Creme de Menthe
Creme de Menthe is a mint flavored liqueur. The mint used to flavor it is usually a form of peppermint (Corsican mint to be authentic). But some producers will also use spearmint.
There are white and green colored versions of this liqueur. The only difference is the color - the flavor is the same. Most drink recipes will specify which color to use but if no color is specified use the white version. Green Creme de Menthe is usually colored with artificial coloring but sometimes the mint is used as well.
Creme de Menthe cocktails
Creme de Menthe was the rage in the 1960's when it was drunk in all kinds of cream-based cocktails such as the Grasshopper and layered drinks such as the Pousse Cafe. People were also throwing down Stingers using brandy, gin, or vodka as the base liquor. But as the decade came to a close everyone started drinking wine. Creme de Menthe (and cocktails in general) were on the outs.
Creme de Menthe still seems to have been left behind even with the cocktail renaissance of the past 10 years. This is a shame because it is a very refreshing mixed drink ingredient.
Get 27 is a French Creme de Menthe that from what I've read is an excellent example of this type of liqueur. It used to be 27% alcohol (hence the name) but now is down to 21%. It has an interesting bottle design and has been produced for over 200 years. Get 27 is tough to find in the U.S. so you might want to check the Internet.
I use Bols Creme de Menthe in my bar and have been happy with it. I don't often reach for the bottle but when I do I know I have a solid cocktail ingredient. I have also read a lot of positive reviews of Marie Brizard's Creme de Menthe.
Do you have a Creme de Menthe that you like? If so, please share it with your fellow readers.
| Flavors | Herbal |
| Proof | 50 (25%) |