Peppermint Espresso Martini Recipe

Bold espresso, creamy vanilla, and a peppermint twist make this Peppermint Espresso Martini the ultimate holiday cocktail. Perfectly festive with a candy cane rim!

Let’s talk about the holiday season and cocktails, shall we? Because if there’s one thing this season demands, it’s a drink that’s as extra as your favorite ugly sweater—but way more chic. 

Enter the Peppermint Espresso Martini, the cocktail equivalent of decking the halls with glitter. 

This is not your basic holiday drink. It’s bold, minty, and creamy, with just enough caffeine to keep you energized for wrapping presents, mingling at parties, or dancing under the mistletoe.

This cocktail is where your love for peppermint lattes meets your obsession with espresso martinis, all dressed up in a holiday outfit. We’re talking about a rim dipped in melted white chocolate and rolled in crushed candy canes—because we’re fancy like that. 

It’s the perfect blend of bold coffee flavor, smooth vanilla, and a refreshing peppermint twist. And don’t even get me started on the creamy finish from the vanilla creamer—it’s like sipping holiday magic.

The best part? You don’t need to be a professional mixologist to pull this off. 

It’s as simple as shaking a few ingredients, dressing up a martini glass, and strutting into your party like the cocktail queen you are. 

Ready to shake up your Christmas traditions? This perfect cocktail will have you and your guests feeling festive, fabulous, and fully caffeinated.

If you enjoy this festive cocktail you may also want to try my Orange Rose Mimosa Cubes or my Snowglobe Christmas Cocktail.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS FESTIVE PEPPERMINT ESPRESSO MARTINI RECIPE

• Festively Delicious: The perfect blend of bold espresso, creamy vanilla, and refreshing peppermint, topped with a candy cane rim for ultimate holiday vibes.
• Caffeine Meets Cocktail: Need a boost to keep up with the holiday madness? This martini delivers a pick-me-up in every sip.
• Easy and Impressive: Simple to make but looks like a professional crafted it. Your guests will think you’re a mixology genius.
• A Total Showstopper: The white chocolate and crushed candy cane rim make this delicious cocktail as Instagram-worthy as it is delicious.
• Customizable: Prefer more mint or extra creaminess? Adjust the flavors to your liking—it’s your holiday, your rules.
• Versatile and Fun: Great for holiday parties, cozy nights in, or a festive treat for yourself after a long day of decking the halls.

SIMPLE INGREDIENTS YOU NEED FOR THE PEPPERMINT KAHLUA MARTINI

You will need the following full ingredient list below to make this holiday party cocktail (the exact measurements and full recipe are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post):

• Fresh espresso: Because caffeine and cocktails are the dream team. Can use cold decaf coffee as a replacement.
• Peppermint Vodka: A minty kick that screams “I’m ready for the holidays.”
• Vanilla Vodka: Smooth, sweet, and perfectly balanced. Can also use regular vodka.
• Kahlúa: A rich coffee liqueur that takes this drink to the next level.
• Vanilla Creamer: For that creamy, dreamy finish.
• White Chocolate & Crushed Candy Canes/Peppermint candies: A rim so extra, it’s basically wearing a holiday crown. Can also use chocolate syrup, chocolate sauce, or vanilla frosting to rim the martini glasses.
• Optional – peppermint extract in place of peppermint vodka, peppermint schnapps, coffee beans, cold brew concentrate, heavy cream, maple syrup, etc.

HOW TO MAKE THE PEPPERMINT MOCHA ESPRESSO MARTINI

1. Dip the rim of a martini or coupe glass into melted white chocolate, then coat with crushed candy canes. Set aside to allow the rim to set.
2. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine the espresso, peppermint vodka, vanilla vodka, Kahlúa, and vanilla creamer.
3. Shake vigorously for 15–30 seconds until the mixture is well-chilled and frothy.
4. Strain the cocktail into the prepared glass.
5. Optional: Add a small candy cane or a sprinkle of crushed peppermint as garnish.

