🥃 Crème de menthe

Crème de menthe is a mint liqueur, sold in green or clear (“white”) versions. Under Regulation (EU) 2019/787 it is a “crème de…” liqueur (category 34): at least 15% ABV and at least 250 g/l of sweetening products, expressed as invert sugar, with raw materials that exclude milk products. The raw material named in the legal name, here mint, must give the drink its predominant flavour.

Flavouring. The regulation lists mint (Mentha L.) among the plant liqueurs that may be flavoured only with flavouring foodstuffs, flavouring preparations and natural flavouring substances, so synthetic flavouring substances are not allowed. The legal name may be supplemented by the term “liqueur”.

Cocktails. The International Bartenders Association uses crème de menthe in two recipes. Stinger (The Unforgettables): 50 ml cognac and 20 ml white crème de menthe, poured over ice into a mixing glass, stirred and strained into a chilled martini glass; the garnish is an optional mint leaf. Grasshopper (Contemporary Classics): 20 ml white crème de cacao, 20 ml green crème de menthe and 20 ml fresh cream, shaken with ice and strained into a chilled cocktail glass, with an optional mint leaf.

Why this matters to you. The strength is at least 15% ABV, so even a small measure contains a noticeable amount of alcohol. Check the name and strength on the label. WHO: there is no safe level of alcohol consumption.