Crème de Menthe liqueur is a versatile ingredient that can be mixed with a variety of other ingredients to make delicious cocktails. Here are some common mixers that go well with Crème de Menthe:
- Cream: Mixing Crème de Menthe with cream or half-and-half creates a smooth and creamy cocktail. This combination is often used in classic cocktails like the Grasshopper and the Stinger.
- Chocolate: Crème de Menthe and chocolate make a great combination. Chocolate liqueur or cocoa powder can be used to create a rich and indulgent cocktail.
- Coffee: Mixing Crème de Menthe with coffee liqueur or freshly brewed coffee creates a delicious and energizing cocktail. This combination is often used in cocktails like the Peppermint Mocha Martini.
- Citrus: Adding a splash of citrus juice, like lime or lemon, can help balance out the sweetness of Crème de Menthe and add a refreshing twist.
- Fruit: Mixing Crème de Menthe with fruit juices or purees, like raspberry or pineapple, creates a fruity and flavorful cocktail.
- Champagne or Prosecco: Mixing Crème de Menthe with sparkling wine creates a festive and celebratory cocktail, like the Winter Wonderland.
- Other spirits: Crème de Menthe can also be mixed with other spirits like vodka, gin, or rum to create a unique and flavorful cocktail.
Grasshopper Cocktail
1 oz Crème de Menthe liqueur
1 oz Crème de Cacao liqueur
1 oz heavy cream
Ice
Instructions: Add all ingredients to a shaker filled with ice. Shake well and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with fresh mint leaves.
Stinger Cocktail
2 oz brandy
1 oz Crème de Menthe liqueur
Ice
Instructions: Add brandy and Crème de Menthe to a shaker filled with ice. Shake well and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
Emerald Cocktail
1 oz gin
1 oz Crème de Menthe liqueur
1 oz lime juice
1 oz simple syrup
Ice
Instructions: Add all ingredients to a shaker filled with ice. Shake well and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a lime wedge.
Crème de Menthe Hot Chocolate
1 oz Crème de Menthe liqueur
1 cup hot chocolate
Whipped cream (optional)
Chocolate shavings (optional)
Instructions: Pour hot chocolate into a mug and add Crème de Menthe liqueur. Stir well and top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings (if desired).
Grasshopper Martini
2 oz vanilla vodka
1 oz Crème de Menthe liqueur
1 oz white crème de cacao liqueur
1 oz heavy cream
Ice
Chocolate syrup (optional)
Instructions: Add vodka, Crème de Menthe, crème de cacao, and heavy cream to a shaker filled with ice. Shake well and strain into a chilled martini glass. Drizzle chocolate syrup around the inside of the glass, if desired.
White Christmas
1 oz white rum
1 oz Crème de Menthe liqueur
1 oz heavy cream
1 egg white
1 oz simple syrup
Ice
Nutmeg (optional)
Instructions: Add rum, Crème de Menthe, heavy cream, egg white, and simple syrup to a shaker filled with ice. Shake well and strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with a sprinkle of nutmeg (if desired).
The Green Monster
1 1/2 oz gin
1/2 oz green Chartreuse liqueur
1/2 oz Crème de Menthe liqueur
1/2 oz lime juice
1/2 oz simple syrup
Mint leaves
Ice
Instructions: Muddle a few mint leaves in a shaker. Add gin, Chartreuse, Crème de Menthe, lime juice, simple syrup, and ice. Shake well and strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with a mint sprig.
Chocolate Mint Martini
2 oz vodka
1 oz Crème de Menthe liqueur
1 oz chocolate liqueur
Chocolate shavings
Ice
Instructions: Add vodka, Crème de Menthe, chocolate liqueur, and ice to a shaker. Shake well and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with chocolate shavings.
Minted Margarita
2 oz tequila
1 oz Crème de Menthe liqueur
1 oz lime juice
1/2 oz agave nectar
Mint leaves
Ice
Instructions: Muddle a few mint leaves in a shaker. Add tequila, Crème de Menthe, lime juice, agave nectar, and ice. Shake well and strain into a salt-rimmed glass filled with ice. Garnish with a lime wedge and mint sprig.
Related Сocktails
Brandy Alexander: Made with brandy, Crème de Cacao liqueur, and heavy cream, this classic cocktail is similar to the Grasshopper, which features Crème de Menthe instead of Crème de Cacao.
Peppermint Patty: A twist on the classic Espresso Martini, this cocktail features vodka, coffee liqueur, and Crème de Menthe, with a garnish of grated chocolate.
Irish Mint: Similar to the Grasshopper, this cocktail features Irish cream liqueur, Crème de Menthe, and cream.
After Eight Martini: Made with vodka, Crème de Cacao, and Crème de Menthe, this cocktail is similar to the Grasshopper Martini, but with a darker, more chocolatey flavor.
Winter Wonderland: A festive holiday cocktail made with gin, elderflower liqueur, Crème de Menthe, and lime juice, topped with sparkling wine.
Mint Julep: A classic cocktail made with bourbon, sugar, water, and fresh mint leaves, this cocktail can be given a twist by adding a splash of Crème de Menthe.
White Lady: A classic cocktail made with gin, triple sec, and lemon juice, this cocktail can be given a minty twist by adding a splash of Crème de Menthe.
About Crème de Menthe Liqueur
Origin: Crème de Menthe is a sweet, mint-flavored liqueur that originated in France in the late 19th century. It was originally made with dried peppermint leaves and grain alcohol.
Ingredients: The traditional recipe for Crème de Menthe includes mint leaves, sugar, and neutral grain spirits. However, modern versions may include additional ingredients like natural and artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives.
Texture: Crème de Menthe is a thick, syrupy liqueur with a bright green color. It has a smooth, velvety texture and a strong, minty flavor.
Proof: The alcohol content of Crème de Menthe can vary, but it is typically around 25-30% ABV (50-60 proof).
Usage: Crème de Menthe is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of cocktails, including the Grasshopper, Stinger, and Brandy Alexander. It can also be used as a flavoring for desserts, such as ice cream or chocolate cake.
Serving: Crème de Menthe is typically served chilled as an after-dinner drink or mixed into cocktails. It can also be used to make festive holiday drinks.
Festive drink: One popular festive drink that features Crème de Menthe is the “Grasshopper”, which is made with Crème de Menthe, Crème de Cacao, and heavy cream. Another festive drink is the “Frozen Peppermint Patty”, which is made with vodka, Crème de Cacao, and Crème de Menthe, blended with ice and garnished with whipped cream and crushed candy canes.
Production: Crème de Menthe is typically produced by steeping mint leaves in grain alcohol and then sweetening the resulting mixture with sugar syrup. The mixture is then filtered and bottled.
Manufacturer: There are many manufacturers of Crème de Menthe, including Hiram Walker, DeKuyper, and Bols.