Crème de Menthe (“mint cream” in French) is a concoction created from steeping mint leaves in a neutral grain spirit, which is then sweetened and aged.  The liqueur was created in 1885 by Emile Giffard, a pharmacist researching mint for its digestive properties.  Depending on how it is made, the liqueur may be clear or green (although more commercial brands will derive its green hue from artificial coloring.)  Contrary to the name, Crème de Menthe contains no dairy.

Of note, Rachmaninoff, who abstained from drinking, did enjoy Crème de Menthe to settle his nerves.  He even wrote a variation on his Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini called the “Crème de Menthe Variation.”  Per modern culture, in the television series, “The Big Bang Theory,” Raj would order a Grasshopper to gather the courage to talk to women.

Base:                                    Peppermint or Corsican mint

Flavor is most like:       Peppermint, although not as spicy as its higher-ABV schnapps cousins

Sweetness (1 to 5):        4

Description:                    Crème de Menthe can be used as a digesitive (after meal), or as a mixer in a cocktail.  The minty flavor provides a cool smoothness to a spirit forward cocktail, but it can be overpowering to the drink if not careful.

ABV:                                    25%