Crème de menthe is a delicious minty liqueur you’ll find in many classic cocktails. It’s made with either peppermint or spearmint extract, and sometimes both. It can be clear (called “white”) or green in color, and has a sweet, minty flavor. This list of some of the best creme de menthe cocktail recipes includes both the white and green version.
This tasty liqueur is used in a variety of cocktails, as well as in baking and desserts. Famous creme de menthe drinks include two classic popular cocktails, the Grasshopper and the Stinger. Both of which make great after-dinner drinks.
The history of crème de menthe is uncertain. It may have originated in either the UK or France in the 19th century. It became popular in the US in the early 20th century, particularly during the Prohibition era.
It’s somewhat fallen out of favor with mixologists in recent years, possibly because it can have an overpowering flavor. But it’s a great spirit to get to know and love.
Crème de Menthe Drinks
The Grasshopper is a classic drink recipe featuring green creme de menthe, white creme de cacao and light cream. It's practically a dessert on its own.
The Stinger makes a great after dinner drink. It's a cognac based drink that tastes like a lightly sweet dessert. But with no mixers and pure alcohol, it’s also a good, strong drink.
The Ethel Duffy cocktail has a distinctly old school feel to it. It's made with creme de menthe, apricot brandy and triple sec in equal parts. Simple, clean and elegant.
There's more than one recipe called the Irish Flag cocktail, and it's not just for St. Patrick's Day. This one blends the flavors of mint, whiskey and vanilla for a really delicious treat. And the layering is easier than you think.
The Candy Cane Martini is a great drink the holidays or any other time. It blends the flavor of peppermint with a hint of raspberry.
The Absinthe Suissesse is all about the absinthe. It uses white crème de menthe and orange flower water to temper the flavor of it somewhat, but the anise note still dominates this drink. This recipe calls for an egg white, which gives it a velvety texture and makes it seem more substantial.
This delicious little shot blends the berry flavor of grenadine with creme de menthe and peppermint schnapps. The combination tastes like a peppermint stick with berry flavoring. It's easier to pour than you think, and it looks beautiful. Perfect for the holiday season, or anytime!
This version of the Jade cocktail reminds me a little bit of a Mojito, because it features rum, creme de menthe and lime. Then it also adds some Cointreau orange liqueur, and that changes the flavor profile.
The Junior Mint drink tastes exactly like you’d expect – very much like a Junior Mint candy. Only it’s a shot, not a candy, and it’s all alcohol.
The Emerald Isle Cocktail blends herbal and citrus notes with a touch of mint for an unusual flavor combination. What brings it all together is three dashes of Angostura bitters.
This delicious drink tastes like sweetened mint with hints of caramel from the rum. It's refreshing and so easy to make with just two ingredients plus crushed ice. You don't even need a cocktail shaker.
The Flying Tiger cocktail requires an open mind. After all, it uses white creme de menthe with orange juice. That doesn’t sound right. But prepare to be surprised.
Like most gin based cocktails, the Green Dragon drink can be a bit of an acquired taste. In addition to the juniper/herbal flavor of the gin, the Green Dragon features a touch of creme de menthe, and uses Kummel to blend those two powerful flavors together. It's easy to make - just put it in a shaker with ice and shake well, and strain into a cocktail glass.
One of the more surprising mixed drinks made with this ingredient, the Evergreen gets its color from a combination of Midori and green green crème de menthe, but along with the melon and mint flavors, it features white grapefruit and pineapple juices.
The Mocha Mint is a sweet drink featuring the flavors of… well, mocha and mint. While that may sound like an obvious combination, this recipe gets it just right.
Lucy’s cocktail blends vodka with creme de menthe and creme de cacao. Just from the ingredients, you know it’s going to be good.
The Frozen Girl Scout is a drink you just can't go wrong with. It's mint. It's chocolate ice cream. There's some milk. But in the end, you know it's going to taste just like those Thin Mint cookies Girl Scouts sell.
