Pale green, thick as a milkshake, and tasting like the best mint chocolate chip ice cream you've ever had that's what you get when you blend vanilla ice cream with crème de menthe and crème de cocoa for this Grasshopper drink. I made my first batch of this classic grasshopper cocktail on a whim last December, and now it's the creamy dessert cocktail I crave whenever I want something cold and just a little bit fancy. This frozen grasshopper drink with its mint chocolate cocktail flavor has become my go-to after dinner cocktail, especially during the holidays.
If you're in the mood for more fun holiday drinks, this Grinch Cocktail Recipe has a similar festive vibe, or try the [Easy Gingerbread White Russian Recipe for something warm and spiced. And when you need a non-alcoholic option, The Best Whipped Pink Lemonade Recipe is always a crowd-pleaser.
Why You'll Love This Grasshopper Drink Recipe
This frozen Grasshopper drink recipe is incredibly easy to make and tastes like something you'd order at a fancy restaurant. The combination of mint and chocolate is always a winner, and the ice cream makes it extra indulgent. You can make a big batch ahead of time and store it in the freezer, which makes it perfect for holiday parties or whenever you want a special treat waiting for you. It's also a fun drink to serve because that pretty green color always gets compliments.
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Grasshopper Drink Recipe Ingredients
Here's what you'll need to make this Grasshopper Drink, minty treat.
See recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities
- Creme de menthe: This bright green liqueur brings the mint flavor and that signature Grasshopper color. It's sweet and refreshing.
- Creme de cocoa: Adds a smooth chocolate flavor that balances the mint beautifully. You can use white or dark crème de cocoa, but white keeps the color lighter.
- Ice cubes: Helps thicken the drink and gives it a slushy, frozen texture.
- Vanilla ice cream: The base of this recipe. It makes the drink rich, creamy, and dessert-like. Use a good quality ice cream for the best flavor.
- Extra dash of creme de menthe: A little extra drizzled on top adds a burst of minty freshness and makes the drink look pretty.
How To Make Grasshopper Drink Recipe
This Grasshopper Drink comes together in just a few minutes.
Blend the first layer: In a large blender, combine the creme de menthe, creme de cocoa, ice cubes, and half of the vanilla ice cream. Pulse until everything is well blended and the mixture looks smooth. This helps the blender handle the thick ice cream more easily.
Add remaining ice cream: Add the rest of the vanilla ice cream to the blender. Pulse again until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, with no lumps. You want it thick but pourable.
Store or serve: If you're not serving the drinks right away, transfer the mixture to a lidded, freezer-safe container. This recipe stores beautifully in the freezer for up to three months, so you can make it ahead for parties.
Pour into glasses: When you're ready to serve, scoop or pour the mixture into four glasses. If it's been in the freezer for a while, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly.
Add the finishing touch: Top each drink with a small dash of creme de menthe for extra mint flavor and a pretty layered look.
Serve: Add spoons for scooping and chocolate biscuit sticks if you want to make it extra fancy. Enjoy immediately!
Equipment For Grasshopper Drink Recipe
- Large blender: You need a strong blender to handle the thick ice cream and ice cubes.
- Measuring cup: For accurate amounts of liqueurs.
- Spatula (optional): Helps scrape down the sides of the blender.
- Freezer-safe container with lid: If you're storing the drinks for later.
- Serving glasses: Any pretty glass works, but tall glasses show off the color nicely.
- Spoons: These drinks are thick enough to eat with a spoon.
Substitutions and Variations
Non-alcoholic version: Skip the liqueurs and use mint extract (start with ½ teaspoon and adjust to taste) plus a tablespoon of chocolate syrup. Add a drop of green food coloring if you want that classic Grasshopper look.
Dairy-free: Use non-dairy vanilla ice cream and the same liqueurs. Coconut or oat-based ice creams work great.
Mint chocolate chip version: Use mint chocolate chip ice cream instead of vanilla for even more mint flavor.
Extra chocolate: Add a tablespoon of chocolate syrup to the blender for a richer chocolate taste.
Whipped cream topping: Add a dollop of whipped cream on top along with chocolate shavings or crushed Andes mints.
