The Grasshopper is one of those rare vintage creations that manages to be both sophisticated and unashamedly fun. While the traditional cocktail—a shaken mixture of creme de menthe, creme de cacao, and heavy cream—originated in New Orleans in the early 20th century, it was the frozen variation that truly captured the hearts of dessert lovers. By swapping out liquid cream for rich, velvety vanilla ice cream, you transform a classic after-dinner drink into a decadent boozy milkshake.
Whether you are hosting a festive St. Patrick’s Day gathering, looking for a refreshing summer treat, or seeking a nostalgic holiday nightcap, learning how to make a Grasshopper with ice cream is a skill every home entertainer should have. This version, often referred to as the Frozen Grasshopper, offers a thicker texture and a more indulgent profile that mimics the flavor of a liquid Andes mint.
The History and Evolution of the Grasshopper
The original Grasshopper cocktail is widely credited to Philibert Guichet, the owner of the historic Tujague’s in the French Quarter of New Orleans. Legend has it that he created the drink for a cocktail competition in New York City around 1918, where it took second place. The drink’s name, of course, comes from its vibrant, bright green hue provided by the green creme de menthe.
While the shaken version became a staple of mid-century cocktail culture, the frozen version gained massive popularity in the Upper Midwest, particularly in Wisconsin. In this region, supper clubs elevated the drink by blending it with high-quality vanilla ice cream, turning it into a social event in a glass. Today, the frozen Grasshopper is celebrated as the ultimate “grown-up milkshake,” blending the crispness of peppermint with the richness of chocolate and dairy.
Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Frozen Grasshopper
The beauty of the Grasshopper lies in its simplicity. With only three primary ingredients, the quality of each component matters. To achieve the iconic flavor and color, you will need to gather a few specific items.
Green Creme de Menthe
This is the soul of the drink. It provides the essential peppermint flavor and that signature emerald glow. While clear creme de menthe exists, using it will result in a white drink rather than a green one. If you only have clear mint liqueur on hand, you can add a few drops of green food coloring to achieve the classic look, but green creme de menthe is the gold standard for authenticity.
White Creme de Cacao
Creme de cacao comes in two varieties: dark (brown) and white (clear). For a Grasshopper, you specifically want white creme de cacao. The dark version has a deeper, more cocoa-forward flavor, but its brown tint will turn your bright green drink into a muddy, unappealing olive color. The white version provides a subtle, sweet chocolate undertone without interfering with the aesthetics.
Premium Vanilla Ice Cream
Since ice cream makes up the bulk of this recipe, do not skimp here. A high-quality vanilla bean or French vanilla ice cream with a high butterfat content will yield the smoothest, most luxurious texture. Avoid “light” ice creams or those with a lot of added air, as they can cause the drink to become thin and watery once the alcohol is introduced.
Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting the Frozen Grasshopper
Making this drink is remarkably easy, but there are a few tips to ensure the consistency is just right. You want a drink that is thick enough to feel like a milkshake but smooth enough to sip through a straw.
Preparation and Measurement
For a standard serving that fills two generous glasses, use the following proportions:
- 1.5 ounces of green creme de menthe
- 1.5 ounces of white creme de cacao
- 2 to 3 large scoops (approximately 1 pint) of vanilla ice cream
- Optional: A splash of whole milk if the mixture is too thick to blend
The Blending Process
Start by pouring the liqueurs into the bottom of the blender. Adding the liquid first helps the blades move more freely once the heavy ice cream is added. Next, add the ice cream.
Pulse the blender several times rather than running it on high immediately. This allows the ice cream to break down slowly and incorporate the alcohol without becoming too aerated or melting too quickly. If the mixture seems stuck, use a long spoon or spatula to move the ingredients around (with the blender turned off) or add a tiny splash of milk to help it catch.
Consistency Check
The ideal Frozen Grasshopper should have the consistency of soft-serve ice cream or a very thick milkshake. If it is too runny, add another half-scoop of ice cream. If it is so thick that it won’t pour, a teaspoon or two of milk will fix it instantly.
