If you’re anything like me and obsessed with festive, cozy cocktails, wait until you try this **Peppermint Espresso Martini Recipe**. It’s like a holiday party in a glass — smooth, chocolaty, with just that perfect peppermint zing that gives it such a fun twist. I absolutely love how this turns out every time, and I’m betting once you try it, you’ll be making it all winter long!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive Flavor Boost: The peppermint extract brings a refreshing twist to the classic espresso martini that feels like winter in a glass.
- Easy to Make: Mix everything in one shaker and decorate with chocolate and candy canes for an impressive presentation without fuss.
- Customizable: You can easily swap dairy creamer for dairy-free options and even add a mocha twist if you want a richer taste.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a cozy date night or holiday party, my family goes crazy for this cocktail every time I make it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
All these ingredients come together to create the perfect balance between rich coffee, creamy texture, and that unmistakable peppermint freshness. You’ll want to use good-quality espresso or cold brew for the best flavor punch.
- Vodka: I love using vanilla vodka here for a little extra softness, but a classic vodka works great too. Look for gluten-free if needed.
- Kahlua (coffee liqueur): This adds that signature coffee depth and a hint of sweetness you’ll adore.
- Fresh brewed espresso or cold brew coffee: Freshly brewed espresso makes this cocktail taste coffeehouse-quality, but strong cold brew is a great shortcut.
- Half & half (or dairy-free creamer): Nutpods or Califia Farms Peppermint Mocha creamers work wonderfully if you prefer dairy-free.
- Peppermint extract: Just a touch adds the festive, minty brightness without overpowering.
- Chocolate syrup (for rimming): It helps the candy canes stick and adds a luscious chocolate note with every sip.
- Crushed candy canes: Adds festive color and a peppermint crunch on the rim that guests love.
- Espresso beans (for garnish): Classic espresso martini garnish that adds a little extra coffee aroma.
Variations
I love playing around with this Peppermint Espresso Martini Recipe to adjust it for different moods or occasions — and you should too! Whether you want it dairy-free or chocolatey, there’s something for everyone.
- Add Mocha: I discovered this trick when I wanted something richer — just add 2 teaspoons of chocolate syrup to the shaker before you shake everything together. It’s dreamy and perfect for chocolate lovers.
- Dairy-Free: Use peppermint mocha flavored dairy-free creamers like Nutpods or Califia Farms for a creamy texture that still keeps the peppermint vibe strong.
- Stronger Espresso Kick: For an extra bold coffee flavor, use a double shot of fresh espresso or a little less creamer. Just depends on how much caffeine kick you want!
How to Make Peppermint Espresso Martini Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Glasses with Chocolate Peppermint Rims
Start by dipping the rims of your martini glasses in chocolate syrup — I like to use a small plate for this part. Then immediately dip the rim into the crushed candy canes. This sticky, sweet rim adds an extra festive touch and a little crunchy surprise with every sip.
Step 2: Shake It Up
Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice. Add vodka, Kahlua, cooled espresso (or cold brew), half & half (or creamer), and peppermint extract. Shake vigorously for about 60 seconds. You want it well-chilled and nicely blended — this is key for that silky smooth texture.
Step 3: Pour and Garnish
Strain the mixture evenly between your two glasses. Pop three espresso beans on top for that classic espresso martini look and a little extra aroma. Then, you’re ready to cheers and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Making Peppermint Espresso Martini Recipe
- Chill Your Glasses: I always pop my martini glasses in the freezer about 10 minutes before making the cocktail — it keeps the drink icy cold longer.
- Use Fresh Espresso: When I first tried this, using fresh espresso instead of instant coffee made all the difference in flavor and smoothness.
- Balanced Peppermint: A quarter teaspoon of peppermint extract is enough — more can get overpowering quickly, so add cautiously.
- Don’t Skip the Shake: Shaking for a full minute creates that beautiful frothy layer on top and blends flavors perfectly, so don’t rush this step.
How to Serve Peppermint Espresso Martini Recipe
Garnishes
Besides the crushed candy canes on the rim and espresso beans on top, I like to add a small fresh mint leaf or even a thin chocolate curl if I’m feeling fancy. It really amps up the holiday vibe and tastes as good as it looks.
