The cocktail notebook · Liqueur & bitters-led
Grasshopper
Mint-chocolate and creamy. A advanced comparison study made by shake and strain.
- Base
- White cacao liqueur + green mint liqueur; cream is non-alcoholic
- Method
- Shake & Strain
- Glass
- Cocktail coupe
- Yield
- One drink
Recipe reference: IBA reference recipe. Fresh cream requires approved cold storage; optional mint is garnish only.
Grasshopper recipe
1 serving · IBA reference recipeMillilitres control this recipe. US fluid ounces are rounded to the nearest quarter ounce for convenience and are not a different recipe ratio. Dashes, spoons, leaves and other non-liquid measures are listed as written.
| Measure | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 20 ml≈ 0.75 US fl oz | white crème de cacao |
| 20 ml≈ 0.75 US fl oz | green crème de menthe |
| 20 ml≈ 0.75 US fl oz | fresh dairy cream |
Ice: Preparation ice only; no serving ice. Garnish: 1 mint leaf, optional.
Learning bar service? Find the Grasshopper in the free course's optional references →
How to make it
- Chill the serving glass and confirm the exact products and any dietary requirements.
- Measure all recipe ingredients into a shaker with fresh ice.
- Shake to mix and chill; strain into the chilled serving glass; fine strain herbs or chilli where needed.
- Apply the specified garnish using clean tools; serve promptly.
Why it works: Green mint liqueur and white cacao are deliberate choices. The green colour does not come from fresh mint in the base recipe.
Common mistakes, useful fixes
Unrecorded substitution
Explain that both liqueurs contain alcohol; offer a separate alcohol-free option.
Inconsistent finish
check the exact measures, products and preparation sequence.
Unclear guest expectation
explain this specification before preparing.
Serving the guest
What to tell the guest
Mint-chocolate and creamy. Explain that both liqueurs contain alcohol; offer a separate alcohol-free option.
Dietary and product checks
Contains dairy; follow cold storage and cross-contact procedures. Check all exact product labels and relevant guest restrictions; no generic recipe guarantees safety.
Variations
- Any variant must be named and recorded. Explain that both liqueurs contain alcohol; offer a separate alcohol-free option.
Where does the Grasshopper come from?
Origin: Origin not yet verified in this edition. (Origin not yet verified in this edition)
The cited IBA page establishes this modern reference recipe, not a definitive country, inventor or date. This lesson keeps those historical questions open rather than repeating an unsupported origin tale. Its learning purpose is specific: Green mint liqueur and white cacao are deliberate choices. The green colour does not come from fresh mint in the base recipe.
Grasshopper questions
What is the key decision in this study?
Green mint liqueur and white cacao are deliberate choices. The green colour does not come from fresh mint in the base recipe.
The guest assumes the drink contains no alcohol because there is no spirit.
Explain that both liqueurs contain alcohol; offer a separate alcohol-free option.
From a recipe to a repeatable skill
Learn the method behind the order.
Grasshopper is an optional reference recipe in Advanced Cocktails & Refined Bar Service. Useful cream-and-mint dessert order; overlaps dairy service.
The course is free. An optional paid certificate tests knowledge in an online exam; it is not an observed practical assessment or an accredited bartending qualification.