Hop into minty, creamy flavors with this quick and easy recipe for a colorful classic cocktail that’ll get your party jumping!
New Orleans has a distinctive way of coloring outside the lines. Not only is it the birthplace of jazz, an entirely new musical form fueled by improvisation and boundary-pushing energy, but it’s also a hotbed of culinary and cocktail innovation. The city that brought beignets and étouffée to American tables also gave us the grasshopper—a delightful adult beverage that’s as playful and colorful as the Crescent City itself.
This grasshopper drink recipe is a love letter to the vibrancy and creative freedom of New Orleans. The drink’s roots trace to the city’s second-oldest restaurant, Tujague’s in the French Quarter. Proprietor Philibert Guichet Sr. developed the cocktail for a 1919 competition in New York City. His concoction reportedly took second place in the Big Apple—but was a big winner among bar patrons back home. The creamy, minty, chocolaty flavors and eye-catching color of the grasshopper helped it survive even Prohibition-era restrictions. The cocktail remained an enduring staple in Louisiana, then enjoyed something of a renaissance across the country in the 1970s and ’80s as a retro fave.
This recipe sticks to the traditional ingredients that impart a vibrant hue to the drink. Every sip delivers a burst of minty freshness, grounded in earthy chocolate and rich creaminess. Enjoy it as a form of liquid dessert after a meal or as a part of a themed event for St. Patrick’s Day, the Kentucky Derby, or Christmas.
How your choice of liqueur colors your cocktail
Two distinct liqueurs contribute to a grasshopper’s flavor and iconic look: green crème de menthe and white crème de cacao. Crème de menthe comes in both green and white (clear) varieties, and each delivers a similar minty sweetness. However, green crème de menthe imparts the drink’s signature hue, while white crème de menthe would leave the cocktail pale or colorless. Choosing the latter eliminates the visual “grasshopper” effect. Crème de cacao is also available in white (clear) and dark (brown) versions, each with subtle flavor differences. The white variety keeps grasshoppers vividly green and visually appealing. Using the dark version would add more robust chocolate notes but muddy the drink’s color, fundamentally altering its charm and presentation. Ultimately, the choice is up to you!
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover grasshoppers in an airtight container or bottle in the fridge for up to 2 days. Any longer than that and the cream may separate or spoil. Shake or stir well to restore creaminess before serving. You can also freeze leftover cocktails for up to 1 month in a freezer-safe container or portioned into ice cube trays. Thaw in the fridge for several hours before shaking and serving—or toss frozen cubes into a blender with a splash of fresh cream for a frozen adult treat.
Serving suggestions
Serve grasshopper cocktails in place of dessert after a meal, or make them part of a gathering’s array of sweets. The drink pairs beautifully with minty treats, like Mint Avocado Cheesecake Truffles, Sugar Cookie Peppermint Truffle Tarts, and Vegan Peppermint Bark.
Ingredients
- 1 ounce green crème de menthe
- 1 ounce white crème de cacao
- 1 ounce heavy cream
- Fresh mint sprig optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
- Add the green crème de menthe, white crème de cacao, and heavy cream to the shaker.
- Secure the lid and shake vigorously until the outside of the shaker is frosty, about 15 seconds.
- Strain into a chilled cocktail or coupe glass.
- Garnish with a sprig of mint, if desired, and serve immediately.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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