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR BEST RESULTS

• Chill Your Glass:
  Pop your martini or coupe glass in the freezer for a few minutes before prepping. A chilled glass keeps your cocktail cold and extra refreshing.
• Use Fresh Espresso:
  Freshly brewed espresso brings out bold, rich coffee flavors. Just let it cool slightly before mixing so it doesn’t melt the ice too quickly.
• Perfect the Rim:
  Melt the white chocolate carefully (low and slow is key), and make sure it’s not too hot, so it sticks well to the glass. Crush the candy canes finely for a clean, even coating.
• Shake It Like You Mean It:
  Shake your cocktail vigorously for 15–20 seconds. This creates the signature frothy layer on top that makes your martini extra smooth and luxurious.
• Balance the Flavors:
  If you like your drink a little sweeter, add a splash more vanilla creamer. Prefer a stronger mint flavor? Increase the peppermint vodka slightly.
• Don’t Skip the Ice:
  Fill your shaker with plenty of ice to ensure the cocktail chills properly without over-diluting.
• Experiment with Garnishes:
  While crushed candy canes are classic, you can add a mini candy cane hook, a sprinkle of cocoa powder, or even espresso beans for a creative touch.
• Opt for High-Quality Ingredients:
  Good-quality vodkas, fresh espresso, and a creamy vanilla creamer make all the difference.
• Go Dairy-Free:
  Swap the vanilla creamer for a plant-based alternative to make a vegan-friendly version without sacrificing flavor.

FAQS

SHOULD I USE AN ESPRESSO MACHINE TO MAKE THE ESPRESSO FOR THIS EGGNOG ESPRESSO MARTINI?

Yes! Using an espresso machine will give you the richest, boldest flavor for your martini. Pull a fresh espresso shot, and let it cool slightly before mixing.

WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO RIM THE GLASS?

Dip the edge of the glass into melted chocolate, then press it into crushed candy cane pieces on a small plate. This festive touch makes the drink irresistible and adds holiday spirit!

HOW DO I GET THE FROTHY TOP?

Shake the cocktail vigorously for 15–30 seconds with a secure lid on the shaker. The aeration creates the frothy top signature to a martini cocktail.

CAN I ADD CHOCOLATE LIQUEUR TO THIS RECIPE?

Absolutely! Adding a splash of Tia Maria or chocolate liqueur takes your Christmas espresso martini to the next level.

IS IT OKAY TO USE HOT ESPRESSO?

Hot espresso can melt the ice and dilute the drink. Always let your espresso cool to room temperature before adding it to the shaker. Cold espresso is best.

CAN I BATCH THIS PEPPERMINT ESPRESSO MARTINI RECIPE FOR HOLIDAY GATHERINGS?

Yes you can definitely make big batches! Multiply the ingredients, mix in a pitcher (minus ice), and store in the fridge. Shake each serving with ice for the best peppermint espresso martini at Christmas parties.

Other Festive Recipes You May Like To Try Over This Time Of Year!

• Classic Espresso Martini With Bailey’s
• No Bake Peanut Butter Balls (5 Ingredients)
• 30 Easy Christmas Cookie Recipes With Few Ingredients
• Christmas Chocolate Peppermint Truffles
• Heart Shaped Jam Thumbprint Cookies
• Gluten Free Dairy Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Sugar Free Sugar Cookies
• Brown Butter Homemade Rice Krispie Treats
• Santa Rice Krispie Treats
• Reindeer Cake Pops Recipe
• Easy Peanut Butter Marshmallow Squares
• Christmas Trees Gluten-Free Brownies
• Chocolate Covered Pretzel Wreaths
• Oreo Cookie Christmas Ornaments
• Peanut Butter Butterscotch Cookies
• Chocolate Caramel Shortbread Bars

HAPPY HOLIDAYS! IF YOU TRIED THIS PERFECT AFTER-DINNER DRINK PLEASE LEAVE IT A COMMENT IN THE COMMENT SECTION AND STAR RATING. I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR CREATIONS! YOU CAN PIN THIS FESTIVE TWIST ON PINTEREST OR SHARE ON INSTAGRAM BY TAGGING @basicswithbails and #basicswithbails