10 Delicious Crème de Menthe Cocktails

Minty Drinks for Every Occasion

Written by
Colleen Graham
Colleen Graham is a cocktail expert, professional bartender, and cookbook author with over 10 years of experience in the food-writing world.
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Colleen Graham
Updated 10/24/20
Fresh cocktail with mint liqueur

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Crème de menthe is a mint-flavored liqueur that is very sweet and available in both white and green bottlings. Like other crème liqueurs, it is not creamy like "cream" liqueurs. Instead, "crème" refers to a higher amount of sugar used to make it.

While not absolutely essential to stock in a bar, these liqueurs are nice to have around. At a price that is typically less than $10, it is an affordable addition that creates delicious, minty drinks.

White crème de menthe is actually clear in color and the green is typically a darker green. These color options are important to consider when mixing cocktails and shots because some recipes rely on one color or another.

Generally, creme de menthe is bottled at 25 percent alcohol by volume (ABV, 50 proof). This can vary from one brand to another.

  • 01 of 10

    Grasshopper

    Grasshopper Cocktail

    The Spruce

    The ultimate crème de menthe cocktail, it's hard to resist the yummy grasshopper. This creamy martini is very popular and the perfect drink to mix up when you want to enjoy the tempting combination of chocolate and mint.

    A light drink, the grasshopper is made with green crème de menthe and crème de cacao. Add an equal pour of light cream and a luscious cocktail is yours to enjoy. For more casual occasions, there's also the grasshopper shooter that offers the same great taste.

  • 02 of 10

    Mint ChocoChata Martini

    RumChata Mint ChocoChata Martini Cocktail Recipe

    Photo from 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 is easy, fun, and absolutely delicious.

    The recipe combines RumChata Cream Liqueur with your favorite chocolate vodka. With a little green crème de menthe, the drink becomes a beautiful, minty cocktail that's sure to be a hit.

  • 03 of 10

    Holiday Hopper

    Holiday Hopper Cocktail

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    When you want to take the creamy green martini a step further, try the holiday hopper. Despite its name, it is a fabulous drink that can be enjoyed year-round.

    This drink has the same creamy mint-chocolate base, but it adds a fruity touch. That comes from a shot of Midori, which ramps up the green color and gives the drink a gentle melon flavor. The taste is fascinating and worth trying.

  • 04 of 10

    Peppermint Patty

    Peppermint Patty Cocktail
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    Just as popular as the grasshopper the peppermint patty also plays up the tempting flavor of mint-chocolate. It simply goes about it in a slightly different way.

    Though 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.

    Continue to 5 of 10 below.
  • 05 of 10

    Hot Peppermint Patty

    Hot Peppermint Patty - a spiked hot chocolate recipe
    Farrukh Younus / Moment / Getty Images

    Come winter, take your peppermint patty to the warm side and mix up a steaming cup of mint-chocolate cocoa. It's a comfort drink that is sure to warm you up on a cold day.

    The hot peppermint patty doubles up on both the mint and chocolate. Crème de menthe and peppermint schnapps are poured and the hot chocolate is enhanced with dark crème de cacao. Don't forget the whipped cream and shaved chocolate!

  • 06 of 10

    Midnight Snowstorm

    Midnight Snowstorm - Spiked Hot Chocolate Cocktail Recipe

    Raphye Alexius / Image Source / Getty Images

    For a minty hot chocolate recipe that doesn't require as many ingredients, the midnight snowstorm is an excellent choice. You'll need just three ingredients for the base, though a dollop of whipped cream should be considered essential as well.

    This recipe uses both green and white crème de menthe. The white goes into the drink with your favorite cocoa and the green is drizzled on top of the whipped cream for a fun, colorful finishing touch.

  • 07 of 10

    Emerald Isle

    Emerald Isle Cocktail

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    Green crème de menthe is used more often than the white version simply because of its color. It's the key ingredient for countless green drinks and often found in the simplest of recipes.

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

  • 08 of 10

    Irish Eyes

    Irish Eyes Cocktail

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    As you might suspect, the Irish eyes cocktail relies on a shot of Irish whiskey. It's creamy, green, and satisfying, the perfect whiskey sipper for St. Patrick's Day.

    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, sit back, and enjoy.

    Continue to 9 of 10 below.
  • 09 of 10

    Stinger

    The Classic Stinger Cocktail with Brandy

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    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.

    This amazing cocktail is one of the easiest you can make. 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.

  • 10 of 10

    Devil Cocktail

    Classic Devil Cocktail
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    There's an unusual surprise inside the devil cocktail. It's one of those drinks that you simply have to taste because the flavor combination defies logic.

    Though it's served "up" in a cocktail glass, the devil cocktail begins with the brandy-white crème de menthe combo of the stinger. The kick comes in when you add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Really, you have to try it!