Homemade Crème de Menthe

Creme de Menthe the classic minty-green peppermint liqueur is easy to make yourself! Great for cocktails, recipes and for gifts.

Updated December 2018

Making homemade liqueurs is delicious and easy. Making classic Crème de Menthe is no exception.

This is a family recipe that my mother and grandmother both made. Like Homemade Coffee Liqueur, it’s easy, affordable, lasts indefinitely and is a great gift idea especially around the winter holidays.

What is Crème de Menthe?

Crème de Menthe (translated from French to mean ‘mint cream’) is a peppermint-flavored liqueur. It is most easily identified thanks to its deep green color.

What does Crème de Menthe Taste Like?

Liqueurs are sweeter than regular liquor. Usually used for sipping or in cocktails.

Crème de Menthe has a sweet minty flavor.

What Ingredients are in Crème de Menthe?

There are only a handful of ingredients in this Crème de Menthe recipe making it a cinch to make.

All ingredients are readily available from the grocery or liquor store:

• Water
• Granulated Sugar
• Grain Alcohol (I use Everclear brand)
• Peppermint Extract
• Green Food coloring

Do I Have to Use Food Coloring?

No! Though the telltale green color is a signature of classic Crème de Menthe, if you don’t like using food coloring you can omit it and leave the liqueur clear.

Is Crème de Menthe Gluten-Free?

YES! This homemade Crème de Menthe recipe is naturally gluten free.

How to Store Crème de Menthe

Store Crème de Menthe in a sealed glass container in a cool, dark place.

How Long Does Crème de Menthe Last?

If stored as described above, it lasts indefinitely!

How to Make Crème de Menthe

You’ll see from the easy steps it can be made fast and effortlessly:

1. Combine the sugar and water. Heat until the sugar dissolved (happens quickly; no need to boil it), stirring frequently to speed the process. Allow to cool.
2. Once cool add the grain alcohol, peppermint extract and green coloring.
3. Store in a cool, dark location and it will last indefinitely.

Recipes Using Crème de Menthe

Grasshopper Pie: to say this is an all-time favorite recipe in my family would be an understatement!

Grasshopper pie is a frozen pie with a billowy, minty filling made of marshmallow, cream and Crème de Menthe in a chocolate cookie crust.

It has found its way to our Thanksgiving menu annually as well as other times throughout the year.

Grasshopper Pie Milkshake: having the same flavors as Grasshopper Pie, this minty-chocolate shake is a favorite.

Crème de Methe Marshmallows: these easy light green marshmallows are perfect in a cup of hot cocoa or as gifts.

Drizzle over Vanilla Ice Cream: this simple use is always delicious!

Crème de Menthe Cake (That Skinny Chick Can Bake)

Crème de Menthe Bars (Comfortably Domestic)

Crème de Menthe Cheesecake (Copykat Recipes)

Homemade Creme de Menthe in edible candy cane shot glasses and Grasshopper Cocktail

Cocktails using Crème de Menthe

Probably the best-known cocktail using Crème de Menthe is the Grasshopper Cocktail! A creamy chocolate mint cocktail…

Grasshopper Cocktail Recipe

• 1-part Crème de Menthe
• 1-part Crème de Cacao
• 1-part cream

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with crushed ice. Shake and pour into a martini glass.

TIP:  for the bright green color, use clear or light Crème de Cacao. The darker version will still be delicious but the color of the drink is more like drab spinach….not so appetizing.

Creme de Menthe and Cream: I actually combined 2 parts Crème de Menthe and 1-part cream as a cocktail which was great. I did not finish it so poured that into some coffee which was also fabulous.

Mistletoe Mint Martini (Real Housemoms)

Irish Mojito (Recipe Girl)

Guinness Milkshake (Lemons for Lulu)

For more ideas check this list of 12 cocktails using Crème de Menthe

Where to Buy

Because you emailed….

The Bottles with Red Stoppers (these are the Small size)

Edible Candy Cane shot glasses  

More Cocktail Recipes You’ll Love

Fall Cocktails from Vail Colorado Restaurants

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5 from 19 votes

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Homemade Crème de Menthe

Homemade Creme de Menthe is very easy to make and lasts indefinitely when stored in a cool dark place. Great for cocktails and in recipes like Grasshopper Pie.

Course Cocktails, Cocktail Syrup

Cuisine American

Keyword creme de menthe recipe, homemade creme de menthe

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 5 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Servings 40 2-ounce servings (10-11 cups total volume)

Calories 184 kcal

Author Toni Dash

Ingredients

• 8 cups water
• 8 cups sugar
• 1 pint 190 proof grain alcohol (I used Everclear brand)
• 3 tablespoons peppermint extract
• 1 tablespoon green food coloring

Instructions

1. Combine the sugar and water. Heat until the sugar dissolved (happens quickly; no need to boil it), stirring frequently to hasten the process. Allow to cool.
2. Once cool add the grain alcohol, peppermint extract and green coloring.

Nutrition Facts

Homemade Crème de Menthe

Amount Per Serving

Calories 184

% Daily Value*

Fat 0g0%

Saturated Fat 0g0%

Cholesterol 0mg0%

Sodium 3mg0%

Potassium 1mg0%

Carbohydrates 40g13%

Sugar 40g44%

Protein 0g0%

Calcium 2mg0%

Iron 0mg0%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Originally published November 29, 2011