The History of the Grasshopper Cocktail

Have you ever come across a cocktail as bright and glowing as the green, green Grasshopper? Made up of creme de cacao, creme de menthe, and good, old fashioned cream, this is a frothy, delightful blend that is sweet, minty and oh-so delicious!

This is a low-proof cocktail, allowing you to indulge in the luxury flavours for quite some time before feeling the effects of the alcohol. It is a fantastic choice for those days when you would like a cocktail but would prefer not to get too drunk and it makes quite an impressive drink for when you have guests that like their sweets in liquid form. So, where did this little green charm come from?

Who Invented the Grasshopper?

It is thought that this drink dates back to the 1910s. when it was created for a cocktail competition in New York City. Philibert Guichet was a professional bartender who had recently purchased Tujague's restaurant from its original owners. The drink won second place and by creating the Grasshopper and selling it at his bar, he was able to put the establishment firmly on the map.

Named for its striking green colour, the drink was a hit simply because of the ingredients used. Creme de menthe and creme de cacao liqueurs were not ones typically found in a home alcohol cabinet, since they were so rarely used. Patrons of the bar would visit for their Grasshopper hit and then take themselves home, none the worse for wear!

The bar itself is one of the oldest in the country and the Grasshopper has been a fixture on the cocktail menu ever since its creation. It is all the more popular due to the fact that it allows guests to reminisce about the past, and the fact that it might have been enjoyed by their parents and grandparents!

Variations of this Cocktail

This is the kind of cocktail that doesn't lend itself well to variations, although there have been some notable exceptions. If you are really in the mood for a naughty treat on a hot day, you can swap the cream for ice cream - as much or as little as you like!

You might also choose to boost the alcohol content by adding a float of brandy, giving the sweetness a slightly fruity undertone and a sharp kick.

The Grasshopper really is the perfect after-dinner cocktail, satisfying that need for something sweet and delicious, while giving the traditional milkshake a more mature touch.