Kid-Approved Changes
To make a kid-friendly version, leave out the alcohol completely. Blend 4 cups of vanilla ice cream with ½ teaspoon mint extract, 2 tablespoons chocolate syrup, and 1 cup of milk. Add a tiny drop of green food coloring to get that fun Grasshopper green. Top with whipped cream and chocolate sprinkles. Kids love the color and the minty chocolate flavor tastes just like their favorite ice cream.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Freezer storage: Store leftover Grasshopper Drink in a freezer-safe container with a tight lid for up to three months. The alcohol keeps it from freezing solid, so it stays scoopable.
- Make-ahead for parties: This is one of the best make-ahead cocktails. Blend a big batch a day or two before your party and store it in the freezer. Just scoop into glasses when guests arrive.
- Softening: If the mixture gets too firm in the freezer, let it sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. You can also give it a quick pulse in the blender to smooth it out again.
- Multiple batches: Double or triple the recipe if you're hosting a crowd. It stores so well that you can keep extra on hand all season long.
Serving Suggestions
Fancy presentation: Rim the glasses with chocolate syrup and crushed Andes mints before pouring in the drink. Add a sprig of fresh mint on top for a restaurant-quality looks.
After-dinner treat: Serve this creamy dessert cocktail in place of traditional dessert. It's rich enough to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Holiday entertaining: This is perfect for Christmas parties or St. Patrick's Day gatherings. The green color fits both celebrations beautifully.
With cookies: Pair it with chocolate wafer cookies, shortbread, or chocolate biscuit sticks for dipping.
Expert Tips
Room temperature ice cream: Let the ice cream sit out for 5 minutes before blending. It'll blend more smoothly and put less strain on your blender.
Don't over-blend: Pulse just until smooth. Over-blending can make the mixture too thin.
Taste as you go: After blending, taste the mixture and adjust if needed. Add more crème de menthe for extra mint or more ice cream if it's too strong.
Strong blender required: This recipe needs a powerful blender. If your blender struggles, add the ingredients in smaller batches.
Chill your glasses: For an extra-cold drink, pop your serving glasses in the freezer for 15 minutes before serving.
FAQ
What is in a Grasshopper drink Recipe?
A Grasshopper drink is made with crème de menthe (mint liqueur), crème de cocoa (chocolate liqueur), and cream or ice cream. The ice cream version is blended until thick and smooth, creating a frozen dessert cocktail. It tastes like mint chocolate chip ice cream with a gentle kick. Some people add a splash of milk or half-and-half, but I love the ultra-creamy ice cream base.
Is a Grasshopper a strong drink?
Not really. The Grasshopper Drink is on the sweeter, milder side because of all the ice cream and the sweet liqueurs. It has alcohol in it, but it doesn't taste very strong at all. It's more of a dessert drink than a serious cocktail, so it goes down easy. Just remember that the sweetness can be deceiving, so sip slowly and enjoy it like you would a rich dessert.
Do people still Grasshopper Drink Recipe?
Yes! The classic Grasshopper Drink has made a comeback in recent years, especially around the holidays. It was super popular in the 1950s and 60s, then fell out of favor for a while, but now people love it again for its nostalgic, retro vibe. It's also just plain delicious, which never goes out of style. You'll often see it on dessert menus at restaurants during Christmas and St. Patrick's Day.
What is the alcohol content of a Grasshopper Drink Recipe?
A Grasshopper drink is relatively low in alcohol compared to other cocktails. Crème de menthe and crème de cocoa typically have an alcohol content of around 15 to 20%, similar to many liqueurs. When you blend them with all that ice cream, the overall alcohol content per serving is quite mild. Each serving has about 2 to 3 ounces of liqueur mixed with a cup of ice cream, so it's much lighter than a standard mixed drink. Still, it's best to enjoy it responsibly.
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Grasshopper Drink
Grasshopper Drink
Ingredients
- ½ cup crème de menthe chilled, bright green for classic color
- ½ cup crème de cacao white or clear for a lighter drink
- 15–22 ice cubes standard size, used for thickness
- 6 cups vanilla ice cream full-fat, slightly softened
- Small extra splash crème de menthe for topping each glass
Instructions
- Add the crème de menthe, crème de cacao, ice cubes, and half of the ice cream to a large blender, then pulse until the mixture looks evenly blended.
- Scoop in the remaining ice cream and pulse again until the drink turns thick, smooth, and creamy.
- Transfer the mixture to a freezer-safe container and cover tightly if not serving immediately.
- When ready to serve, scoop or pour the mixture into glasses and finish each with a light splash of crème de menthe.
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