15 Creme de Menthe Cocktails You Absolutely Need to Try (With Recipes!) Updated 06/2026

There is something wonderfully nostalgic and undeniably chic about a glass that glows the most beautiful shade of emerald green. Creme de menthe cocktails have that rare quality: they feel festive enough for a holiday gathering, elegant enough for a dinner party, and indulgent enough to stand in for dessert. Whether you are new to this minty liqueur or rediscovering it after years away, you are in the right place.

This guide brings together 15 of the best creme de menthe cocktails worth making at home, each with a full recipe, tasting notes, and tips to help you nail it on the first try. From creamy, chocolatey classics to bright and citrusy surprises, there is a mint-kissed drink here for every mood and every occasion.

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A Little History Behind the Mint in Your Glass

Before we dive into the recipes, let’s take a moment to appreciate just how storied this little green bottle really is.

Crème de menthe was invented in France in 1885 by a man named Emile Giffard, a pharmacist who was researching mint for its digestive properties. What started as a medicinal curiosity quickly evolved into one of the most beloved liqueurs in the world. The history of crème de menthe goes even further back, with John French’s The Art of Distillation (1667) containing a recipe for Mint Water, which forms the base for mint liqueurs.

The history of crème de menthe in America is equally compelling. It became popular in the US in the early 20th century, particularly during the Prohibition era. Bartenders discovered that the bold mint flavor could mask the harshness of lower-quality spirits, making it a clever and delicious workaround during those dry years.

The most famous cocktail to feature this liqueur, the Grasshopper, was invented in New Orleans in 1918 and became ubiquitous across the United States in the 1950s. Meanwhile, the Stinger cocktail dates all the way back to the 1890s, remaining popular through the 1970s.

Today, crème de menthe comes in two versions: the iconic green variety (colored with natural or artificial dye) and a clear “white” version that carries the exact same mint flavor without the color. Both are equally delicious and can often be swapped depending on whether you want that gorgeous green glow in your glass.

Fun fact: Crème de menthe typically contains around 25% ABV, making it a mid-strength liqueur that pairs beautifully with cream, chocolate, citrus, and even coffee.

The Cocktails: Your Complete Creme de Menthe Must-Try List

The Grasshopper

The Grasshopper is the undisputed queen of creme de menthe cocktails. Creamy, dreamy, and the color of a spring meadow, it is the cocktail that put this liqueur on the map. Think of it as a mint chocolate chip ice cream cone that you can sip elegantly at a dinner party.

Tasting notes: Rich, sweet, cool mint with a silky chocolate undertone.

Recipe:

• 1 oz green crème de menthe
• 1 oz white crème de cacao
• 1 oz heavy cream

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously until very cold. Strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass. Garnish with shaved dark chocolate or a fresh mint sprig.

The Stinger

Do not let the simplicity of this two-ingredient cocktail fool you. The Stinger is a sophisticated, spirit-forward sipper that has been charming cognac lovers for well over a century. It is the ultimate after-dinner drink when you want something that feels both indulgent and refined.

Tasting notes: Bold cognac warmth balanced by cool, sweet mint. Deceptively strong.

Recipe:

• 2 oz cognac
• 1 oz white crème de menthe

Stir both ingredients with ice in a mixing glass until well chilled. Strain into a chilled coupe or serve over crushed ice in a rocks glass. No garnish needed.

The Baileys Mint Martini

This one is a crowd-pleaser of the highest order. Velvety, rich, and deeply satisfying, the Baileys Mint Martini is the cocktail equivalent of a peppermint patty wrapped in silk. It is a showstopper at any gathering and genuinely one of the prettiest drinks you will ever make.

Tasting notes: Creamy Irish whiskey notes, sweet vanilla, bold fresh mint.

Recipe:

• 1.5 oz Baileys Irish Cream
• 1 oz green crème de menthe
• 0.5 oz vodka

Shake all ingredients with ice until very cold. Strain into a chilled martini glass. Optional: rim the glass with cocoa powder or chocolate syrup and garnish with a chocolate-covered mint leaf.

The Emerald Isle

Named after Ireland itself, this gin-based cocktail is far more subtle and grown-up than you might expect from a mint drink. The crème de menthe plays a supporting role here, adding whispers of cool mint rather than dominating the glass. It is ideal for those who love craft cocktails with layered complexity.

Tasting notes: Herbal gin botanicals, gentle mint, a touch of bitterness that lingers beautifully.

Recipe:

• 2 oz London dry gin
• 0.5 oz green crème de menthe
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters

Stir all ingredients with ice in a mixing glass. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a wide strip of lemon peel, expressed and dropped in.

