National Creme de Menthe Day – September 15, 2022, history, significance quotes FAQS
National Creme de Menthe Day is held each year on September 15. Translated from French, it means “mint cream”. This sweetened alcoholic beverage is flavored with Corsican mint. It is also available in two variations: green and colorless, otherwise referred to as white. It can be used as a mixture for cocktails and desserts and is quite refreshing.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL CREME DE MENTHE DAY
Creme de Menthe Day widely celebrates this cool liqueur that is a great addition to many cocktails and desserts. Back in the day, the liqueurs were actually tonics and curing potions. That’s how crème de menthe came into existence. A French pharmacist by the name of Emile Giffard was studying the cooling and digestive qualities of mint. This led him to develop a recipe for crème de menthe in 1885.
Crème de menthe is actually sweet and involves steeping dried peppermint or Corsican mint leaves in grain alcohol for weeks. The leaves are what give it its green color. After this, it undergoes filtration and sugar is added. When it is extracted, it does not have any color and this is known as white crème de menthe.
Both varieties have a similar flavor profile and can be used interchangeably in recipes. It can be used for several purposes such as a post-dinner drink, added to cocktails, food recipes, and more. The most popular usage of this liqueur is in the cocktails Stringer and Grasshopper, which emerged between the 1890s to 1910s.
Crème de menthe has been featured in pop culture as well over the years. Some notable appearances include an episode of the sitcom “Friends” in the episode “The One with the Two Parties.” In an attempt to stop Leonard Green from running into his wife, Phoebe offers him a crème de menthe.
Another appearance can be seen in the 12th episode of the first season of “Mad Men.” In it, members of a party raid a supply closet when they run out of alcohol and fill an entire water cooler with crème de menthe.
NATIONAL CREME DE MENTHE DAY TIMELINE
1885
Crème de Menthe as a Digestif
Emile Giffard develops crème de menthe to be originally used as a digestif.
1890s
The Stringer is Invented
Another crème de menthe cocktail, the Stringer, is invented.
1910s
The Grasshopper is Invented
Philibert Guichet invents the Grasshopper cocktail in New York for a cocktail competition.
1934
Crème de Menthe Variation
Sergei Rachmaninoff names the 24th variation of his piano piece on the Paganini theme the “crème de menthe variation.”
NATIONAL CREME DE MENTHE DAY ACTIVITIES
Make mint chocolate
Who said crème de menthe can only be used in a cocktail beverage? The properties of this liqueur allow you to add it in chocolate as well. On this day, you can make yourself some cool mint chocolate and you can store it and enjoy it as you please.
Throw a cocktail party
What’s the point of making cocktails if you can’t celebrate with your friends? Throw a cocktail party and make sure you have the Grasshopper and the Stringer on the menu as they contain crème de menthe.
Relax
On National Creme de Menthe Day, just sit back, relax and enjoy this cool beverage. Have a quiet evening on your porch, balcony, or backyard. Sip on this drink and unwind.
5 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT CRÈME DE MENTHE
Hercule Poirot’s favorite drink
Hercule Poirot, a popular character in Agatha Christie’s novels, has a strong affinity for flavored drinks, with crème de menthe being his preferred choice.
Different colors
Crème de menthe comes in two colors, green and white, and the former is colored with mint leaves or coloring if made from extract.
A great addition to coffee or tea
If added in a tiny amount such as half a teaspoon, it can add a nice mint flavor to your regular coffee or tea.
Enhances soda
Adding just about a quarter teaspoon of it to a glass of ice and soda will elevate the taste of the drink.
St. Patrick’s Day drink
Crème de menthe is a popular St. Patrick’s Day drink because of its green color.
WHY WE LOVE NATIONAL CREME DE MENTHE DAY
It’s good for digestion
Do you sometimes have a heavy dinner and wish something could instantly help you feel less bloated? That’s where crème de menthe comes in. Mint has great digestive qualities making it an excellent drink to have after dinner. It’s cooling and refreshing and will help your digestion process.
It is versatile
Apart from being used as a digestif and addition to a cocktail, it is also popular for other things. Crème de menthe can be used as a flavoring in many recipes. You can even make a milkshake and add crème de menthe to it. It can even be used to make other desserts such as ice cream.
It is cooling and refreshing
Mint evokes a sense of coolness and refreshment. The aftertaste of mint can help you charge up and relax at the same time.
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.
NATIONAL CREME DE MENTHE DAY FAQS
What is crème de menthe used for?
Crème de menthe is used in several cocktails and can also be used as a digestif and flavoring. It is the main component of the Springbokkie, a popular South African shooter.
Is crème de menthe good for digestion?
Yes, it is often served as a digestif after a formal dinner. It is served in a small, tube-shaped glass with roughly 2 ounces of the drink.
Is mint liqueur the same as crème de menthe?
No, they are not the same. Peppermint schnapps and crème de menthe may have the same method of production, however, the former has a higher alcohol content and a more intense and less sweet flavor than crème de menthe.
