Peppermint Espresso Martini

Sometimes, even the jolliest Santas need a little boost to get through the holidays. Complement your Christmas (and other winter holidays) with this peppermint espresso martini recipe, which combines the zip of coffee with rich cream and a kick of peppermint vodka. This smooth and rich take on the classic espresso martini feels like winter wonderland in a glass.

Like many vodka cocktails, this Christmas espresso martini requires only a good cocktail shaker, some ice and the perfect martini glass. You can whip up individual drinks for a few friends or make a big batch for your holiday blowout. Either way, it’s as refreshing as a peppermint stick but with just enough espresso to keep you dashing through the snow!

Ingredients for Peppermint Espresso Martinis

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• Peppermint vodka: Smirnoff makes a seasonal peppermint vodka that’s perfect for holiday cocktails. If you can’t find it, you can easily add more peppermint extract (start with a drop or two and build from there). Vanilla vodka is another option, but it will reduce the minty-fresh flavor.
• Coffee liqueur: Coffee liqueur adds a rich, sweet flavor and helps balance the cocktail’s creaminess. Look for Kahlua, Mr. Black or Tia Maria for classic notes of coffee and caramel, or make your own coffee liqueur from scratch.
• Espresso: A strong, concentrated coffee, espresso is slightly bitter but incredibly flavorful, which balances the sweetness of the other ingredients. Brew it fresh, let it cool, and prepare for the holiday buzz. Don’t have a big, shiny Italian espresso machine? Cold brew or coffee concentrate are easy swaps.
• Half-and-half cream: Half-and-half gives the martini its creamy texture. The dairy tempers the heat of the alcohol and the acidic bite of the espresso. You can use whole milk, but you’ll lose the velvety texture.
• Peppermint extract: This boosts the peppermint flavor to festive heights, making each sip a winter wonderland. Be careful not to add too much; it’s powerful stuff.

Directions

Step 1: Add your ingredients

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Place ice cubes in a cocktail shaker. Add vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso, cream and peppermint extract.

Step 2: Shake the cocktail

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Place the top on the cocktail shaker and shake until the liquid is very cold. The shaker should be as frosty as a snowman.

Editor’s Tip: Shaking the cocktail for about 20 seconds does the trick. You don’t want to go much longer than that, or you could water down the drink.

Step 3: Strain and serve the cocktail

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Pour the peppermint espresso martini into a martini glass. Discard the ice in the shaker. Serve the cocktail immediately.

Editor’s Tip: When pouring your holiday espresso martini, use a Hawthorne strainer (one of the essential tools for a great home bar). Place it over the opening of the shaker to ensure you don’t get any ice chips and keep the frothy finish.

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How to Garnish a Peppermint Espresso Martini

While still delicious, a Christmas espresso martini without a garnish is like a tree without lights. Try a crushed candy cane rim for extra peppermint goodness. Before you pour the cocktail into your martini glass, dip the rim (or just half of it) into a shallow puddle of simple syrup or chocolate syrup and then dip the edge of the glass in crushed candy cane pieces. Short on time? Pop a whole candy cane into the glass for that Christmas-y look, add a mint sprig, or sprinkle a few chocolate shavings or a couple of chocolate-covered espresso beans on top.

Peppermint Espresso Martini Variations

• Candy cane-infused vodka: You can whip up homemade candy-cane-infused vodka for extra holiday flair, making your martini taste festive and look it, too. Drop 12 mini red-and-white candy canes into 3 cups of vodka. Seal up the container, and let the magic happen. The candy will dissolve into the vodka in about four hours, creating a sweet, minty infusion. Want even more flavor? Let it steep overnight or up to 48 hours for a bolder taste. As a bonus, the vodka turns a delicate pink from the candy cane stripes, adding that holiday pop!
• Make it a mocha: If you love the Starbucks seasonal drink, add 1/2 ounce of chocolate liqueur for a peppermint mocha twist.
• Vegan-friendly options: Swap the half-and-half for coconut cream or almond milk to make it a vegan drink.
• Celebrate like the Irish: For a little extra holiday spirit, replace either half of the coffee liqueur or half of the dairy with Bailey’s Irish cream.
• Go with rum: Peppermint RumChata is rum, but it nonetheless works well in this espresso peppermint martini. It will add chocolate notes and a creamy texture, so you’ll want to reduce the half-and-half.

How to Store a Peppermint Espresso Martini

Honestly, this martini is best enjoyed fresh. The creamy, frothy texture doesn’t hold up well in the fridge.

Can you make peppermint espresso martinis ahead of time?

If you must prep ahead, mix the coffee liqueur, vodka, peppermint extract and espresso, then refrigerate the mixture for up to a day in advance. When ready to serve, add the half-and-half and shake the cocktail with ice.

Peppermint Espresso Martini Tips

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Can you make an espresso martini with regular coffee?

Yes, you can! Regular coffee works, but the flavor won’t be as strong. Use a dark roast that’s brewed extra strong, and let it cool before shaking it up. Check your grocery store for coffee concentrate, which is a good alternative.

How do you make peppermint espresso martinis for a crowd?

To make a batch of peppermint espresso martinis, multiply the ingredients by your guest count and mix the vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso and peppermint extract in a pitcher. When ready to serve, shake individual cocktails with the half-and-half and ice for a fresh, frothy finish.

What can you serve with peppermint espresso martinis?

Including holiday peppermint espresso martinis at your Christmas cookie exchange will get the party started right! Consider serving minty drinks with your favorite Italian cookies, vintage cookies, slice-and-bake cookies and gluten-free cookies.