The Candy Cane Martini

Winter holiday or not, the Candy Cane Martini deserves a permanent spot in your cocktail repertoire. It is festive, fun, and absolutely gorgeous with its candy-cane-crushed rim. This is the drink you bring out when you want the whole room to smile.

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Tasting notes: Sweet peppermint, creamy vanilla, a sparkling brightness on the finish.

Recipe:

• 1.5 oz vanilla vodka
• 1 oz white crème de menthe
• 0.5 oz white crème de cacao
• 1 oz half-and-half

Rim a chilled martini glass with crushed candy cane. Shake all ingredients with ice. Strain carefully into the prepared glass. Garnish with a small candy cane.

The Frozen Grasshopper

When the weather turns warm, the classic Grasshopper gets a blended makeover that is nothing short of magical. This frozen version is essentially a mint chocolate chip milkshake for adults. Make a pitcher, invite your friends, and let the afternoon take care of itself.

Tasting notes: All the creamy mint-chocolate goodness of the original, with an icy, slushy texture.

Recipe:

• 1 oz green crème de menthe
• 1 oz white crème de cacao
• 2 generous scoops vanilla ice cream
• A small handful of ice

Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth and creamy. Pour into a chilled glass. Top with whipped cream and chocolate sprinkles. Serve immediately with a wide straw.

The After Eight Shot

Named for the beloved thin chocolate-mint wafers, this layered shooter is as much a visual treat as it is a flavor bomb. The three distinct layers sit one on top of the other in a shot glass, making it one of the most Instagram-worthy little sips around.

Tasting notes: Dark coffee-chocolate base, cool mint middle, creamy Irish finish.

Recipe (for 1 shot):

• 0.5 oz Kahlúa (pour first)
• 0.5 oz green crème de menthe (pour slowly over the back of a spoon)
• 0.5 oz Baileys Irish Cream (float carefully on top)

To achieve the layers, pour each ingredient slowly over the back of a bar spoon. Serve without stirring so guests can see the effect before drinking.

The Jade Cocktail

The Jade is a lesser-known gem that deserves far more attention. With rum, crème de menthe, lime juice, and Cointreau, it walks the line between tropical and refreshing in the most elegant way. If you love a Mojito, consider this its more sophisticated older sibling.

Tasting notes: Bright citrus, sweet mint, tropical rum warmth, with a slight orange-blossom sweetness.

Recipe:

• 1.5 oz white rum
• 0.5 oz green crème de menthe
• 0.5 oz Cointreau
• 0.75 oz fresh lime juice

Shake all ingredients with ice. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a thin lime wheel and a sprig of fresh mint.

The Ethel Duffy

Old-school and absolutely elegant, the Ethel Duffy is a three-ingredient cocktail from the golden age of mixology. Equal parts apricot brandy, crème de menthe, and triple sec, it is clean, perfectly balanced, and endlessly drinkable. A wonderful choice when you want something that feels effortlessly classic.

Tasting notes: Stone-fruit sweetness, bright mint, orange citrus warmth.

Recipe:

• 1 oz green crème de menthe
• 1 oz apricot brandy
• 1 oz triple sec

Shake all three ingredients together with ice. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a small slice of dried apricot or a twist of orange peel.

The Irish Flag

A layered cocktail that celebrates the colors of the Irish flag and is absolutely stunning when done right. The Irish Flag layers green crème de menthe, Irish whiskey, and Irish cream for a patriotic pour that works beautifully for St. Patrick’s Day or any festive occasion that calls for a dramatic presentation.

Tasting notes: Mint freshness, whiskey warmth, sweet creamy vanilla finish.

Recipe:

• 0.75 oz green crème de menthe (bottom layer)
• 0.75 oz Irish whiskey (middle layer)
• 0.75 oz Baileys Irish Cream (top layer)

Pour each ingredient slowly over the back of a bar spoon into a shot glass or small rocks glass to maintain the layers. Serve without stirring.

The Mint Chocolate Chip Martini

For those who believe that dessert cocktails are a legitimate life philosophy, this martini is your new best friend. It captures the exact flavor of your favorite childhood ice cream, only in a sleek cocktail glass with a chocolate-drizzled rim. Dangerously good. Absolutely worth it.

Tasting notes: Creamy milk chocolate, cool sweet mint, a smooth vanilla backdrop.

Recipe:

• 1.5 oz chocolate vodka
• 1 oz green crème de menthe
• 0.5 oz white crème de cacao
• 1 oz heavy cream

Drizzle chocolate syrup inside a chilled martini glass and swirl. Shake all ingredients vigorously with ice. Strain into the prepared glass. Top with mini chocolate chips.

