The Grasshopper cocktail is a fun and sweet after dinner drink that will leave a light taste on the tip of your tongue
. The green color this smooth drink gives off is derived from the creme de menthe that is in it. In the Grasshopper cocktail, there are three equal parts of creme de menthe, creme de cocoa and fresh creme, shaken with ice, strained and served in a chilled cocktail glass. There are a few variations to make this drink and how it is served. For instance, some may make this as a "Flying" Grasshopper using the fresh cream as a substitution for vodka.
A "Frozen" Grasshopper contains actual mint ice cream to sweeten up the taste buds even more. You can turn this drink into a non alcoholic milkshake for the kids at dinner time by using the mint ice cream, milk, heavy cream and ice. The children will love it due to the fun green color. You don't have to stick to mint ice cream but can use any other ice cream and use food coloring if you still want the appearance as green.
If you want a little more jazz and energy incorporated into this cocktail you can have a coffee Grasshopper. By adding 3/4 oz. coffee brandy, 3/4 oz white creme de menthe and 3/4 oz. light creme you can give the Grasshopper a mocha twist. You will also want to add a fresh mint leaf to any of the above recipes to promote the traditional green color. This would also be a great St. Patty's Day drink to make for friends and guests or to order at the bar.
Some venues may not serve this drink but it is traditionally easy to make. This would be a cool drink for the summertime as well. Most people enjoy the drink after dinner due to its dessert like taste and appearance. For those who want to watch their weight the Grasshopper cocktail stands about 260 calories and 6 grams of fat per 3 oz serving which is in a traditional cocktail glass. This would serve best as just having one not only due to the calories but the fact that the drink tends to be milky and thick and won't be good on your stomach if you have a few. That is if you add the alcohol in but if you just want to try it as a milkshake then by all means have two or three.