Side Dishes
This Peppermint Espresso Martini pairs beautifully with dark chocolate truffles, biscotti, or even a small plate of spiced nuts. For me, it’s the perfect nightcap alongside anything sweet but not too heavy.
Creative Ways to Present
I once served this recipe in clear coupe glasses with candy cane stirrers and a sprinkle of edible gold dust on top — it looked incredible at my holiday gathering and was a total conversation starter! You can also rim the glasses with crushed peppermint bark for an extra seasonal touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (rare in my house!), store the mixed martini in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just give it a quick shake before serving because separation can happen.
Freezing
I don’t recommend freezing this cocktail; the cream and coffee components don’t freeze well and can separate or become grainy when thawed.
Reheating
This one is best enjoyed cold and fresh, so I suggest shaking a new batch rather than reheating leftovers — the flavor and texture are unbeatable that way.
FAQs
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Can I make a non-alcoholic version of this Peppermint Espresso Martini Recipe?
Absolutely! Replace the vodka and Kahlua with coffee-flavored syrups or a non-alcoholic coffee liqueur alternative, and use peppermint syrup instead of extract. You’ll still get those festive flavors without the alcohol.
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What’s the best way to brew espresso for this cocktail?
I like using a fresh shot from my espresso machine, but if you don’t have one, a strong cold brew concentrate or stovetop moka pot espresso works excellently too. Just make sure it’s cooled before shaking!
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Can I use regular peppermint flavor instead of extract?
Yes, but peppermint extract is more concentrated, so you’ll need less to avoid overpowering the drink. If you use a syrup or flavoring, adjust sweetness accordingly.
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How do I get that frothy layer on top of the martini?
Shaking the cocktail vigorously with ice for at least 60 seconds emulsifies the cream and coffee, creating that beautiful frothy layer classic to espresso martinis.
Final Thoughts
This Peppermint Espresso Martini Recipe is one I keep close to my heart every holiday season, and honestly, it’s perfect anytime you want a cocktail that feels festive yet smooth and indulgent. I recommend you give it a go at your next gathering or quiet night in—you’ll impress everyone and might just find your new favorite winter cocktail. Cheers to cozy nights and delicious sips!
Print
Peppermint Espresso Martini Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 2 martinis
- Category: Cocktail
- Method: Shaking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Peppermint Espresso Martinis are a festive and refreshing cocktail featuring vodka, coffee liqueur, and fresh espresso, enhanced with peppermint extract and a chocolate peppermint rim for a delightful holiday twist. Perfect for celebrating or enjoying a cozy evening.
Ingredients
Martini Mixture
- 4 oz vodka (vanilla vodka optional, gluten free if needed)
- 2 oz Kahlua or coffee liqueur
- 3 oz fresh brewed espresso, cooled, or strong cold brew coffee
- 2 oz half & half (or Nutpods or Califia Farms Peppermint Mocha creamer for dairy free)
- ¼ tsp peppermint extract
Chocolate Peppermint Rims & Garnish
- Chocolate syrup
- Crushed candy canes
- 6 espresso beans
Instructions
- Prepare Glass Rims: Dip the rims of 2 martini glasses into chocolate syrup to coat them evenly, then immediately dip the coated rims into crushed candy canes to create a festive peppermint-chocolate crust. Set aside.
- Mix Cocktail: Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice. Pour in the vodka, Kahlua, cooled espresso, half & half (or dairy-free alternative), and peppermint extract. Secure the shaker lid and shake vigorously for 60 seconds to chill and combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Serve: Strain and divide the mixture evenly between the two prepared glasses. Garnish each martini with 3 espresso beans floating on top. Serve immediately and enjoy your peppermint espresso martinis!
Notes
- Mocha Variation: Add 2 tsp chocolate syrup to the shaker before shaking to infuse a rich mocha flavor.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free creamers like Nutpods (original or peppermint mocha) or Califia Farms Peppermint Mocha creamer instead of half & half to make this cocktail dairy-free.
- Nutrition Info: The nutrition facts provided do not include the chocolate peppermint rim.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 martini
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
