor.
- Half-and-half can be used in place of heavy cream for a lighter cocktail.
- Dark chocolate shavings can be used instead of regular chocolate for a richer taste.
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Peppermint Grasshopper
- Ingredients: Substitute crème de menthe with peppermint schnapps for a more intense mint flavor.
- Recipe: Follow the original recipe, but adjust to taste if the peppermint is too strong.
- Taste: Expect a sharper, more pronounced mint bite that will awaken your taste buds.
Chocolate Grasshopper
- Ingredients: Use dark crème de cacao and add a chocolate syrup drizzle inside the glass beforehand.
- Recipe: Follow the original, with the addition of the chocolate syrup drizzle.
- Taste: A richer chocolate experience which combines sumptuously with the mint.
Vegan Grasshopper
- Ingredients: Replace heavy cream with a coconut cream or any non-dairy alternative.
- Recipe: Use the non-dairy cream in the same proportions.
- Taste: Coconut cream adds a tropical twist, and the drink will be less heavy but still creamy.
In case you forgot basics how to make Grasshopper
Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.
Learn everything on how to shakePlace your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.
Learn everything on how to strainGarnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).
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Frequently Asked Questions on Grasshopper
Are Grasshopper cocktails suitable for vegans?
No. The Grasshopper cocktail contains heavy cream, which is a dairy product. However, a vegan version can be made by replacing the heavy cream with a non-dairy alternative, like almond, soy, or cashew cream.
What type of glass is best to serve a Grasshopper in?
A Grasshopper cocktail is typically served in a cocktail glass, also known as a martini glass. Its wide, cone-shaped bowl enables the vibrant color of the cocktail to be displayed and the garnishes to be visible.
What non-alcoholic alternatives can be used in a Grasshopper cocktail?
You could use non-alcoholic substitutes for crème de menthe and crème de cacao, which are widely available. Keep in mind that these might not have the exact same flavor as their alcoholic counterparts.
Does a Grasshopper cocktail always have to be green?
Traditionally, yes. The green color is from the crème de menthe used. However, different flavors of crème de menthe are available that may change the color of the cocktail.
Can I use different flavor liqueurs in a Grasshopper?
Traditionally, a Grasshopper is made using crème de menthe and crème de cacao. However, you can experiment with different liqueurs to suit your taste.
Can I prepare a Grasshopper cocktail ahead of time?
Yes. You can mix the core ingredients ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. However, it is advisable to add the ice and garnishes just before serving.
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