This Retro 3-Ingredient Grasshopper Cocktail Recipe Tastes Like Dessert

Mint chocolate chip ice cream can be one of the more polarizing flavors, right up there with rum raisin, bubble gum, and cotton candy. (Hey, it’s not nearly as wacky as Bone Broth Ice Cream!)

But if you’ve been on Team MCC since childhood like me—or if you enjoy peppermint patties or those layered chocolate mints that are delivered with your Olive Garden bill (aka Andes)—then chances are high that you might enjoy a Grasshopper Cocktail once you’re 21+.

With its creamy texture and refreshing yet decadent flavor, we’re firm believers that this Grasshopper Cocktail recipe can double as dessert. Of course, we wouldn’t turn down a piece of Dark Chocolate Mint Bites or Mint Chocolate Chip Cake in addition to a Grasshopper to really drive home the mint chocolate chip deliciousness.

What Is a Grasshopper Cocktail?

The first mention of a “Grasshopper Cocktail” appears to be in William Boothby’s 1907 cocktail book, “The World’s Drinks and How to Mix Them.” It started out as a two-ingredient drink recipe, involving Crème de Menthe layered with Crème de Cacao. This Grasshopper Cocktail is credited to Harry O’Brien of San Francisco’s Palace Hotel.

It wasn’t until the 1950s until the Grasshopper Cocktail really jumped onto most Americans’ radars, however, when the vibrantly-hued and sweet sip gained acclaim as one of the go-to drink options at Midwestern supper clubs. In the more than seven decades since, the Grasshopper Cocktail has grown to become a favorite far beyond the boundaries of that region. Grasshopper Cocktails are especially fitting and festive during the winter holidays, for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, and at retro or nostalgic dinner parties. 

In addition to being able to double as dessert, we appreciate the fact that a Grasshopper Cocktail is fairly low in alcohol. True, it’s not as light as Hugo Spritz or Aperol Spritz, but compared to a Negroni or Old Fashioned, it’s a lower-proof cocktail.

Many classic Grasshopper Cocktail recipes today now include those two core Crèmes, plus one more creamy element such as heavy cream or ice cream. Our Test Kitchen’s 3-ingredient Grasshopper Cocktail recipe stays true to this original format, but we’re also pouring out some extra Grasshopper Cocktail Variations below.

Grasshopper Cocktail Ingredients

• Crème de menthe: Crème de menthe is minty-flavored, but it isn’t actually creamy. Instead, the “crème” in its name hints to the category of liqueur. Crème liqueurs are higher in sugar content than other liqueurs, such as the Triple Sec you might have on-hand for margaritas. Crème de menthe comes in green or white formulas. We suggest seeking out green crème de menthe for the eye-catching emerald hue.
• Crème de cacao: Also known as crème de cocoa, this liqueur packs a chocolate-flavored punch. It’s available in white or dark. We dig white crème de cacao as a Grasshopper Cocktail component so it doesn’t muddy up the green crème de menthe.
• Heavy cream: This makes the texture luxuriously velvety. Half-and-half or whole milk also works, or for a dairy-free alternative, try coconut milk, coconut cream, almond milk, or your favorite plant-based substitute.

For an optional garnish, consider dusting the top of each glass with grated:

• Fresh nutmeg
• Dark chocolate
• Andes Mints