Dine and Dish

Food blog with family recipes

Being Irish {Recipe: St. Patrick’s Day Grasshopper Cocktails}

Grasshopper Mint Ice Cream Cocktails

I’m not Irish, however I married a full-blown Irish man, so that makes me what they call “Irish by Marriage”.

What I have found out, through my 11 years of marriage to an Irish man, is that once you are “in” with the Irish, your entire life starts to become very Irish. Green suddenly becomes your favorite color. Gifts for your home start pouring in, many adorned with an Irish saying or shamrocks. When you run down the list of options for kids names, you begin to notice most of them have Irish roots… Kelly, Megan, Molly, Collin, Patrick.

You would think my initiation into the world of the Irish would leave me with an abundance of ideas for a St. Patrick’s Day feast, but it hasn’t. What do the Irish like to eat? From my experience? Ice cream, whiskey and beer. Now you know the secret to why Irish people are always so chipper… it isn’t from the Corned Beef and Cabbage, I can tell you that!

I decided to turn to the Foodily recipe site for a St. Patrick’s Day menu since as much as it would be fun to live off of ice cream, whiskey and beer, some people (non-Irish people, I assure you) may frown upon that. For this St. Patrick’s Day, we are going to feast on:

So, let me tell you a bit about Grasshoppers. I don’t know that this is truly an Irish dessert, but at most occasions within our family, Grasshoppers are somewhere to be found. We most always have a bucket ready to serve in our freezer. The minty flavor of Grasshoppers plus the green tint just make me think of St. Patrick’s Day, so we’re going to go with that.

When I texted my husband at work to get the recipe, I discovered that he doesn’t really have a recipe. He bases it all on the taste and feel of the ice cream, which was a total light bulb moment for me… if he’s tasting the grasshoppers as he makes them, that then explains why he is always so chipper when he’s done making them. I think I want to be on grasshopper making duty next time!

St. Patrick's Day Minty Ice Cream Cocktails

Recipe: St. Patrick’s Day Grasshopper Ice Cream Cocktails

  • 5 Quart Plastic Bucket of Vanilla Ice Cream
  • 3 shots of Creme de Menthe liquor
  • 1 shot of Creme de Cacao liquor
  • 1 shot of Irish Whiskey (We prefer Jameson brand)

Place all ingredients in a large bowl. Knead together by using two large ice cream paddles or spoons or use your stand mixer and knead using your bread hook attachment. Once well blended you can either serve or place back in the freezer to re-freeze. If desired, top with whipped cream. (Adjust liquor to taste. For a darker green and stronger mint flavor, add more Creme de Menthe)

Reader Interactions

Comments

  4. susan says

    I am not where close to being Irish – yet love this holiday regardless. My favorite color has always been green, I love March becasue it means that Spring is around the corner, and the 17th equates to enjoying a good beer! happy st. patty’s day!

  6. Jennifer says

    I love ice cream in anything, but mixed with alcohol… I’m so in. I love mint and chocolate so I’m sure there are to die for!

  9. Paula says

    I haven’t had a Grasshopper since the 80’s but I remember how much I loved them. Never mind the *green* beer, this is the perfect drink for St. Paddy’s Day. I love your shamrock dish that you photographed the Grasshoppers in.

  10. Trysha says

    Oh I love Grasshoppers!! I’ve never seen them made with ice cream though.

    Then again, most cocktails aren’t made the way they should be in shady bars in downtown Juarez, Mexico. 😉

  11. Nisrine M. says

    My husband’s family is Irish and we’re all getting together for St. Patrick’s Day. They would be so happy if I made this cocktail.

  12. Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen says

    I’m seeing a theme here: Beef and Irish Stout Stew, Bourbon Carrots, Grasshopper Ice Cream Cocktails – you’re right hard to be in a bad mood after all that booze 😀 Have a wonderful St. Patrick’s Day celebration Kristen!