Elevating Your Presentation with Garnishes
Part of the charm of the Grasshopper is its visual appeal. Because it is a dessert drink, you have full permission to go over the top with your presentation.
A popular technique is to drizzle chocolate syrup along the inside walls of the glass before pouring the mixture. As the green liquid fills the glass, the chocolate creates beautiful marbling. For an extra touch of decadence, top the drink with a generous dollop of whipped cream.
Garnish the top with chocolate shavings, a sprig of fresh mint, or even a crushed chocolate sandwich cookie. Some enthusiasts even rim the glass with cocoa powder or crushed peppermint candies to provide a bit of texture with every sip.
Creative Variations of the Grasshopper
Once you have mastered the basic recipe, you can experiment with different twists to suit your palate.
The Flying Grasshopper
If you prefer a drink with a bit more “kick,” the Flying Grasshopper is the way to go. This version adds one part vodka to the mix. The vodka increases the alcohol content without significantly altering the mint-chocolate flavor profile. Vanilla-flavored vodka is an excellent choice for this variation, as it complements the ice cream beautifully.
The Brown Grasshopper
For coffee lovers, the Brown Grasshopper replaces or supplements the chocolate element with coffee liqueur. This results in a deeper, more complex flavor reminiscent of a minty mocha. Note that this version will not be bright green, but the flavor combination is undeniably delicious.
The Girl Scout Cookie Variation
To lean even further into the cookie-inspired flavor, some recipes substitute peppermint schnapps for the creme de menthe. This creates a sharper, more intense mint flavor that tastes remarkably like a Thin Mint cookie. You can even blend in actual mint-chocolate cookies for added crunch and flavor.
Tips for Serving a Crowd
If you are making Grasshoppers for a party, you can prepare the base in advance. Blend a large batch and store it in a freezer-safe container. Because of the alcohol content, the mixture will not freeze into a solid block; instead, it will maintain a soft, scoopable consistency. When your guests arrive, you can simply scoop the pre-made mixture into glasses and add your garnishes.
Always serve your Grasshoppers in chilled glassware. Whether you choose a classic martini glass, a coupe, or a tall hurricane glass, placing the glassware in the freezer for 15 minutes prior to serving will keep the ice cream from melting too quickly, ensuring the last sip is just as frosty as the first.
FAQ
Can I make a non-alcoholic version of an ice cream Grasshopper?
Yes, you can easily create a “Virgin Grasshopper” or mint milkshake. Replace the creme de menthe with a few drops of peppermint extract and a drop of green food coloring. Replace the creme de cacao with chocolate syrup or a splash of chocolate milk. Blend these with vanilla ice cream for a kid-friendly version that tastes nearly identical to the original.
What is the difference between a Grasshopper cocktail and a Grasshopper milkshake?
The primary difference is the dairy component and the preparation method. A Grasshopper cocktail uses liquid heavy cream and is shaken with ice and then strained, resulting in a thin, silky drink served in a martini glass. A Grasshopper milkshake (or Frozen Grasshopper) uses vanilla ice cream and is blended, resulting in a thick, frozen dessert consistency.
Why is my Grasshopper turning out gray or brown instead of green?
This usually happens if you use dark creme de cacao instead of white (clear) creme de cacao. The dark brown color of the cocoa liqueur mixes with the green of the mint to create a muddy hue. To ensure a vibrant green color, always look for the “white” or “clear” label on your chocolate liqueur bottle.
How long can I store leftover frozen Grasshoppers in the freezer?
You can store the mixture in an airtight container in the freezer for up to two weeks. Because the alcohol lowers the freezing point, it will stay relatively soft. If it does get too firm, let it sit on the counter for 5 to 10 minutes or give it a quick re-blend before serving.
Do I need to add ice cubes to the blender?
Generally, no. If you are using enough ice cream, the drink will be plenty cold and thick. Adding ice cubes can dilute the flavor and create a grainy, “slushy” texture rather than the smooth, creamy texture that defines a great Grasshopper. Only add ice if you are low on ice cream and need to bulk up the volume.