National Crème de Menthe Day
The time to enjoy this refreshing, flavorful, emerald-green beverage is National Crème de Menthe Day!
History of National Crème de Menthe Day
The term Crème de Menthes is simply the French way to say mint cream. Its name is in French because it was invented in 1885 by Emile Giffard, a pharmacist in France who recognized the digestive properties of mint. Though it was originally invented as a white liqueur that would be used medicinally, Giffard tested it on clients at a hotel in Angers, France and it was a big success.
The green version of Crème de Menthe was originally colored by using the mint leaves but now uses other colorings. This liqueur offers a fun way to add a refreshing flavor to drinks as well as cooking and baking recipes. And National Crème de Menthe Day is the time to enjoy it!
How to Celebrate National Crème de Menthe Day
In celebration of National Crème de Menthe Day, try out some of these ideas for enjoying the day:
Buy a Bottle of Crème de Menthe
Many people have a cabinet or shelf of liquors and liqueurs in their homes, but perhaps Crème de Menthe isn’t part of the collection. National Crème de Menthe Day is the perfect time to head to the liquor store and add a bottle of this white or green mint-flavored drink to the collection. And if there’s already a bottle in your own liquor cabinet, then perhaps take the opportunity to gift a bottle to someone else who would enjoy it!
Try New Crème de Menthe Recipes
Crème de Menthe can be used in a variety of different cocktails that can be made at home or ordered at the bar. Consider trying some of these varieties:
- Grasshopper. The ultimate in mint flavored cocktails, this drink is made from green crème de menthe, white crème de menthe, and cream. Serve it in a martini glass with a rim covered in grated chocolate.
- Hot Peppermint Patty. Perfect for a cool evening, this drink starts with hot chocolate and adds peppermint schnapps, dark crème de cacao liqueur, crème de menthe liqueur. Top with whipped cream and garnish with chocolate shavings.
- Holiday Hopper. In a surprising combination, this drink adds crème de menthe to melon liqueur, white crème de cacao liqueur and half & half. Add fresh mint leaves to raspberries for garnish.
- Emerald Isle. A little nod to friends in Ireland, this simple green drink uses green crème de menthe, gin and two dashes of bitters. It’s a sophisticated drink that is made in a cocktail shaker.
Bake with Crème de Menthe
National Crème de Menthe Day can be celebrated with more than just drinks and many chocolate recipes are just waiting for a kicky flavor boost. The feisty mint in crème de menthe offers an excellent opportunity to add something delightful and special to baking recipes. Try out Crème de Menthe Truffles, Grasshopper Bars made with the liqueur, Minty Brownies made with Crème de Menthe, or even Crème de Menthe Cheesecake.