  15. Pat Wogan says

    They are Great! I’m not Irish, unless you can say Irish mother-in-law by marriage, but I LOVE Nick’s Grasshopper cocktails!

  16. Allison [Haute Box] says

    I just love the color in this drink. I would probably have way too many of these. Yipes!

  17. The Husband says

    My favorite blog post ever. This has always been a family favorite. I love you. 🙂

  19. Barbara | VinoLuciStyle says

    Well I only came to see the Husband and his comment. First…it’s about time and second…awww.

    I don’t know…I think you need that Irish Coffee cake I made on your list. Cause it’s not just coffee you know….there might me some Jameson Irish Whiskey in there; just a wee bit.

  22. Janet says

    How adorable is that?! I think I’m gonna start having my hubby make them now, LOL. How sweet though…I think maybe you two should have a drink for 2 and skip the family celebration 😉

  25. camille says

    You can become Irish by marriage, or you can become Irish by moving to Boston, which is what I did. Either way, ice cream and booze is a winning combination.

  28. Carolyn Jung says

    I actually look forward to a big pot of corn beef and cabbage simmering on the stove once a year. But something tells me I’m REALLY going to look forward to one of these cocktails, too! 😉

  32. Janette says

    That sounds like a great recipe. I think I might have to try in memory of my Grandpa who passed away four years ago. I think he would be proud.

  33. Debbie says

    Love, love Grasshoppers! One of my very favorite special drinks and I didn’t know how to make them. Thank you for sharing.

    I am Sicilian By Marriage! I may be turning into my husbands little Sicilian Grandma! Ha!

    I publish an online women’s magazine, called Mermaids of the Lake. (also a blog of the same name) We have a recipe section on our e-zine and I would love to use feature this recipe with a link to you. Please let me know if I can…

  34. Jennifer (Savor) says

    LOVE this. It reminds me of the first time (and last) that I snuck a sip of my mom’s grasshopper drink. BTW, I am so honored to be in this month’s YUM Food & Fun for Kids next to your recipes and photos. 🙂

  38. Sues says

    Oh, this looks delightful!! I might have to make this for a little St. Patrick’s Day treat for my fiance. We need to celebrate in some way, right?! I love this!

  40. A Canadian Foodie says

    Thanks for the other Irish links, too! My father is first generation Canadian from Irish decent, yet I have learned nothing of the cuisine throughout my life. I am trying to learn.
    I have been neck deep in the throws of planning a local food conference here within slow food and have not posted for three weeks. Important work. Time well spent: BUT…I have not read, written, cooked and I miss my life and reading great posts like this!
    I am catching up slowly!
    🙂
    Valerie

  41. Laurie says

    Ummm, I’m going to have to try one of those when we get back home! Miss you guys already!

  42. Patty Lucas says

    Did not appreciate you comment on what the Irish like to eat. I love ice cream NEVER touch whiskey or beer and I am 100% Irish. Why perpetuate the myth of drinking? I think it is beneath you.

    • Kristen says

      Thanks for your comment. Patty. It wasn’t my intention to offend you. My comment was a broad generalization, but based on my experience (and written tongue in cheek, as I assure you I know my Irish family likes more than just beer, whiskey and ice cream).

  46. Nancy@acommunaltable says

    Sitting here at my keyboard I could really go for one of these!! I AM Irish and I DO drink beer (Guinness!!) and drink Whisky but must admit, have never had a Grasshopper – I think though that it’s high time I tried it!!

  49. Jessica H says

    Yum, this sounds absolutely amazing! Another one of my favorites on St. Patricks day that is a green color AND includes Whiskey (perfect right?) is TY KU’s Irish Happy Ending
    2 oz TY KU Liqueur
    1 oz Irish Whiskey
    On the Rocks. Enjoy!

  53. Pat Wogan says

    I can’t believe Nick’s grasshoppers only have one shot of Jameson’s, but whatever, they are delicious!!!

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