grasshopper cocktail from jeffrey morgenthaler

Grasshopper Cocktail From Jeffrey Morgenthaler

Desserts

It’s worth admitting that the original Grasshopper hails from New Orleans, not Kentucky. It was concocted in the 1910s for a New York City-based cocktail competition. Today, it’s enjoyed sparingly on special occasions. While it never really goes out of style, it tends to peak in popularity during the holiday season, probably thanks to its green hue. The original recipe doesn’t call for Fernet Branca (that’s Morgenthaler’s signature spin), so you can leave it out altogether if you want to enjoy this drink like it’s the roaring ’20s.

Ingredients

1 1/2 ounces green crème de menthe
1 1/2 ounces white crème de cacao
1 ounce half and half
1 teaspoon fernet branca
pinch of sea salt
4 ounces (1/2 cup) vanilla ice cream
8 ounces (1 cup) crushed ice, prepared with a lewis bag and mallet, tea towel and rolling pin, or a food processor
mint sprig for garnish

Directions

Combine all ingredients except the mint sprig in a blender, and blend on high speed until smooth. Serve in a tall, frozen glass, and garnish with a mint sprig.