Alcoholic beverage, creme de menthe, 72 proof
Whole food · Beverages
Photo: Wikipedia
Creme de menthe is a vibrant, emerald-green (or clear) liqueur with a sweet, intensely minty flavor and a syrupy, viscous texture. Its nutrition is defined by a high sugar content, delivering 41.6g of carbohydrates per 100g, with virtually no protein or fat. At 72 proof (36% ABV), it's a potent, sugary spirit used primarily as a flavoring agent in cocktails and desserts.
Calorie split: 0% protein · 98% carbs · 2% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People love creme de menthe for its iconic, refreshing mint taste that instantly evokes classic cocktails like the Grasshopper or Stinger. Its sweet, dessert-like quality and striking green color make it a nostalgic and versatile addition to both drinks and baked goods.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The high sugar content (41.6g per 100g) can cause rapid blood-sugar spikes, making it a poor choice for those managing diabetes or insulin resistance. To mitigate this, practice strict portion control (e.g., a 1 oz/30ml pour), avoid pairing it with other sugary mixers, and consider using it only occasionally as a flavor accent rather than a main ingredient.
Key benefits
- Provides a strong, sweet mint flavor in small amounts
- Acts as a versatile cocktail and dessert ingredient
- Adds vibrant color to drinks and dishes
- Contains no fat, cholesterol, or sodium
- Offers a quick source of energy from its high sugar content
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The green color of creme de menthe comes from a plant-based coloring agent, and a clear version called 'white' creme de menthe is also produced by omitting this coloring.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 28.3 g |
| Energy | 371 kcal |
| Energy | 1552 kj |
| Protein | 0.00 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 0.30 g |
| Ash | 0.01 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 41.6 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.00 g |
| Total Sugars | 41.6 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 0.00 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 0.07 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 0.00 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 0.00 mg |
| Potassium, K | 0.00 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 5.0 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.04 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.08 mg |
| Manganese, Mn | 0.04 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 0.40 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.00 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.00 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.00 mg |
| Niacin | 0.00 mg |
| Pantothenic acid | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.00 mg |
| Folate, total | 0.00 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 0.00 ug |
| Choline, total | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 0.00 ug |
| Retinol | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, IU | 0.00 iu |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3), International Units | 0.00 iu |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 0.00 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 29.8 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 0.01 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 0.01 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 0.01 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 0.17 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 0.06 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.11 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total trans | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 0.00 mg |
Amino acid profile (per 100g)
| Tryptophan | 0.00 g |
| Threonine | 0.00 g |
| Isoleucine | 0.00 g |
| Leucine | 0.00 g |
| Lysine | 0.00 g |
| Methionine | 0.00 g |
| Cystine | 0.00 g |
| Phenylalanine | 0.00 g |
| Tyrosine | 0.00 g |
| Valine | 0.00 g |
| Arginine | 0.00 g |
| Histidine | 0.00 g |
| Alanine | 0.00 g |
| Aspartic acid | 0.00 g |
| Glutamic acid | 0.00 g |
| Glycine | 0.00 g |
| Proline | 0.00 g |
| Serine | 0.00 g |
FAQ
What is the difference between green and white creme de menthe?
The primary difference is color. Green creme de menthe is tinted with a plant-based coloring agent, while white (or clear) creme de menthe is uncolored. The flavor and sweetness are essentially identical.
Is creme de menthe gluten-free?
Most creme de menthe is distilled from grain (like wheat) or grapes, and the distillation process typically removes gluten proteins. However, it's not always certified gluten-free, so those with severe celiac disease should check the label or contact the manufacturer.
How should creme de menthe be stored?
Store it in a cool, dark place like a liquor cabinet. Once opened, it remains stable for years due to its high sugar and alcohol content, which act as preservatives.
Can I use creme de menthe in baking?
Yes, it's excellent in baking. Use it to flavor frostings, brownies, or cakes. Add it to batters or glazes for a minty kick, but remember that the alcohol will not fully cook off unless baked for an extended period.
Nutrient density (calculated · NRF9.3)
Nutrient Rich Foods index: beneficial nutrients (protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals) minus saturated fat, added sugar & sodium, per 100 kcal.
NRF9.3 index — Fulgoni, Keast & Drewnowski, 2009. Computed from USDA nutrients.
Weight-loss friendliness (composite index)
Energy density 3.71 kcal/g · 0% calories from protein · 0.0 g fiber · 41.6 g sugar per 100 g.
Composite of energy density (Rolls et al., 1999), protein & fiber satiety, minus sugar. A calculated heuristic — ranks satiety-per-calorie, not a clinical measure.
Dietary load (calculated from USDA values)
Potential renal acid load. Positive = acid-forming, negative = alkaline-forming.
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.