The Grasshopper Cocktail That Doesn't Contain Any Grasshoppers
The Grasshopper cocktail according to legend was originated in the French Quarter of New Orleans
. It was a very popular drink during the 50's and 60's. The Grasshopper is made by combining creme de menthe, creme de cacao, and cream. You will typically shake the drink with ice and then strain it into a cocktail glass for serving. The ingredients make a sweet and tasty drink that is perfect on a lazy sunny afternoon. While you and your friends are sitting around talking about the local gossip, making a few grasshoppers will certainly help make it a more festive and enjoyable time.
As with all drinks people want to alter them and the grasshopper is no exception to this rule. I am not sure why people feel the need to mess with a perfect recipe but they do and always will. One such variation is called the Flying Grasshopper which is made by taking out the cream and adding Vodka. As a fan of both Vodka and drinking I do have to admit this is a very intriguing combination that is worthy of a taste. I think that the Vodka will give it the kick it needs. A combination that was a very bad idea was replacing the cream with coffee. I love coffee, especially good coffee and it has no place with a mint flavored alcohol beverage.
They call this awful drink a Brown Grasshopper but in retrospect maybe it should be called a Bad Grasshopper. People really should avoid trying to mix coffee with any alcohol beverage. A Frozen Grasshopper on the other hand is a good idea of mixing things that should not be mixed. I am typically not a fan of mixing ice cream and alcohol together.
I do have to say that taking the cream out and putting in a mint flavored ice cream was an ingenious idea. It makes such a wonderful drink to have on a hot summer day. Just think about laying in a hammock all day and sipping on Frozen Grasshopper's. You have to love the Badger State, that group of people gave us the Grasshopper milkshake. Replacing cream with actual vanilla ice cream was something only the people of Wisconsin could come up with.
If you are a fan of the flavor of mint then you will enjoy a Grasshopper cocktail. The sweet mint flavor is like nectar on the tongue. It is an awesome drink to share between friends on a hot summer day. I will also have to say that some of the variations are also pretty good.