What’s the next holiday on the calendar? St. Patrick’s Day. A St. Patrick’s Day cocktail that is green is almost required on March 17th. Green beer may flow in some areas, but that’s not my way to celebrate.
Do you believe in a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow? Need some luck of the Irish? Have some leprechauns at your house? I think any leprechaun worth his pot of gold would prefer this drink. You can treat them to a St. Patrick’s Day cocktail to make Irish eyes smile.
With St. Patrick’s Day coming up soon, I can’t think of a better cocktail to toast the Irish than this one. I’ve shared this St. Patrick’s cocktail several times and I wanted to share it again for new readers.
The Grasshopper has been around for a long time, and it never fails to please. It’s the perfect St. Patrick’s Day Cocktail. A creamy, super tasty, green drink.
Whether you are Irish or not, you should have one to toast the Irish. Not too many green drinks can be found that are as yummy as this one. Sweet Shark made this one to please every leprechaun you know and make those Irish eyes smile.
St. Patrick’s Day Cocktail to Make Irish Eyes Smile
Legend has it that the Grasshopper was born at Tujague’s (pronounced 2~jacks), the second oldest restaurant in New Orleans. Opened over 162 years ago, it had been closed down for years but reopened in 2013.
And as another piece of history, there are rumored to be ghosts at Tujague’s.
Although Sweet Shark and I have never eaten in Tujaque’s, we have dropped in for an afternoon glass of wine. It is on our list of restaurants to try.
I have two versions of the Grasshopper for you. Either one will be the perfect St. Patrick’s Day cocktail.
Version 1 ~ 3 Simple Ingredients
This first recipe is the easiest.
- Obviously, it’s the green crème de menthe that gives the Grasshopper its green color and adds to its distinctive taste.
- White crème de cacao adds more flavor and smoothness.
- Half~and~half creates that creamy texture.
- If you want a thicker, richer drink, use heavy whipping cream instead of the half~and~half.
If you want to get really decadent and attract a leprechaun or two, then use vanilla ice cream, which is my all~time favorite. That version becomes not just a St. Patrick’s cocktail, but a St. Patrick’s dessert.
Place the white crème de cacao and green crème de menthe in a blender with a couple of scoops of softened vanilla ice cream and process until blended. Oh so yummy.
These green~stemmed cocktail glasses came from Crate and Barrel a million years ago. This drink tastes delicious in any glass.
The Grasshopper
Equipment
- cocktail shaker
Ingredients
- 1 ounce creme de menthe (green)
- 1 ounce creme de cacao (preferably clear)
- 1 ounce cream or half~and~half
Instructions
- Fill cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add all the ingredients and shake until cold.
- Strain drink in drink glass of choice.
Version 2 ~ Bump It Up with Brandy
Now, if you really want to go upscale with your Grasshopper, try this version from Tujague’s. It’s a little bit richer than the previous recipe.
We love using our coupe glasses for special drinks.
Top this version off with a little brandy for an extra splash of sophistication. Thanks to Sweet Shark for doing the honors. Guess who made both drinks?
Tujague's Grasshopper
Equipment
- cocktail shaker
Ingredients
- 3/4 ounce green creme de menthe
- 3/4 ounce creme de cacao
- 3/4 ounce white creme de menthe
- 1/2 ounce brandy
- 3/4 ounce heavy cream
- 3/4 ounce whole milk
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake vigorously and strain into a champagne coupe.
- Top with 1/2 teaspoon of brandy for a floater.
If you want a sweet treat for St. Patrick’s Day, don’t forget these sweet Shamrock Cookies.
These St. Patrick’s Day cocktails would be wonderful served at a green and white sspringtime tablescape.
You have plenty of time to practice making this St. Patrick’s Day cocktail before the big day. Remember to wear your green!
Don’t forget to Pin these cookies and the cocktail to your Pinterest boards!
I will try the Grasshopper a la mode!
A la mode ~ sounds delicious!
I’ll take one for now and one for later please! Thank you for sharing with us this week at Celebrate Your Story, have a great weekend.
I’m a green beer type of gal but these do look pretty yummy! Hope you had a nice St. Paddy’s Day:) Thanks for sharing at Vintage Charm. xo Kathleen|Our Hopeful Home
Green beer is good too. Thanks for hosting the party!
These cocktails look amazing! I’ve never had a grasshopper. Will have to try it!
Good Morning, Carol! Happy Saint Patrick’s Day to you, as well! What gorgeous, green cocktails you’ve suggested to help celebrate such a fun day! We may just have to give one of these a try! A family vote is definitely in order! Thank you for such a terrific idea! Love reading the history behind the drink!
That looks amazing. I’ve never had one but I think I should try.
Kaite, Don’t wait until next St. Patrick’s Day. This weekend?