What do you use creme de menthe syrup for?

Creme de menthe syrup is a sweet, mint-flavored liqueur that can be used in a variety of drinks and desserts. Here are some of the most popular uses for creme de menthe syrup:

Cocktails

Creme de menthe is a key ingredient in several classic cocktails. Some of the most well-known creme de menthe cocktails include:

  • Grasshopper – Creme de menthe, creme de cacao, and cream
  • Stinger – Creme de menthe and brandy
  • Peppermint Patty – Creme de menthe, creme de cacao, and milk
  • After Dinner Mint – Creme de menthe, rum, and cream
  • Emerald Isle – Creme de menthe, Irish cream, and milk

The minty flavor of the creme de menthe pairs well with chocolate and coffee liqueurs like creme de cacao and Kahlua. It also combines nicely with dairy products like cream or milk to create thick, rich cocktails.

Desserts

Creme de menthe can be used to add minty flavor to all kinds of desserts and baked goods:

  • Milkshakes and smoothies – Add a splash of creme de menthe to mint chocolate chip milkshakes or green smoothies.
  • Cakes and cupcakes – Brush creme de menthe syrup onto chocolate or vanilla cake layers before frosting or mix it right into the frosting.
  • Cookies – Swirl creme de menthe into cookie doughs and batters or drizzle over baked cookies.
  • Ice cream – Mix creme de menthe into mint chocolate chip or vanilla ice cream.
  • Puddings – Stir a bit of creme de menthe into instant chocolate or vanilla pudding for added flavor.

The minty creme de menthe pairs especially well with chocolate flavors. It can accentuate the chocolate or provide contrasting mintiness.

Candies

For homemade candies, creme de menthe can provide extra flavor:

  • Fudge – Add a few teaspoons of creme de menthe to mint chocolate fudge recipes.
  • Caramels – Flavor caramel candies with a bit of creme de menthe.
  • Marshmallows – Use creme de menthe in place of some of the vanilla extract.

You can also drizzle creme de menthe over candies like chocolate bark or fruit slices once they are made.

Other Dessert Sauces

Creme de menthe can be used to flavor a variety of other dessert sauces:

  • Chocolate sauce – Mix a spoonful or two into warm chocolate sauce.
  • Caramel sauce – Stir in creme de menthe for minty caramel.
  • Berry coulis – Add minty flavor to raspberry or strawberry coulis.

These sauces can then be drizzled over ice cream, pound cake, waffles, pancakes, and more.

Milkshakes

Creme de menthe is a key ingredient in mint milkshakes like Grasshoppers and Shamrock Shakes. It adds minty green color and flavor. To make a creme de menthe milkshake:

  • Combine 2-3 scoops vanilla ice cream, 1-2 ounces creme de menthe, and 1/2 cup milk in a blender.
  • Blend until smooth and creamy.
  • For a thicker shake, use less milk or add a spoonful of instant pudding mix before blending.
  • Top with whipped cream and additional creme de menthe if desired.

For chocolate mint shakes, use chocolate ice cream. You can also rim the glass with chocolate syrup or crushed cookies.

Pies

Minty creme de menthe can be used to add flavor to pie fillings and toppings:

  • Chocolate pie – Mix a couple tablespoons into the filling or drizzle over the top.
  • Grasshopper pie – This mint chocolate pie is made with creme de menthe, cream, and cookies.
  • Key lime pie – Add some creme de menthe to the whipped cream topping.

For a cool summertime treat, mix creme de menthe into instant pudding and layer it with whipped cream in a pie crust.

Hot Chocolate

For an indulgent winter drink, add 1-2 ounces of creme de menthe to hot cocoa. This will give you minty hot chocolate. Top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.

You can also add a splash of creme de menthe to mochas or peppermint mochas. It pairs well with coffee flavors.

Jello Shots

For festive gatherings, use creme de menthe to make Jello shots:

  • Bring 1 cup water to a boil and remove from heat.
  • Add 3-ounce box Jello gelatin (lime or lemon works well).
  • Stir in 1/4 cup creme de menthe.
  • Divide liquid between shot cups and refrigerate until set, about 2 hours.

The creme de menthe will give these fun party shots a cool minty kick.

Pancakes

Minty creme de menthe can add flavor to pancake batter. Try mixing in a few teaspoons when making chocolate chip or confetti pancakes. Or top your stack of pancakes with a drizzle of creme de menthe syrup.

For mint chocolate chip pancakes:

  • Add 2-3 ounces creme de menthe and 1/4 cup chocolate chips to pancake batter.
  • Cook pancakes as normal, flipping when bubbles appear on top.
  • Top with more chocolate chips and confectioners sugar if desired.

Pastries

Creme de menthe can be used to fill or frost pastries like donuts, marzipan, cannolis, cream puffs, bear claws, and more. Try brushing it onto phyllo dough while assembling baklava. The mint flavor will come through nicely.

For mint chocolate profiteroles:

  • Add 1-2 tbsp creme de menthe to pastry cream filling.
  • Pipe filling into hollow profiteroles.
  • Top with mint chocolate ganache (add creme de menthe to melted chocolate).

Popsicles

For homemade popsicles, mix a few tablespoons of creme de menthe into fruit juice, lemonade, or coconut milk before freezing. Mint and lime or strawberry flavors pair well together.

You can also make creme de menthe pops by freezing it on its own with popsicle molds.

Waffles & Crepes

Drizzle minty creme de menthe syrup over waffles or crepes for a nice flavor contrast. The mint will balance out the sweetness. For mint chocolate waffles or crepes:

  • Add 2-3 ounces creme de menthe and 1/4 cup chocolate chips to waffle or crepe batter.
  • Cook as normal, topping with powdered sugar, chocolate shavings, or whipped cream.

Conclusion

With its distinctive minty taste, creme de menthe syrup can add flavor and color to a wide variety of drinks, desserts, and confections. It’s especially popular in chocolate and coffee cocktails and sweets. A little bit of creme de menthe goes a long way in providing a cool, refreshing mint accent. Keep a bottle on hand to spike milkshakes, frost cakes, mix into batters, or drizzle over finished treats year-round.

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