National Creme de Menthe Day

National Creme de Menthe Day, observed on September 15, celebrates the refreshing, minty liqueur known for its vibrant green color and smooth, cool flavor. Often enjoyed in classic cocktails, after-dinner drinks, and sweet desserts, crème de menthe has a distinctive place in culinary and cocktail traditions.

It’s a fitting occasion to explore the versatility of this spirited ingredient—whether by mixing a timeless mint cocktail, adding a splash to coffee or hot chocolate, or drizzling it into a dessert. On September 15, raise a glass and enjoy the crisp, indulgent flavor of crème de menthe responsibly.

National Creme de Menthe Day is observed on **September 15**. The observance celebrates crème de menthe, a sweet, mint-flavored liqueur traditionally made by infusing mint leaves or mint flavoring into a neutral spirit and then sweetening the result. Although the holiday’s precise founder and first proclamation are not clearly documented, it belongs to the modern tradition of food-and-drink observances that highlight distinctive ingredients, beverages, and culinary customs.

Crème de menthe developed in France during the nineteenth century, when liqueur makers refined methods for producing vividly flavored after-dinner drinks. Emile Giffard is widely associated with the development of a successful mint liqueur in the 1880s, including Menthe-Pastille, created in Angers in 1885. The name “crème” refers to the liqueur’s sweetness and richness rather than to the presence of dairy cream. It is commonly produced in green and clear—or “white”—styles; the green color may come from mint extracts or coloring, while the clear version emphasizes the liqueur’s flavor without the characteristic hue.

Over time, crème de menthe became especially familiar through classic cocktails and desserts. It is a principal ingredient in the Grasshopper, a sweet cocktail traditionally combining crème de menthe, crème de cacao, and cream. It has also been used in drinks such as the Stinger, as well as in candies, cakes, ice cream, and sauces. These culinary applications helped the liqueur move beyond its original role as a digestif and made it recognizable to home cooks, bartenders, and dessert makers.

The cultural significance of National Creme de Menthe Day lies in its celebration of both culinary history and cocktail culture. On September 15, enthusiasts may explore the liqueur’s French origins, compare green and clear varieties, prepare a traditional cocktail, or use a small amount in a dessert. The day also reflects the way once-specialty ingredients can become part of popular food culture, preserving older recipes while encouraging contemporary interpretations.