Crème de menthe is French for “mint cream,” making this an appropriately named craft spirit. This minty liqueur was originally a digestive that was viewed as a medicinal spirit. In modern times, bartenders craft creative cocktail recipes that embrace the natural mint flavor. 

There are two types of crème de menthe liqueur: green and white. They are different, but you can use them interchangeably when crafting these cocktails. However, if you use green instead of white, your cocktail may end up an unappetizing color. Green crème de menthe is a liqueur made by adding mint leaves to a neutral alcohol. The liquid is then filtered and sweetened. White crème de menthe has a thicker consistency and chocolate flavor. 

1. Grasshopper

This vintage cocktail combines the crème de menthe with heavy cream for a rich and decadent craft cocktail. It was invented in the early 1900s but was not popular until the 1950s. Original recipes called for equal parts of all ingredients. However, this grasshopper cocktail recipe ups the heavy cream for a more balanced cocktail with a creamier texture. The sweet flavor of this cocktail makes it a favorite after dinner as a dessert cocktail. 

• 1 oz green crème de menthe liqueur
• 1 oz white creme de cacao
• 2 oz heavy cream
• Garnish: freshly grated nutmeg

2. American Beauty

The crème de menthe takes a backseat in the American Beauty cocktail recipe. With the cognac and fruit flavors taking the stage, this drink is refreshing without being overly sweet. Some drinkers find this cocktail to be too tart for their taste. The port is a nice addition that can address this. Try using it as a float instead of mixing it into the cocktail. 

• 1 oz cognac
• .50 oz dry vermouth
• .25 teaspoon white crème de menthe liqueur
• .75 oz orange juice
• 1 teaspoon Grenadine
• .50 oz port

3. Emerald Isle

The simple emerald isle cocktail recipe has three ingredients. However, do not let its simplicity fool you. There is a fine line between a great cocktail and an undrinkable mess. The key to making the best cocktail is to choose the right gin and not skip the bitters. This will ensure you get a great flavor profile that is enjoyable to drink. 

• 1.5 oz gin
• 1 teaspoon crème de menthe liqueur
• 2 dashes bitters

4. Alpine Negroni

The Negroni cocktail is experiencing a spike in popularity. So, it is only natural to see bartenders experiment with its ingredients and flavor profiles. The Alpine Negroni cocktail recipe is like pouring the alpine mountainside into a glass. From the smell to the cool herbal flavors, sipping this cocktail is refreshing. 

• 1 oz gin
• 3/4 oz Suze
• 3/4 oz Cocchi Americano
• 1/2 oz génépy
• 1 tablespoon white crème de menthe liqueur
• 3 dashes lemon bitters
• 1 dash saline solution (1:1, salt:water)
• Rosemary sprig garnish

5.  Irish Coffee

The Irish coffee cocktail recipe is one of the most famous cocktails on this list. This hot drink is the perfect libation to enjoy when you wake up on a cold morning. The addition of crème de menthe in this cocktail gives the coffee an extra little kick that makes this cocktail refreshing. You do not need much; it should be an accent and not a main ingredient. 

• 1 oz Irish whiskey 
• .5 oz Kahlua liqueur
• 10 oz hot coffee
• Whipped cream 
• Splash of crème de menthe liqueur

6. Mint Martini

The festive mint martini is bright green, making this drink perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or the holidays. Adding crème de menthe to Baileys gives you a cocktail that is a deliciously sweet dessert martini. The Baileys give this craft cocktail a smooth and creamy texture that is enhanced by the half-and-half. If you feel fancy, you can go all out with whipped cream and chocolate shavings for a truly delightful sipping experience. 

• 1 oz Baileys Irish Cream
• 1 oz crème de menthe liqueur
• 1 oz vodka
• 1 oz half & half
• Ice

7. Cherry Springer 

The cherry springer craft cocktail recipe is one of the newest cocktails on this list. This easy-to-drink craft cocktail is refreshing and slightly sweet. The crème de menthe acts to enhance the other flavors in the cocktail. Cherry gin is a modern fruity take on a spirit with traditionally strong herbal flavors. It has a tart flavor that complements the rich brandy flavor. At the same time, the chocolate bitters help to tame the tartness. The mint adds a bit of cool sweetness. The result is a complex drink that fills the mouth. 

• 1 ⅓ sour cherry gin 
• ⅓ crème de menthe liqueur
• ⅓ brandy liqueur 
• ⅔ lemon juice 
• 2 chocolate bitters 

8. Stinger

The stinger craft cocktail recipe seems like it should not work. However, it is a surprisingly pleasant cocktail to drink. The key to making this cocktail a success is choosing high-quality ingredients. This aligns with its popularity among America’s most affluent during the Gilded Age. You can make this cocktail your own by adjusting the proportions. More cognac and less crème de menthe make for a drier and less sweet drink. For a sweeter drink, add more crème de menthe. 

• 2 oz cognac 
• 1 oz white crème de menthe liqueur

FAQ About Crème de Menthe Liqueur

1. Can you drink crème de menthe alone?

While you can drink crème de menthe by itself, it is not recommended. The taste is fairly intense and is one that has to be acquired. Most people will find using crème de menthe with other ingredients in a craft cocktail far more enjoyable.

2. Is crème de menthe high in alcohol?

The alcohol content in crème de menthe is typically relatively low compared to other craft spirits. You can expect it to be around 50 proof or 25% ABV. This alcohol content is on par with other liqueurs. 

3. Do you need to refrigerate crème de menthe?

You do not need to keep the crème de menthe in the refrigerator. Instead, you should keep it in a cool and dry place. It should additionally be kept out of direct sunlight. An ideal location for this minty-fun favorite is in a cabinet. 

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