If you’re looking for a cocktail that perfectly blends festive peppermint with rich coffee delight, you’ve got to try my Peppermint Espresso Martini Recipe. It’s an absolute game-changer for holiday parties or cozy nights in, combining the bold kick of espresso with a refreshing hint of peppermint. Trust me, once you sip this, you’ll want to make it your go-to signature drink!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Holiday Flavor: Peppermint and espresso create an irresistible festive combo that’s cozy and refreshing.
- Easy to Make: Just a few ingredients and one quick shake, making it effortless even for beginners.
- Customizable: Switch up the cream or add mocha for a rich twist or go dairy-free with peppermint-flavored creamers.
- Showstopper Presentation: Chocolate peppermint rims and espresso bean garnish make this martini look as fantastic as it tastes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Peppermint Espresso Martini Recipe is in how simple ingredients come together to create something so decadent yet refreshing. Picking a good quality vodka and fresh espresso really makes a difference here, so I always treat myself to the best I can.
- Vodka: Vanilla vodka works beautifully, and if you need gluten-free options, check the label carefully.
- Kahlua (coffee liqueur): This adds that deep coffee undertone that punches up the espresso flavor.
- Fresh brewed espresso or strong cold brew: Freshly brewed espresso is my favorite—it gives that fresh, bold coffee taste.
- Half & half or dairy-free creamer: Nutpods or Califia Farms Peppermint Mocha creamer are perfect for a dairy-free twist without sacrificing creaminess.
- Peppermint extract: Just a touch, so it doesn’t overpower but adds that festive brightness.
- Chocolate syrup: For coating the glass rim to add a sweet, chocolaty contrast.
- Crushed candy canes: Adds crunch and peppermint pop on the rim, making each sip a treat.
- Espresso beans: Classic garnish that’s aromatic and fun to nibble on after finishing your drink.
Variations
I love keeping this Peppermint Espresso Martini Recipe versatile—sometimes I tweak it depending on the occasion or my mood. You’ll find it’s a great base to customize with flavors or swap out ingredients for your preferences.
- Mocha Version: Adding a couple teaspoons of chocolate syrup transforms this into a mocha peppermint espresso martini – it’s my personal favorite when I’m craving something extra rich.
- Dairy-Free Option: Using peppermint mocha-flavored dairy-free creamers like Nutpods or Califia Farms keeps the creamy texture and festive flavor without milk products.
- Extra Peppermint Kick: If you’re a peppermint fanatic like me, you can increase the peppermint extract slightly, but be cautious—it’s powerful stuff!
- Vegan Friendly: Swap the cream for coconut or almond-based creamer and double-check the vodka and Kahlua brands for vegan certifications.
How to Make Peppermint Espresso Martini Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Glasses with Chocolate & Candy Cane Rims
This little touch takes your cocktail from good to wow-worthy! Dip the rims of two martini glasses in chocolate syrup – I like to use a small saucer for easy dipping – then immediately dip them into crushed candy canes so the bits stick beautifully. It’s best to do this just before serving so the rims stay fresh and crunchy.
Step 2: Shake Up Your Peppermint Espresso Martini Mix
Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice, then pour in 4 ounces vodka, 2 ounces Kahlua, 3 ounces brewed and cooled espresso, 2 ounces half & half (or dairy-free creamer), and ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract. Seal the shaker tightly and shake vigorously for 60 seconds—this chills and froths the drink perfectly.
Step 3: Pour and Garnish
Strain the shaken mixture evenly between your prepared glasses. Top each martini with 3 espresso beans for that classic, aromatic finishing touch. And that’s it—you’re ready to savor this festive, flavorful cocktail.
Pro Tips for Making Peppermint Espresso Martini Recipe
- Use Fresh Espresso: I discovered that freshly brewed espresso makes a huge difference in flavor—don’t substitute it with instant coffee or weak brew.
- Control the Peppermint Extract: This ingredient is potent, so start small and add more if needed to avoid overpowering the coffee notes.
- Chill Your Glasses: Pop your glasses in the fridge or freezer before preparing the drink to keep your martinis cool longer when serving.
- Shake Well, Don’t Dilute: Shaking for a full 60 seconds ensures the right chill and froth without melting too much ice, which can water down the drink.