The Creme de Menthe White Russian

The classic White Russian gets a cool, minty twist that somehow makes it even more addictive. Adding white crème de menthe to the traditional vodka and Kahlúa base brings a refreshing lift to what is already one of the most satisfying cocktails in the world.

Tasting notes: Bold coffee, smooth vodka, cool mint, rich cream.

Recipe:

• 1.5 oz vodka
• 1 oz Kahlúa
• 0.5 oz white crème de menthe
• 1 oz heavy cream (float on top)

Build the vodka, Kahlúa, and crème de menthe in a rocks glass over ice. Gently pour the heavy cream over the back of a spoon so it floats. Do not stir. Garnish with a coffee bean.

Bennigan’s Irish Coffee

A minty spin on the beloved Irish Coffee, this warming cocktail is the one to reach for on chilly evenings when you want something cozy that still feels special. The combination of coffee, Irish whiskey, Kahlúa, and crème de menthe is deeply satisfying and endlessly comforting.

Tasting notes: Bold roasted coffee, whiskey warmth, sweet mint, a pillowy whipped cream finish.

Recipe:

• 1.5 oz Irish whiskey
• 0.5 oz Kahlúa
• 0.5 oz green crème de menthe
• 4 oz hot brewed coffee

Warm a glass mug with hot water, then discard the water. Add the whiskey, Kahlúa, and crème de menthe. Pour in the hot coffee and stir gently. Top with freshly whipped cream. Dust with cocoa powder.

The Junior Mint Shot

Exactly what it sounds like: a tiny, punchy shot that tastes uncannily like eating a Junior Mint candy straight from the box. This is the shot to make when you want something that is equal parts fun and delicious, and guaranteed to get people talking.

Tasting notes: Pure dark chocolate and peppermint, all in one bite-sized sip.

Recipe:

• 0.75 oz green crème de menthe
• 0.75 oz dark crème de cacao

Combine both ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake briefly to chill, then strain into a shot glass. Optionally, garnish the rim with a tiny piece of dark chocolate.

The Arctic Mule

A frosty, minty riff on the beloved Moscow Mule, the Arctic Mule swaps in white crème de menthe alongside the classic vodka and ginger beer combination. The result is a refreshing, tingly, crowd-pleasing cocktail that works beautifully in a copper mug on a warm afternoon.

Tasting notes: Spicy ginger, cool mint, bright lime, effervescent and light.

Recipe:

• 1.5 oz vodka
• 0.75 oz white crème de menthe
• 0.5 oz fresh lime juice
• 4 oz ginger beer

Fill a copper mug with crushed ice. Add the vodka, crème de menthe, and lime juice. Top with ginger beer and give a gentle stir. Garnish with a generous lime wedge and a fresh mint sprig.

Tips for Working With Creme de Menthe Like a Pro

Getting the most out of your bottle of crème de menthe comes down to a few simple principles that every home bartender should keep in mind.

Balance is everything. Crème de menthe has a bold, assertive flavor. In most recipes, a little goes a long way. Start with the amount listed in the recipe and taste before adding more.

Green vs. white matters visually, not always in flavor. Both versions taste essentially the same, so use green when you want that stunning emerald color (Grasshopper, Frozen Grasshopper) and white when you want a cleaner look without changing the mint flavor (Stinger, Candy Cane Martini).

Chill your glassware. Because so many crème de menthe cocktails are served without ice, a properly chilled glass makes a noticeable difference. Keep cocktail glasses in the freezer for at least 10 minutes before serving.

Pair it with chocolate and cream. The natural pairing partners for mint are rich chocolate and dairy. If you are improvising your own recipe, lean into crème de cacao, Baileys, heavy cream, or chocolate vodka for the most satisfying results.

“Mint is one of the most refreshing ingredients you can add to a cocktail.” The key is knowing when to let it shine and when to let it simply support the other flavors in the glass.

Final Sip

Creme de menthe cocktails have earned their place at the table not because they are trendy, but because they are genuinely, timelessly delicious. Whether you are making a silky Grasshopper for a dinner party, shaking up a Candy Cane Martini during the holidays, or simply sipping a Stinger after a long week, these drinks deliver something that very few ingredients can: that cool, clean, deeply satisfying rush of mint in every single sip.

Pick one recipe, stock your bar, and start mixing. Your new favorite cocktail is probably already on this list.

Sources: https://chesbrewco.com
Category: Cocktails