The Cricket cocktail is a creamy, minty delight that’s perfect for warm evenings or as an after-dinner treat. It’s smooth, refreshing, and has just the right balance of sweetness and cool mint flavor. If you love mint-chocolate desserts, this one’s for you!
Cricket
I’ve made this cocktail countless times, and one thing I’ve learned is that chilling your glass beforehand makes a big difference—it keeps the drink perfectly cold and enhances the creamy texture. Let’s get into how to make this classic drink at home.
Ingredients
You’ll need:
- 1 oz (30ml) green crème de menthe – This gives the drink its signature minty flavor and bright green color.
- 1 oz (30ml) white crème de cacao – Adds a smooth, chocolatey sweetness that pairs beautifully with the mint.
- 1 oz (30ml) light cream – Makes the cocktail rich and velvety.
- 1 cup (240ml) ice – For chilling and shaking.
Glass: A cocktail glass or martini glass works best to show off the vibrant color.
How to Make It
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Pour in the crème de menthe, crème de cacao, and light cream.
- Shake well for about 15 seconds, until the mixture is cold and slightly frothy.
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish with a fresh mint sprig for extra aroma.
That’s it! A perfectly smooth, mint-chocolate treat in just a few simple steps.
Tips for the Best Cricket
- Chill your glass before serving for an extra refreshing experience. Just pop it in the freezer for 5-10 minutes.
- Shake well – This helps create that light, creamy texture.
- Use fresh mint for garnish—it adds a lovely aroma that enhances every sip.
I’ve found that using slightly less crème de menthe (¾ oz instead of 1 oz) makes the drink a little less sweet if you prefer a more balanced flavor.
Variations & Substitutions
Want to switch things up? Try these fun variations:
- Mint Chocolate Cricket – Swap white crème de cacao for dark crème de cacao for a deeper chocolate taste.
- Coconut Cricket – Replace light cream with coconut milk for a tropical twist.
- Spiced Cricket – Add ½ oz (15ml) spiced rum for a warm, slightly spicy kick.
For a non-alcoholic version, replace the crème de menthe with mint syrup and the crème de cacao with white chocolate syrup. Shake with cream and ice for a delicious Virgin Cricket.
What to Serve With It
The Cricket pairs beautifully with:
- Chocolate desserts – Think brownies, chocolate mousse, or dark chocolate truffles.
- Cheese platters – Creamy cheeses like brie or mascarpone balance the minty sweetness.
- Light salads – A crisp salad with citrus dressing refreshes the palate between sips.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- This cocktail is best enjoyed fresh, but you can mix the crème de menthe and crème de cacao ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Just shake with ice and cream when ready to serve.
- If you have leftovers, store the mixed drink in the fridge for a few hours, but give it a good shake before serving again.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a Cricket cocktail green?
The vibrant color comes from the green crème de menthe.
Is this drink very sweet?
It’s moderately sweet, thanks to the crème de cacao and crème de menthe. If you prefer a less sweet version, use a little less crème de menthe.
Can I use a different type of glass?
Yes! A martini glass works just as well as a cocktail glass.
How can I make it lighter?
Swap the light cream for half-and-half or coconut milk for a slightly lighter version.
The Cricket cocktail is one of my favorite after-dinner drinks—it’s smooth, refreshing, and just the right amount of indulgent. Whether you stick with the classic recipe or try a fun variation, it’s a simple and satisfying cocktail that’s always a hit. Cheers!
