Crème de Menthe
Crème de menthe is a sweet liqueur flavoured with mint. Available in clear (white) and green styles, it delivers cooling freshness and sweetness when used in small, controlled measures.
Quick Facts
Flavour Profile
Primary Flavours
Tasting Notes
Clean, cooling mint aroma with pronounced sweetness and a refreshing herbal finish. Intense when overused, crisp and balanced in restrained measures.
Recommended Brands
Budget Choice
Giffard Crème de Menthe Blanche
Premium Choice
Tempus Fugit Crème de Menthe
Storage & Handling
Store upright in a cool, dark place away from direct light. Ensure the cap is tightly sealed after use. Shelf-stable once opened.
Shelf Life
Unopened: Indefinite. Opened: Several years if stored correctly
Crème de Menthe
Crème de menthe is a sweet liqueur flavoured with mint. Available in clear (white) and green styles, it delivers cooling freshness and sweetness when used in small, controlled measures.
Pro Tip
Mint should cool the drink, not announce itself.
Usage
Used in measured pours to add mint flavour, sweetness, and cooling freshness to cocktails, typically as a supporting modifier rather than a dominant ingredient.
Top Tips
- Prefer white crème de menthe unless colour is specifically required.
- Use sparingly — mint intensity escalates quickly.
- Balance with bitterness or acidity to prevent a toothpaste-like finish.
- Always measure; free-pouring leads to overpowering results.
Possible Substitutions
- Fresh mint syrup (less alcoholic, fresher character)
Production Method
Produced by macerating mint leaves or natural mint extracts in neutral spirit, followed by sweetening and, in some styles, colouring.
History & Context
Crème de menthe emerged in 19th-century France and became widely popular in early cocktail culture, particularly in after-dinner and dessert-style drinks. While later overused in overly sweet applications, modern bartending has returned it to restrained, structural use where its cooling freshness adds contrast rather than dominance.