Crème de menthe (french for 'mint cream') is a sweet mint liqueur (typical 15-25% ABV) derived from a distillate of mint leaves & is available to buy as bottles of either green or white (clear) liquids.
What kind of mint is crème de menthe?
The flavour of crème de menthe is primarily derived from Corsican mint or dried peppermint which is steeped in grain alcohol for several days, to infuse the minty taste - after which, the liqueur is filtered and mixed with sugar and aged for about a month before being bottled.
When was crème de menthe invented?
Crème de menthe was first developed by Emile Giffard in 1885 who was a dispensing pharmacist undertaking research on mint and its digestive and refreshment properties. After inventung the clear and refined white mint liqueur he tested it on customers at the "Grand Hotel" in Angers and it was a roaring success.
What is the difference between white and green crème de menthe?
The green version of crème de menthe is coloured by mint leaves (or by added coloring if made from extract instead of leaves) - both varieties of crème de menthe have similar flavor and are interchangeable in recipes (except when colour is important)
What does crème de menthe taste like?
When people want a sharp refreshing mint flavour in a cocktail (such as a mint julep or mojito) they will elect for fresh mint leaves. Crème de menthe provides a much sweeter taste which works well in a mixed drink when balancing or nullifying the bitterness of some spirits.
What cocktails contain crème de menthe?
Crème de menthe is an ingredient in several cocktails, such as the Grasshopper, Peppermint Patty and the Stinger. The Grasshopper dates back to the early 1900's and is made with equal parts green crème de menthe, white crème de cacao, and cream. The Stinger dates back to 1890 & consists of three parts brandy to one part white crème de menthe. The Peppermint Patty consists of a combination of peppermint schnapps, crème de cacao, crème de menthe & cream.
What is the difference between crème de menthe and peppermint schnapps?
Crème de menthe is not the same as peppermint schnapps - even though the production methods are similar (e.g. - the product of a grain alcohol and added flavours). Peppermint schnapps has a higher alcohol content and a more intense, less sweet flavour than crème de menthe.
Does crème de menthe contain cream?
No - despite the name it does not contain dairy. In this context the crème in the name refers to the alcohol’s thicker consistency resulting from the added sugar
Can you drink crème de menthe straight?
It is much more common for crème de mentheto be combined with other ingredients to create cocktails or shooters with a hint of mint. Drinking crème de menthe straight up is an acquired taste and not as common as years ago when small glasses would be offered as a digestion aid following a meal.
What is the alcohol content of crème de menthe?
This varies by brand but crème de menthe typically has a strength typically in the range 15-25% ABV (alcohol by volume)
How long does crème de menthe last? (e.g. - the shelf life)
There is no real specific shelf life for crème de menthe - the alcohol content combined with the sugar essentially preserves the bottle contents - however as a rule of thumb don't keep an opened bottle longer than 5 years and make sure the bottle remains sealed tight. There is no need to store crème de menthe in the fridge.
What is a substitute for crème de menthe?
If you have it available then Peppermint Schnapps will replace crème de menthe (allbeit with a slightly less sweet taste). You can also make your own creme de menthe by infusing peppermint tea in vodka for 10-12 hours and then adding sugar to taste. You can also get a non alcoholic version by using peppermint syrups or simply muddling fresh mint in a simple homemade sugar syrup
