National Creme de Menthe Day is a holiday that’s observed annually on the 15th of September and pays homage to a green-colored, peppermint-flavored liqueur that has an alcohol content of approximately 25%. This alcoholic beverage was first invented during the end of the 19th century and it’s since become a liqueur that’s been used in a variety of different cocktails.

Cocktails that include the Grasshopper, the Peppermint Patty, the Midnight Snowstorm, Christmas Coffee, Irish Eyes, Devil’s Cocktail, and the Irish flag. Of course, there are about two dozen other cocktails that use this liqueur, so be ready to do your research when observing this holiday.

The History Of Creme de Menthe

The phrase Creme de Menthe means “mint cream” in French, and it was invented by Emile Giffard in 1885. He was trying to create a digestive that not only had medicinal qualities but was also refreshing. He figured that since mint could be used to calm stomach conditions that he’d base the drink on it.

He invented a clear Creme de Menthe and then he realized it could also be a drink that people liked to drink, so he took it to the Grand Hotel in Angers, France to see if people liked it. It didn’t take long before its minty taste caught on with drinkers and became a smash hit.

Facts About Creme de Menthe

Below are some interesting facts about Creme de Menthe that we discovered while we were researching this holiday. Let’s enjoy them before we pour ourselves a hit of this minty drink.

• The original recipe used Corsican mint or peppermint that was steeped in grain alcohol for several weeks before being filtered and sugar-added.
• Creme de Menthe can be bought in its traditional green color or in a clear formulation.
• Mobsters during the 1920s and 1930s often had a Creme de Menthe before they headed off to prison.

Observing National Creme de Menthe Day

Obviously, anyone wishing to enjoy this holiday can enjoy a small glass of Creme de Menthe, or they can make one of the many cocktails that can be made with this minty liqueur.