Baileys Irish Cream, white Crème de Menthe, and double cream are shaken together and strained into a glass for Midnight Mint, a creamy dessert-style cocktail. The glass may first be rimmed with sugar syrup and dipped in chocolate flakes or powder for added richness. White Crème de Menthe lends a cool, clean mint note that cuts through the heaviness of the Baileys and cream, keeping the drink from cloying despite its indulgent body. At roughly 10 percent ABV, it is an after-dinner offering aimed at drinkers who favor sweet, creamy cocktails, served chilled and optionally dusted with chocolate.
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Midnight Mint
Bahan
- Baileys Irish Cream 1 oz
- White Creme de Menthe 3/4 oz
- Cream 3/4 oz double
Petunjuk
If available, rim cocktail (Martini) glass with sugar syrup then dip into chocolate flakes or powder. Add ingredients into shaker with ice. Shake well then strain into cocktail glass.
Midnight Mint is a creamy, dessert-style cocktail that combines Baileys Irish Cream, white Crème de Menthe, and double cream, shaken and strained into a sugar-rimmed glass optionally dusted with chocolate. The white Crème de Menthe provides a cool, clean mint flavour that cuts through the richness of the Baileys and cream. It is a popular after-dinner drink suited to sweet cocktail enthusiasts.
History & Origins
Midnight Mint belongs to a family of creamy liqueur cocktails that emerged in the late 20th century following the commercial introduction of Irish cream liqueurs like Baileys in 1974. The combination of mint and chocolate cream flavours draws on a long confectionery tradition. The specific recipe's origin is disputed, though it appears in bartending guides from the 1980s and 1990s.
Tasting Notes
Aroma: Cool peppermint and sweet Irish cream with a hint of vanilla. Palate: Silky and rich with a prominent mint freshness balanced by the creamy sweetness of Baileys and double cream. Finish: Smooth and lingering, with a gentle mint coolness and a chocolate undertone from any cocoa garnish.
Pro Tip
Dip the cocktail glass rim in sugar syrup and then in chocolate flakes before shaking, so the garnish adheres perfectly and adds texture to every sip.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the typical ingredients in a Midnight Mint cocktail?
A Midnight Mint cocktail generally combines crème de menthe, cream liqueur or vodka, and sometimes chocolate liqueur to create a cool, minty, dessert-style drink. The dark or 'midnight' quality in the name often comes from the use of dark crème de menthe or a coffee/chocolate component that gives the drink a deep color. It is typically served chilled, either as a shooter or in a martini glass.
How does a Midnight Mint differ from a Grasshopper or Stinger?
The Midnight Mint is darker and often richer than a Grasshopper, which uses light crème de menthe, white crème de cacao, and cream for a pastel green presentation. Unlike the Stinger — which is simply brandy and white crème de menthe — the Midnight Mint typically incorporates additional layering elements like chocolate or coffee for greater complexity. The 'midnight' framing suggests a more indulgent, after-hours character than these lighter mint classics.
What is the ABV of a Midnight Mint?
A Midnight Mint typically carries an ABV of around 15–20%, depending on the ratio of liqueurs to spirits. Crème de menthe and cream liqueur both run at approximately 15–20% ABV, making the total a smooth, drinkable blend without the sharpness of straight spirits. When vodka or brandy is added to strengthen the cocktail, the ABV can rise to 20–25%.
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