Crème de menthe is a sweet liqueur with a minty flavor. It’s typically made by steeping mint leaves in alcohol, then adding sugar to create a syrupy and flavorful liqueur. Crème de menthe is available in both green and clear (white) varieties, with the green version being the most common. The green color is usually achieved by adding food coloring, while the clear version gets its mint flavor without the green coloring.

Crème de menthe is often used in cocktails and desserts. Here are a few popular uses:

  1. Grasshopper Cocktail: This classic cocktail combines crème de menthe with white crème de cacao and cream, resulting in a sweet and minty drink that’s often served as a dessert cocktail.
  2. Stinger: This simple cocktail consists of equal parts crème de menthe and brandy, resulting in a minty and slightly warming drink.
  3. Mint Julep: While traditionally made with fresh mint, some recipes call for a splash of crème de menthe to enhance the minty flavor in this classic Southern cocktail.
  4. Dessert Topping: Crème de menthe can be drizzled over ice cream, used to flavor frosting for cakes, or added to chocolate sauces for a refreshing minty twist.
  5. After-Dinner Drink: It’s not uncommon to serve a small glass of crème de menthe as a digestif after a meal.

Remember that crème de menthe is quite sweet, so it’s best used in moderation, especially in cocktails and desserts. It’s a versatile ingredient that can add a delightful minty note to various culinary creations.

Image from My Bartender