How to Serve Peppermint Espresso Martini Recipe
Garnishes
I always reach for espresso beans for the classic garnish—they add aroma, texture, and a little nibble between sips. The crushed candy canes on the rim add a festive crunch and look so pretty against the chocolate syrup. Feel free to swap in a sprig of fresh mint for a brighter pop of green and a fresh aroma.
Side Dishes
Since this cocktail already has rich coffee notes, I like pairing it with simple, complementary treats like dark chocolate truffles or shortbread cookies. Little peppermint bark squares also work great to keep that holiday vibe going.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, I’ve served this drink in vintage coupe glasses with a small candy cane hooked on the rim, and the chocolate syrup rim swirled inside the glass for extra flair. Adding edible glitter or sprinkling some crushed peppermint on top is a fun trick to impress your guests too!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (hey, it happens!), store the peppermint espresso martini mixture—minus ice and garnishes—in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Shake well before serving since some separation can occur.
Freezing
I haven’t tried freezing this cocktail because the cream and coffee tend to separate on thawing. Freshly shaken is definitely best here for that frothy smoothness.
Reheating
Since this is a chilled cocktail, reheating isn’t recommended. However, if you want more coffee warmth, just brew a fresh shot to enjoy alongside or after your martini instead.
FAQs
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Can I use cold brew instead of espresso for this Peppermint Espresso Martini Recipe?
Yes! Cold brew works well if you don’t have an espresso machine. Just make sure it’s strong and well-chilled to keep the cocktail flavorful and cool.
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Is there a non-alcoholic version of this Peppermint Espresso Martini Recipe?
Absolutely! You can omit the vodka and Kahlua, then increase the espresso and peppermint creamer. Adding a splash of coffee-flavored syrup helps imitate the liqueur’s depth.
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What’s the best way to crush candy canes for the rim?
I usually put candy canes in a zip-top bag and gently crush them with a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy pan. It’s quick and keeps the pieces nice and crunchy without powdery dust.
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Can I prepare the rimmed glasses in advance?
Yes, but do it just before serving to prevent the chocolate and candy from softening. If you prep too early, the rim may lose its crisp texture.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Peppermint Espresso Martini Recipe brings together two of my favorite flavors in one luscious drink that’s both festive and sophisticated. Every time I serve it, people are impressed—and then keep asking for the recipe. If you’re ready to wow your friends or just treat yourself during the holidays, give this one a try. You’ll find it’s a crowd-pleaser that feels a bit like a warm holiday hug in a glass.
Print
Peppermint Espresso Martini Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 2 martinis
- Category: Cocktail
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
A festive and refreshing Peppermint Espresso Martini recipe that combines the rich flavors of vodka, coffee liqueur, and fresh espresso with a hint of peppermint. Perfectly garnished with a chocolate syrup and crushed candy cane rim, this cocktail is ideal for holiday celebrations or any time you want a cool, minty coffee-flavored treat.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 oz vodka (vanilla vodka optional, choose 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 (use Nutpods or Califia Farms Peppermint Mocha creamer for dairy-free option)
- ¼ tsp peppermint extract
Chocolate Peppermint Rims & Garnish
- Chocolate syrup
- Crushed candy canes
- 6 espresso beans
Instructions
- Prepare the Glasses: Dip the rim of 2 martini glasses into chocolate syrup to coat evenly, then immediately dip the rims into crushed candy canes to create a festive chocolate peppermint rim.
- Mix the Cocktail: Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice. Pour in the vodka, Kahlua, cooled espresso or cold brew, half & half (or dairy-free creamer), and peppermint extract. Seal the shaker and shake vigorously for 60 seconds to blend and chill the ingredients thoroughly.
- Serve: Strain the shaken mixture evenly into the prepared martini glasses. Garnish each glass with 3 espresso beans on top for a classic espresso martini touch. Enjoy your Peppermint Espresso Martini!
Notes
- Mocha Flavor: For a chocolate mocha twist, add 2 teaspoons of chocolate syrup to the shaker with the other ingredients.
- Nutrition Information: The nutrition facts provided do not include the chocolate peppermint rim made with syrup and candy canes.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use original or peppermint mocha flavored Nutpods creamer or Califia Farms Peppermint Mocha creamer instead of half & half for a dairy-free version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 martini
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 25mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
