Grasshopper (cocktail)

Not to be confused with Grasshopper, the wheat beer made by Big Rock Brewery

Grasshopper

IBA Official Cocktail
Type	Cocktail
Primary alcohol by volume	Crème de cacao Crème de menthe
Served	Straight up; without ice
Standard drinkware	Cocktail glass
IBA specified ingredients*	3 cl Crème de menthe (green) 3 cl Crème de cacao (white) 3 cl Fresh cream
Preparation	Pour ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake briskly and then strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

A grasshopper is a sweet, mint-flavored, after-dinner drink. The name of the drink derives from its green color, which comes from crème de menthe. The drink reputedly originated at Tujague's, a landmark bar in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana, and was invented by its owner, Philip Guichet. The drink gained popularity during the 1950s and 1960s throughout the American South.

Composition

A typical grasshopper cocktail consists of equal parts green crème de menthe, white crème de cacao, and cream—shaken with ice and strained into a chilled cocktail glass.

Variations

A "Vodka" or "Flying" grasshopper substitutes vodka for fresh cream. A "brown grasshopper" adds coffee.

A "Frozen" Grasshopper adds mint ice cream to create a more dessert-like quality.

A 'Green Genie' contains creme de menthe, creme de caramel and jasmine infused vodka.

In the North Central US states, especially Wisconsin, grasshoppers are blended drinks, with ice cream substituted for cream. Also known as a "grasshopper milkshake," it contains mint chocolate chip ice cream, milk, and crème de menthe. This is blended and served in a tall glass decorated with a miniature or broken cream filled chocolate sandwich cookie.

See also

• List of cocktails