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:
- 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.
- Once cool add the grain alcohol, peppermint extract and green coloring.
- 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
- Chocolate Martini
If you’ve made this Creme de Menthe recipe please RATE THE RECIPE below!
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Homemade Crème de Menthe
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
- 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.
- Once cool add the grain alcohol, peppermint extract and green coloring.
Nutrition
Originally published November 29, 2011
Sal says
Can you vodka instead
Toni Dash says
This is the only way my family has ever made it.
Suzanne McKay says
I needed half a cup of Creme de Menthe to make a grasshopper pie for Thanksgiving but did not want to buy a whole bottle. I cut the recipe way down to make a mini batch of one cup. Worked perfectly and took just a few minutes to make.
grammie b says
Hello, I like your recipe but have a question. I have a candy recipe that calls for 1/4 cup creme -de menthe. is there any way to make this alcohol free and still use it in the candy and the other recipe’s you mentioned?
Thank You so much.
Grammie B
Toni Dash says
Well Grammie B Creme de Menthe IS a liqueur so I’m not sure how you’d make it alcohol-free. Unfortunately any recipe calling for Creme de Menthe will be expecting the liqueur, whether homemade or purchased.
I did a quick Google search for alcohol free Creme de Menthe and DID find this Creme de Menthe syrup from Torani (that is a link to it). Typically they make syrups that go into coffee drinks and Italian sodas. Maybe you could experiment to see if it would deliver the classic Creme de Menthe flavor without the booze.
For what it’s worth it’s rare enough Creme de Menthe is used to ‘feel’ the affects of liquor in a recipe (non cocktail). I was brought up on Grasshopper Pie made by my Grandmother and Mother and never thought twice about giving it to my kids (they love it). It does not taste boozy at all.
Best of luck!
Erin says
I never thought about making my own, but I love it! Works perfectly in my holiday recipes too.
Jennifer Farley says
This is so useful! I love making these sorts of things from scratch!
colleen cayes says
Beautiful colors, beautiful pictures! I feel I will go straight to the grasshopper pie. Thank you! Very timely for Christmas.
Brenda says
Grasshopper EVERYTHING, yum!!!!
Melissa says
It’s insane the versatility of this homemade confection. Thanks!
Liz says
This would make such a fun holiday or hostess gift!! So easy!!
Andie Thueson says
what a festive drink -I never would have thought about making it from scratch – so smart!
Lori says
I can’t tell you how much I love this. It’s fun to have on hand for the holidays, but it also makes a nice gift!