12 Delicious Crème de Menthe Cocktails

Minty Drinks for Every Occasion

By
Colleen Graham
Photo of Colleen Graham
Colleen Graham
Freelance writer and cocktail book author Colleen Graham is a seasoned mixologist who loves sharing her knowledge of spirits and passion for preparing drinks.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 11/10/21
Irish Eyes Cocktail

The Spruce Eats / S&C Design Studios

Crème de menthe is a very sweet mint-flavored liqueur that is available in both white and green bottlings. While you can drink it straight or on the rocks, crème de menthe is best as a mixer that's used to create an array of delicious minty drinks.

Like other crème liqueurs, crème de menthe is not a creamy liqueur; "crème" refers to a higher amount of sugar used to make it. Ordinarily inexpensive, these liqueurs are not absolutely essential though they are nice to stock in a bar. Crème de menthe is typically bottled at 25 percent alcohol by volume (ABV, 50 proof), but this can vary from one brand to another.

White crème de menthe is clear in color, and the green is typically a darker green. While the two can be used interchangeably, these color options are important to consider when mixing cocktails and shots. Green crème de menthe is used more often than the white version, and it's the key ingredient for countless green drinks. White crème de menthe is a color-neutral option that's best mixed with brown liquors.

Featured Video
  • 01 of 12

    Grasshopper

    Grasshopper Cocktail

    The Spruce Eats

    The grasshopper is the ultimate crème de menthe cocktail. It's hard to resist this popular creamy martini and its tempting combination of chocolate and mint. A light drink, the grasshopper is made with green crème de menthe, white crème de cacao, and light cream. For more casual occasions, there's also the grasshopper shooter, which offers the same yummy taste.

    What's a Good Substitute for Crème de Menthe?

    In many recipes, peppermint schnapps is the best substitute for crème de menthe. It's not as sweet, has a more intense mint flavor, and can be much more potent (sometimes up to 100 proof). To create a balanced taste, you may have to reduce the schnapps or increase the drink's sweetener. Green mint syrups are a good choice for a green option that's as sweet as crème de menthe; they're nonalcoholic and will lower the drink's proof.

  • 02 of 12

    Mint ChocoChata Martini

    RumChata Mint ChocoChata Martini Cocktail Recipe

    RumChata

    A modern twist on that mint-chocolate favorite, you're going to love the mint chocochata martini just as much (if not more). This dessert-worthy cocktail recipe combines RumChata Cream Liqueur with your favorite chocolate vodka. Add a little green crème de menthe, and you have a beautiful, minty cocktail that's sure to be a hit.

  • 03 of 12

    Peppermint Patty

    Peppermint Patty Cocktail
    The Spruce Eats / S&C Design Studios

    Just as famous as the grasshopper, the peppermint patty also plays up the alluring mint-chocolate flavor. It simply goes about it in a slightly different way. While there are a few peppermint patty recipes, one of the oldest mixes white crème de menthe and white crème de cacao. It's served on the rocks, creating a smooth, refreshing sipper that's perfect for happy hour.

  • 04 of 12

    Hot Peppermint Patty

    Hot Peppermint Patty Cocktail

    The Spruce Eats / S&C Design Studios 

    Come winter, double up on both the mint and chocolate and enjoy a hot peppermint patty. It's made with crème de menthe and peppermint schnapps, while the hot chocolate is enhanced with dark crème de cacao to create a steaming cup of mint-chocolate cocoa. Don't forget the whipped cream and shaved chocolate!

    Continue to 5 of 12 below.
  • 05 of 12

    Midnight Snowstorm

    Midnight Snowstorm - Spiked Hot Chocolate Cocktail Recipe

    Raphye Alexius / Image Source / Getty Images

    The midnight snowstorm is an excellent choice for a minty hot chocolate recipe that doesn't require as many ingredients. The recipe uses both green and white crème de menthe. The white liqueur goes into the drink with your favorite cocoa, and the green is drizzled over whipped cream for a colorful finishing touch.

  • 06 of 12

    Spiked Christmas Coffee

    Spiked Christmas Coffee
    The Spruce Eats / S&C Design Studios

    A festive drink, this spiked Christmas coffee recipe is a pleasure to make and share around the holidays. Start by brewing a strong cup of coffee, then add crème de cacao and Irish cream. It's topped with cream that's freshly whipped with green crème de menthe. All it needs is some fun sprinkles.

    The 5 Best Irish Cream Liqueurs to Drink in 2022
  • 07 of 12

    Holiday Hopper

    Holiday Hopper Cocktail

    The Spruce Eats / S&C Design Studios

    When you want to take the creamy green martini to a new level, try the holiday hopper. Despite the name, it's enjoyable year-round. This drink has a creamy mint-chocolate base, but it adds a fruity touch with a shot of melon liqueur. While unusual, the taste is fascinating and worth trying.

  • 08 of 12

    Emerald Isle

    Emerald Isle Cocktail

    The Spruce Eats / S&C Design Studios


    The Emerald Isle is a two-ingredient martini that flavors your favorite gin with a hint of mint and a couple of dashes of bitters. The flavor is intriguing, and it may surprise you how well gin and mint work together.

    Continue to 9 of 12 below.
  • 09 of 12

    Irish Eyes

    Irish Eyes Cocktail

    The Spruce Eats / S&C Design Studios

    As you might suspect, the Irish eyes cocktail relies on a shot of Irish whiskey. Like most mint drinks, it's best to keep things simple, and this recipe sticks to that rule. Combine your favorite Irish whiskey with green crème de menthe and cream, and enjoy this satisfying whiskey sipper that's perfect for St. Patrick's Day.

  • 10 of 12

    Stinger

    The Classic Stinger Cocktail with Brandy

    The Spruce Eats / S&C Design Studios

    White crème de menthe has its uses as well. Quite often, it's poured into cocktails when you want the sweet, minty flavor without the extra color—case in point, the classic stinger. Incredibly easy, all you need is a good brandy and white crème de menthe. The pairing is fantastic, and it makes an excellent dessert drink when you don't want anything too heavy.

  • 11 of 12

    Devil Cocktail

    Classic Devil Cocktail
    Fotosearch / Getty Images

    There's an unusual surprise inside the devil cocktail. It's one of those drinks that you have to taste because the flavor combination defies logic. Though it's served "up" in a cocktail glass, the devil cocktail begins with the stinger's brandy-white crème de menthe combo. The kick comes in when you add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Really, you have to try it!

  • 12 of 12

    Irish Flag

    Irish Flag Shooter

    The Spruce Eats

    Party shots are another fun use for crème de menthe, and many use the green liqueur for its appealing color. The Irish flag is a fine example of this and a fun drink to test your bartending skills. This triple-layered shot takes a bit of practice, but when the minty, creamy, orange drink hits your tongue, you'll know it's worth it.