Grasshopper

The Grasshopper is a sweet, green-colored after-dinner cocktail made with equal parts green mint liqueur, white cocoa liqueur, and single cream.

If you’ve ever had mint-chocolate-chip ice cream, you’ll know what to expect!

Like so many classic cocktails, the exact origin of the Grasshopper is unclear.

The most popular account suggests that it was first invented at one of New Orleans’ oldest restaurants, established in 1856, while the drink itself is said to date back to 1918 or 1919. 

The earliest documented recipe for the Grasshopper appears in a 1908 cocktail book, featuring just two ingredients – equal parts green mint liqueur and white cacao liqueur – and originating from a hotel in San Francisco.

Cream was eventually added to this original two-ingredient recipe, transforming it into the Grasshopper cocktail we recognize today. Several newspapers from that era indicate that the three-ingredient version of the Grasshopper was developed sometime in the late 1940s.

Due to Prohibition in the United States, the cocktail didn’t gain widespread popularity until the 1950s.

• Double strain the Grasshopper
  Use a Hawthorne strainer together with a fine mesh strainer to double strain your drink.In general, double straining a cocktail removes ice shards and any small bits of fruit or herbs, giving your drink a smooth, refined texture without unwanted bits floating around.
• Serve your Grasshopper in a chilled glass
  Pop your martini glass in the freezer approximately 30 minutes beforehand. A chilled glass gives your drink that extra touch, enhancing the overall drink experience.

• The Flying Grasshopper
  This popular Grasshopper variation mixes equal parts vodka, green mint liqueur, and white cacao liqueur and omits the cream. However, if you wish to add the cream, we recommend adding one and a quarter parts single cream. Check out the drink recipe for the Flying Grasshopper!
• Grasshopper Nöel
  Created by Absolut Global Brand Ambassador, Ricardo ‘Rico’ Dynan, the Grasshopper Nöel gives the classic Grasshopper a holiday twist. It retains the essential flavors of the original but brings a festive touch using different spirit types.The Grasshopper Nöel mixes equal parts vanilla-flavored vodka, mint amaro, and heavy cream. With vanilla, mint, and cream – come on! – you know it’s going to be delicious!

  Watch Rico show you how to make a Grasshopper Nöel.

• Add whipped cream on top
  As if the recipe for a Grasshopper wasn’t decadent enough, you can also add a generous layer of whipped cream on top of your drink! Oh my! If you have a whipped cream dispenser at home, this is a must-try.
• Ice cream instead of cream
  Instead of serving dessert at your next dinner party, make a Grasshopper with ice cream! This popular variation follows the same recipe above but swaps the single cream for ice cream.
• Add Dark Cacao Liqueur
  In addition to white cacao liqueur, you can also add a layer of dark cacao liqueur. Just adjust the measurements so everything remains in equal parts, creating a richer and even more decadent flavor profile.

• We recommend serving the Grasshopper in a chilled cocktail glass.

• Although our drink recipe for a Grasshopper does not include a garnish, freshly grated nutmeg or grated chocolate work extremely well.

• Accentuate the color and mint profile of your drink by placing a single mint leaf on top of your drink…and then grate some mint-flavored chocolate for yet more decadence!