The grasshopper chronicles lead us down the evolutionary path of a delicious cocktail from pre-prohibition to present day.  Its popularity initially soared, then flagged post prohibition and later enjoyed a resurgence. In the 1970’s and 80’s. Today, sadly it has almost disappeared and I never see it on a cocktail menu.

It’s too good to leave it for dead and by good, I mean fabulous. If you have never tasted one and I can convince you to give it a chance, you will call me Master Po.

The Original Grasshopper

Philip Guichet created this luscious after dinner drink at his New Orleans bar Tujagues, in 1919. The name comes from its green color and no, there aren’t any real grasshoppers in the recipe. It’s the least alcoholic of the three hoppers and I prefer it garnished with shaved chocolate.

The Flying Grasshopper

This took flight in the 70’s, perhaps inspired by David Carradine’s “young grasshopper” on television’s Kung Fu. Adding vodka to the basic recipe makes it slightly more alcoholic and enhances the sweetness, perfectly.

The Interstellar Grasshopper

Vodka replaces the cream and is rocket fuel to the outer limits. Little green men are mesmerized by the crystal clear color of the perfect peace offering in the twilight zone. Rod Serling would be proud.

Variations

Mint ice cream, preferably with chocolate chips turns this beauty into a “Frozen Grasshopper” blended with a malted milkshake machine.

Replacing the creme de menthe with peppermint schnapps turns it into a “Girl Scout Cookie”. It’s for adults only and gets better with a thin mint on the side.