Tempus Fugit Crème de Menthe “Glaciale” – Historic Distilled White Mint Liqueur

Tempus Fugit Crème de Menthe Glaciale is the definitive “serious” crème de menthe—pure, intensely fresh, and completely free of artificial character. Unlike the neon-green, syrupy versions most people know, this is a fully distilled botanical liqueur delivering crisp peppermint, herbal depth, and a clean, cooling finish. It’s the bottle that has quietly become the gold standard for high-end cocktail programs.

Origins & Craftsmanship

Produced by Tempus Fugit Spirits, this liqueur is part of the brand’s mission to recreate historically accurate, pre-Prohibition cocktail ingredients using traditional methods.

What makes it exceptional is the process:

• Botanicals (including peppermint, spearmint, and supporting herbs) are macerated and fully distilled
• Not simply flavored or compounded (a major difference vs. most crème de menthe)
• Finished with spring water and cane sugar for balance

This approach is significantly more labor-intensive but produces:

👉 Cleaner aromatics
👉 More natural mint expression
👉 Less cloying sweetness

“Glaciale” refers to the cooling, almost icy sensation on the palate, while “crème” denotes texture—not dairy—indicating a richer mouthfeel .

Bottled at 28% ABV (56 proof), it carries enough structure to hold up in serious cocktails while remaining approachable.

Critics Reviews

F. Paul Pacult – The Spirit Journal (★★★★★)
Described as having “incredibly fresh and herbaceous peppermint… long, luxurious and startlingly minty.”

Widely regarded by bartenders as the benchmark crème de menthe for craft cocktails.

Tasting Profile

Nose
Fresh peppermint, crushed mint leaf, and herbal brightness.

Palate
Silky and vibrant with pure mint oil, subtle sweetness, and layered herbal complexity.

Finish
Long, cooling, and refreshing with a clean, icy mint sensation.

Quick Overview

Cocktail Recipes

Classic Grasshopper (Elevated Version)

Ingredients

• 1 oz Tempus Fugit Crème de Menthe
• 1 oz crème de cacao
• 1 oz cream

Preparation

1. Shake with ice until chilled.
2. Strain into a coupe glass.

👉 This version is dramatically cleaner and less artificial than the traditional build.

Stinger (Refined)

Ingredients

• 2 oz Cognac
• ½ oz Tempus Fugit Crème de Menthe

Preparation

1. Stir with ice until chilled.
2. Strain into a coupe or rocks glass.
3. 👉 The mint stays crisp and elegant, not overpowering.