The Grasshopper cocktail - From New Orleans to the Mid-west.

The Grasshopper's Gambit

As the St. Charles streetcar clattered down Canal Street, a well-dressed woman in her early thirties steadied herself, grasping a leather strap. Her cloche hat, adorned with a small feather, barely moved as the car jostled along. The hem of her dropped-waist dress fluttered in the breeze from the open windows, its mid-calf length drawing a few curious glances.

"Riverfront! Algiers ferry and riverboats ahead!" called the conductor, his uniform crisp despite the humid air.

Stepping onto the bustling sidewalk, Adeline breathed in the thick air, heavy with the scents of the Mississippi River, roasting coffee, and sweet beignets. She navigated through a crowd of dockworkers, tourists, and local businessmen, her T-strap shoes clicking on the pavement.

The grand silhouette of a steamboat loomed before her as she approached the riverfront. Its white paint gleamed in the late afternoon sun, smoke curling from its tall stacks. "S.S. Capitol" was emblazoned on the side in elegant gold lettering.

"Welcome aboard, ma'am," greeted a porter in a crisp white uniform as Adeline approached the gangplank.

Ascending to the deck, her hand brushed the rail. The sounds of a jazz band tuning up drifted from the grand saloon. Her face flickered with a mixture of excitement and apprehension as fragments of her Pinkerton Agency briefing resurfaced, each detail a puzzle piece in this dangerous game.

Crystal chandeliers glittered and polished wood gleamed as she stepped into the opulent interior. Fellow passengers in evening wear mingled near the bar, their laughter mixing with the first notes of "Tiger Rag" from the band. Adeline's eyes darted from face to face, each laugh and gesture a potential clue as she hunted for her elusive target amidst the revelry. She adjusted her clutch, feeling the reassuring weight of her concealed pistol.

The grand saloon was a kaleidoscope of elegance: velvet drapes in deep emerald hues, intricate carvings on the wooden panels, and crystal chandeliers casting a warm, inviting glow. Her entrance did not go unnoticed. Heads turned as she made her way toward the rail, where a group of well-dressed gentlemen and ladies gathered, their conversation bubbling with the excitement of the cruise.

A gentle tap on her shoulder made her turn to find a tall man with a neatly groomed mustache and a charming smile. His tailored suit hinted at wealth and sophistication, and his eyes held a glint of mischief. "Excuse me, miss," he said with a bow. "I couldn't help but notice you're new to the S.S. Capitol. I'm Charles Delacroix."

Adeline offered a polite smile and extended her hand. "Adeline Harrington. Pleased to meet you, Mr. Delacroix."

With a light kiss on her hand, Charles said, "Please, call me Charles," then offered, "May I get you a drink or show you around?" His smile, though charming, faltered for a moment as his eyes swept over her, calculating. "The evening is just beginning, and I'd hate for you to miss out on any of the... excitement."

The jazz band struck up a lively tune, and the room seemed to pulse with rhythm. Charles gestured toward the bar, where a bartender was busy mixing cocktails. "Why don't we start with a drink and then I'll introduce you to some of the other guests? We have quite an array of personalities on board tonight."

"Can I get you a grasshopper? A specialty of New Orleans?"

Adeline accepted the offer, her mind racing with the possibilities this introduction might offer for her investigation. As they made their way to the bar, Charles casually mentioned, "I must say, you have impeccable timing. The S.S. Capitol is known for its lively atmosphere and..." he paused, lowering his voice, "its discretion. Many find it the perfect place for business of a... sensitive nature."

A burst of laughter from a nearby group interrupted him. Charles led her to a corner of the bar where a large, ornate mirror reflected the festivities in its glassy surface.

"So, Adeline," Charles said, his tone shifting to a more personal note, "what brings you aboard the Capitol? Business or pleasure?"

Adeline's fingers danced along the rim of her glass as she weighed her response, her eyes never leaving Charles's face. "Why, pleasure, of course," she replied. "Who doesn't enjoy the romance of a riverboat cruise and the chance to hear some great music?"

Charles's eyes twinkled with a knowing gleam. "Indeed," he murmured, leaning in close, "the entertainment on this boat offers far more than meets the eye."

As they sipped their drinks, a woman in an extravagant gown approached them. She had a graceful demeanor and a sparkle in her eye that suggested she was no stranger to the social scene. Her silver hair was impeccably styled, and she carried herself with an air of refined authority.

"Charles!" she exclaimed, her voice rich and melodious. "I see you've found a new acquaintance. How delightful."

Charles introduced her as Madame Eloise, a noted socialite and patron of the arts. Eloise greeted Adeline warmly, her perfume a subtle blend of jasmine and vanilla. The conversation quickly turned to the upcoming entertainment, a gala dinner followed by a performance of local jazz legends.

