Get holiday ready with these 6 easy Christmas drinks made with Crème de Menthe! These mint flavoured cocktails are sure to get you in the holiday spirit.
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Crème de menthe is a mint flavoured liqueur often recognized by its bright green color. Like most liqueurs, designed to add flavour to cocktails, it ranges from 15-25% ABV. There are also colourless versions for when you don't want that bright green drink.
Crème de menthe may also be known as mint cream liqueur, mint liqueur, or spearmint liqueur in English. Even though there is usually no cream in it!
With mint and peppermint being quintessential holiday flavours, crème de menthe is often pulled out around Christmas time. You may find yourself with a bottle you bought for one specific drink, not knowing how to use it again.
This list of 6 holiday cocktail recipes use crème de menthe and are great recipes for your holiday party, with shots, martinis, grasshoppers, and more this holiday season!
Crème de Menthe FAQ's
Here are some common questions about crème de menthe Christmas drinks:
Crème de menthe is a liqueur, which are often accompanying flavour enhancers in a drink. Mint leaves or mint extracts are added to a neutral alcohol, usually vodka. Check the label of your brand for which type of alcohol it contains exactly.
Since liqueurs are usually additional alcohols, meaning there is typically a stronger main liquor, crème de menthe generally ranges from 15-25% ABV. For reference, vodka, gin, and tequila are typically around 40% ABV.
Anything that pairs well with mint! In the recipes within this post, you'll see a lot of chocolate liqueur, white chocolate liqueur, nut, and citrus flavours.
Mint is generally known as being helpful for digestion. Now, I don't recommend ending every night with a shot of crème de menthe, but some say it can have effects of a digestif.
Common brands of crème de menthe are:
- McGuinness Green Crème de Menthe
- Bols Green Crème de Menthe
- Arrow Green Crème de Menthe
- Drillaud Green Crème de Menthe
- McGuinness White Crème de Menthe (colourless)
- Tempus Fugit Clear Crème de Menthe (colourless)
Check your local alcohol suppliers for options near you! Most brands will have a green and a clear option.
Peppermint schnapps or peppermint vodka can also be used when a mint liqueur is required.
Crème de menthe is made from steeping mint or mint extracts in a neutral alcohol. Neutral alcohols like vodka are made from distilling grains. Even though these grains often come from gluten sources, it has been established that the distillation process makes these products fit for celiac consumption, as a negligible amount of gluten remains. Be sure to check the label on your specific brand, just in case.
And now we get into the 6 Crème De Menthe Christmas Cocktails. Click the link to visit each recipe. Enjoy and Merry Christmas!
Cocktails
Festive mixed drink recipes that include mint liqueur or crème de menthe. Perfect for a Christmas party!
What could be a more festive Christmas cocktail than the Grinch?! This bright green martini features chocolate liqueur and a cherry garnish. This is sure to be your signature Christmas cocktail.
This mistletoe dessert cocktail features crème de cacao along with vanilla ice cream in a festive twist on the grasshopper cocktail. It is the perfect Christmas cocktail recipe!
Get out your cocktail shaker for this festive martini that has flavors of mint, chocolate, and candy cane. Add some Baileys Irish Cream and you have yourself a creamy martini. The rimmed candy cane garnish is too cute!
This Disneyland copycat recipe features flavors of cranberry juice, lemonade, fresh mint, and citrus. Delicious bright flavors with a festive holiday color. Easy to batch, this is the perfect drink for Christmas eve!
A classic grasshopper cocktail is a festive drink with a strong mint flavor often accompanied by chocolate. This grasshopper cocktail uses crème de menthe, crème de cacao, and crushed thin mint cookies for a festive green drink.
Shots
Get the party started with these mint flavored crème de menthe shot recipes.
6. South African Springbokkie Shot
Enjoy a classic South African recipe with these bright green shots. These are sure to get your party guests in the festive spirit. The Amarula topping compliments the mint so well!
These 6 Crème de Menthe holiday cocktails are sure to be a hit at the Christmas party! Mint is a quintessential flavor of the season this time of year and these drinks are sure to get the party started. Enjoy responsibly!
Looking for more Christmas ideas? Try these delicious holiday recipes.
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