What better way to kick off the month of March than with a gorgeous green cocktail (and one invented in none other than New Orleans)?! The Grasshopper is a beautiful green apertif that is the perfect finale to a lovely dinner. Since it’s Girl Scout Cookie season and we all have Thin Mints on our minds, this cocktail really gives you a fix! Who’s hoarded their Thin Mints supply for the year? We have! The Grasshopper hails from Tujague's, a classic and famous restaurant and bar in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana. Invented in 1918 by the owner, Philip Guichet, the Grasshopper is a lot like New Orleans itself - elegant, edgy, fun, and just a bit too much! The cocktail features three main ingredients: fresh cream, Crème de Menthe, and Crème de Cacao, which give it that bright green color. Many folks have created variations of the Grasshopper over the decades, modernizing it through garnishes, chocolate-rimmed glasses, or adding a fresh sprig of mint! We’ve decided to put our own spin on it by adding a dash of whipped cream and a Thin Mint cookie! This really is a great cocktail to serve to friends after dinner to keep the party going or even as a dessert in and of itself! Saint Patrick’s Day is coming up, so gather some friends and enjoy a Grasshopper! And they are so easy to whip up.
The recipe calls for the following: 2 oz. Creme de Menthe 2 oz. Creme de Cacao 2 oz. light cream or half & half Chocolate syrup (optional) Handful of ice And you will need a cocktail shaker too!
Directions: Combine the Creme de Menthe, Creme de Cacao, and the cream (or half & half) in a shaker with a handful of ice. Cover and shake to mix and chill the ingredients.Get fancy, and use the chocolate syrup by swirling it a few times around the inside of a glass to create a pretty design! Pour your Grasshopper into a martini glass and enjoy! Top with a dollop of whipped cream and a Thin Mint cut in half.
Cheers! *Makes 2, 4 oz servings