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows over the Mississippi. The ringing of a bell signaled the commencement of dinner, providing a welcome distraction. She followed her new acquaintances to the dining hall, where tables were set with fine china and crystal, and the aroma of gourmet cuisine wafted through the air.

Settling into her seat, Adeline's gaze flitted from face to face, each charming smile now a potential mask hiding the very reason for her presence.

Photo by Elegance Nairobi on Unsplash

The Grasshopper cocktail is a classic drink that embodies the charm of mid-20th century American mixology, blending creamy sweetness with a distinctive mint flavor. Its origins date back to the early 20th century, yet its heyday came in the mid-century, when dessert cocktails were at their peak in popularity.

The Grasshopper cocktail was allegedly invented in 1918 by Philip Guichet, the owner of *Tujague's*, a historic bar and restaurant in the French Quarter of New Orleans. According to legend, Guichet created the drink for a cocktail competition in New York City, where it supposedly won second place. Though there are few verifiable records of this contest, the Grasshopper quickly gained popularity at Tujague's and beyond. The cocktail’s vivid green color, which comes from crème de menthe, made it a standout drink that captured the playful spirit of the time.

The Grasshopper saw its greatest rise in popularity during the 1950s and 1960s, a time when sweet, creamy cocktails were in vogue. As post-World War II America became more affluent, the cocktail culture flourished, and drinks like the Grasshopper fit perfectly into the era's love for entertaining at home with stylish, accessible recipes.

It was especially popular in the Midwest, where after-dinner dessert drinks like the Grasshopper or the Pink Squirrel became staples at supper clubs. These clubs were known for their hearty meals followed by a sweet cocktail, basically a boozy milkshake allowing patrons to linger and socialize. The Grasshopper was seen as both sophisticated and approachable, its playful mint-chocolate flavor appealing to those with a sweet tooth.

Supper clubs are a distinctive dining establishment that became popular in the Midwest United States, particularly in Wisconsin, during the mid-20th century. They emerged during the Great Depression and Prohibition era. Many began as roadhouses or taverns that expanded to serve food, often located in rural areas or on the outskirts of towns.

After WWII they became popular destinations for evening entertainment and dining, the kind of place my in-laws went for a combination of good food, cocktails, and often live music or entertainment.

These often featured specialty cocktails, and were important social hubs, especially for occasions like anniversaries and family dinners. My in-laws regularly attended a dinner club in Buffalo New York. They had their picture taken clearly knew how to enjoy themselves. Some classic supper clubs have survived and maintained their traditional character and have seen a recent revival.

By the 1970s and 1980s, the Grasshopper, like many classic cocktails, fell out of favor as drinking tastes shifted toward stronger, less sweet drinks. Vodka-based cocktails and dry martinis dominated bars, and the era of sugary, creamy cocktails seemed to have passed.

However, the craft cocktail revival of the early 21st century has breathed new life into many forgotten classics, including the Grasshopper. Bartenders have reimagined the drink, using local ice cream or fresh mint or incorporating modern techniques like nitrogen freezing to make contemporary, frozen versions.

The Grasshopper cocktail’s journey from a Prohibition-era New Orleans bar to a beloved mid-century American dessert drink highlights its ability to adapt to changing tastes. Its enduring appeal lies in its simplicity and indulgence—qualities that make it both a nostalgic throwback and a deliciously modern treat. As the cocktail scene continues to embrace forgotten classics, the Grasshopper’s minty, creamy charm is once again making its mark.

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Classic

The classic Grasshopper cocktail is a simple, creamy, and minty drink. The traditional recipe calls for the following ingredients:

1. Green crème de menthe – 1 oz (for the mint flavor and green color)

2. White crème de cacao – 1 oz (adds a light, sweet chocolate flavor)

3. Heavy cream – 1 oz (for richness and creaminess)

4. Optional; 1 oz brandy float

Preparation:

Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well until chilled. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. The result is a smooth, mint-chocolate-flavored cocktail that's both refreshing and indulgent.

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Frozen Variant

The Wisconsin Frozen Grasshopper is a popular blended variation of the classic Grasshopper cocktail, often enjoyed in Wisconsin supper clubs. This version incorporates ice cream to create a milkshake-like consistency. Here are the typical ingredients:

1.     Green crème de menthe – 1 oz (mint-flavored liqueur that gives the drink its signature green color and minty flavor)

2. White crème de cacao – 1 oz (chocolate-flavored liqueur that adds a sweet, chocolatey taste)

3. Vanilla ice cream – 2 large scoops (the base of the frozen version, providing the creamy texture and a mild sweetness)

4. Optional garnish: Whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or a cherry

Preparation:

All the ingredients are blended together until smooth, then poured into a tall glass. Some variations also add a splash of milk to help with blending or adjust the consistency. It's often served in a frosted glass, with whipped cream or a cherry as a garnish for an extra indulgent touch.