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What is CrèMe De Menthe?

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

Crème de menthe is just about an essential when it comes to dressing up various types of desserts, or enhancing the flavor of several different types of drinks. A mint liqueur that normally appears as a clear or a dark green liquid additive, it can add just the right touch of mint flavoring to give a little extra bite without overpowering the basic taste of the beverage or dessert.

Cooks can add crème de menthe either as an ingredient during the preparation stage, or serve it as a syrupy topping for the finished product. As an example, there are recipes for cakes and puddings that call for the liqueur to be added along with other ingredients before the mixture is cooked. At the same time, a little can be drizzled on to a serving of ice cream, a pastry, or cut fruit to add a little extra flavor to the dish. Because crème de menthe is a concentrated liqueur syrup, a small amount will go a long way in flavoring just about any sweet, hot or cold.

Crème de menthe can be added to coffee and served as an after-dinner beverage.
Crème de menthe can be added to coffee and served as an after-dinner beverage.

Another application for crème de menthe is in liquids. For a hint of mint flavor in coffee or tea, simply stir in 0.5 teaspoon (3 ml) of the liqueur. It is possible to enhance the flavor of both hot and cold coffee and tea in this manner. Soft drinks are another example of a beverage that may benefit from the addition of a little of the flavor. Adding 0.25 teaspoon (1.5 ml) over the ice in a glass and then pouring the soft drink in will make for a great taste that gently permeates the entire soda.

A few drops of crème de menthe can be added to mojitos and other cocktails.
A few drops of crème de menthe can be added to mojitos and other cocktails.

Crème de menthe is also a perfect compliment as a flavor additive in a number of mixed drinks. For example, many people enjoy a small amount added to a vodka stinger. Just about any type of fruit flavored alcoholic beverage, including margaritas and daiquiris, can be prepared using a drop or two of this mint tasting liqueur. Some people also like a hint of it mixed in a basic drink, such as scotch and water, or rum and cola.

Créme de menthe may be added to tea.
Créme de menthe may be added to tea.

The liqueur can also stand on its own as a drink suitable for the end of mealtimes. Often used as a digestif after a formal dinner, crème de menthe is thought to be an ideal follow up to the meal. As a drink that is understood to promote digestion, it is served in a small tube shaped glass in many cases, with roughly a couple of ounces (around 60 ml) considered to be sufficient.

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including DelightedCooking, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

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Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including DelightedCooking, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

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Discussion Comments

anon155582

Is it necessary to keep opened bottles of creme de menthe and creme de cocoa?

ddljohn

@alisha-- The two taste the same. White creme de menthe, which is actually clear, not white, is used in food. Green creme de menthe is used for drinks because it has green coloring and makes for a nice appearance. Unless you want to make your pastries and desserts greenish, you wouldn't use green creme de menthe in them.

discographer

I use green creme de menthe in drinks but I've never tried white creme de menthe. What's the difference between the two?

burcidi

I'm not a big fan of mint chocolates but creme de menthe brownies are so good! I was reluctant to try it at first, I felt that the flavor of mint and chocolate would not compliment each other. I was so wrong. Creme de menthe adds a lovely fresh taste to the brownies. I'm cautious about how much I use though. Most recipes call for two tablespoons for both the brownies and the frosting. I only use one tablespoon of creme de menthe in the frosting. And they look extra delicious with drizzled chocolate on top. Yummy!

watson42

While I can see why it would become a tradition, I am not sure that any for of liquor could aid in digestion, and I imagine there are several health studies that could back me up.

I suppose, though, that if any did i would be creme de menthe, since it is minty and considered to be pretty light tasting.

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    • Crème de menthe can be added to coffee and served as an after-dinner beverage.
      By: volff
      Crème de menthe can be added to coffee and served as an after-dinner beverage.
    • A few drops of crème de menthe can be added to mojitos and other cocktails.
      By: yellowj
      A few drops of crème de menthe can be added to mojitos and other cocktails.
    • Créme de menthe may be added to tea.
      By: Warren Goldswain
      Créme de menthe may be added to tea.