Midori Peppermint Float Cocktail Recipe

Mixing drinks that feel playful and refreshing is honestly one of my favorite things, and this one totally fits the bill. The Midori Peppermint Float brings together sweet melon liqueur, cool peppermint, and a creamy float that just sits perfectly on top.

You don’t need to hunt down fancy gadgets or rare ingredients for this one. The mix of Midori and peppermint is crisp, almost like a little burst of winter, while the float gives everything a soft, creamy finish.

It’s easy enough for a chill night at home, but, hey, it’s also fun to serve at a holiday party if you want something different. I’ll walk you through the recipe so you can see exactly how it comes together.

Midori Peppermint Float Cocktail Recipe

Honestly, I like this drink because it’s got that bright, almost neon melon flavor from the Midori, and then the peppermint just kind of cools it down. The ice cream? That’s the fun part—it makes it creamy, and the soda adds a fizzy kick.

Equipment

• Tall glass or float glass
• Cocktail shaker
• Measuring jigger
• Long spoon or stirrer
• Ice cream scoop
• Small strainer (optional)
• Straw

I usually grab a tall glass so there’s enough space for everything—the soda, the ice cream, the works. The shaker gets the Midori and peppermint schnapps mixed up just right. A long spoon is handy so you don’t make a mess while stirring.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ oz Midori melon liqueur
• 1 oz peppermint schnapps
• 1 scoop vanilla ice cream
• Lemon-lime soda (to top)
• Ice cubes
• Whipped cream (optional)
• Crushed peppermint candy (optional garnish)

Midori gives this cocktail that wild green color. Peppermint schnapps adds a little zing, and the vanilla ice cream is what makes it a float instead of just another drink.

Soda gives it some bubbles—lemon-lime is my go-to, but you can play around. Whipped cream and crushed candy are just there if you want to make it look extra festive.

Instructions

• Fill a shaker with ice cubes.
• Pour in the Midori and peppermint schnapps.
• Shake for about 10 seconds—don’t overthink it.
• Strain into a tall glass that’s already got some soda in it, about halfway.
• Gently plop a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
• Pour more soda in, slowly, until the glass is full.
• Stir just a little with a spoon so the flavors mingle.
• Add whipped cream and crushed peppermint if you’re feeling fancy.

I always pour the soda in slowly, otherwise it foams up and makes a mess. A light stir is all you need—otherwise the ice cream just disappears.

Notes

This cocktail is best when you serve it right away, since the ice cream melts pretty quickly. I usually use lemon-lime soda, but if you want something less sweet, club soda works too.

If you like things lighter, just add more soda and go easy on the schnapps. Want more mint? Add a little extra schnapps—no big deal.

Sometimes I freeze the glass first. It keeps everything colder and the ice cream from melting too fast, which is honestly a nice touch.

Tasting Notes

When I take that first sip, the bright melon flavor from the Midori pops out immediately. It’s sweet—definitely not cloying—and that green color almost tricks my brain into thinking it’s extra fresh.

The peppermint kicks in next, adding this cool edge that kind of cuts through the sweetness. I love that it hangs around on my tongue, but never gets overwhelming or weirdly medicinal.

Then there’s the ice cream, which just makes everything creamy and smooth. It really takes the edge off the peppermint and somehow ties the melon and mint together in a way I didn’t expect.

As the ice cream melts, the texture shifts a bit. At first, it’s thick and almost decadent, but after a couple minutes it loosens up and feels a lot more sippable.

The aroma hits before anything else—a mix of mint and vanilla, honestly, which is a little surprising. Makes the whole thing feel fun, maybe even a bit festive if that’s your vibe.

Flavor highlights I pick up:

• Sweet melon
• Cool peppermint
• Creamy vanilla
• Light dairy richness