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This Peppermint Espresso Martini is the perfect drink to shake up your holiday spirit. A festive twist on the classic espresso martini, this recipe combines the bold, smooth flavor of fresh espresso with the refreshing kick of peppermint liqueur. Garnished with crushed candy canes and coffee beans, it’s as delightful to look at as it is to sip.
What is a Peppermint Espresso Martini?
A Peppermint Espresso Martini is a festive cocktail variation of the classic Espresso Martini cocktail. A traditional Espresso Martini typically includes vodka, coffee liqueur, and fresh espresso. This Peppermint Espresso Martini includes vodka, fresh brewed and cooled espresso, a simple syrup and peppermint liqueur all poured into a crushed candy cane rimmed martini glass. This cocktail adds a festive twist by adding in some classic Christmas peppermint flavor.
Similar to a Peppermint Kahlua Martini, this delicious cocktail is strong, creamy, a little bit sweet and oh so decadent! Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or just looking for the perfect after-dinner drink, this frothy, delicious cocktail will be your go-to this season.
Why You’ll Love This Festive Peppermint Espresso Martini
You’ll love this Peppermint Espresso Martini for its creamy, perfectly balanced flavor. The bold espresso pairs beautifully with the subtle sweetness of peppermint, while the crushed candy cane rim adds a festive touch to every sip. Plus, it’s simple to make with pantry staples like espresso, vodka, and peppermint liqueur. Whether you’re a coffee lover or a fan of classic cocktails, this recipe is bound to impress.
Main Ingredients + Tools Needed
This recipe takes just a few ingredients and will make two martinis. Here’s what you’ll need to make this festive cocktail:
Ingredients
- espresso– freshly brewed, and cooled. Use an espresso machine or espresso maker for the boldest coffee flavor, but instant espresso or cold brew concentrate works in a pinch.
- vodka– any brand of regular vodka works well, but peppermint vodka amps up the holiday vibe.
- peppermint liqueur– liqueur with the base of peppermint lends a great flavor to this cocktail.
- simple syrup– sweetens the drink and balances the bold espresso. I have a great simple syrup recipe found here.
- ice cubes– can’t have a drink without ice!
- crushed peppermint candies– for rimming your martini glasses and adding a festive crunch.. I like this bag of crushed peppermint candies because it’s ready to go. If you want to use candy canes and crush them in a resealable bag with a mallet, that works great too!
- 3 coffee beans for garnish
- fresh mint leaves optional, for an extra festive touch!
Tools
- cocktail shaker- this cocktail shaker is similar to the one I use.
- martini glasses- any martini glass will work, but this set of 4 martini glasses are a great option.
Variations
Mix it up with these easy swaps or additions:
- Peppermint Schnapps instead of peppermint liqueur for a stronger kick.
- Add a splash of cream for a creamier martini.
- Swap espresso with decaf coffee for an evening-friendly drink.
- Use chocolate liqueur or chocolate syrup for a richer flavor.
- Skip the peppermint candy and rim your glass with melted chocolate for a more indulgent garnish.
Homemade Simple Syrup
I make this simple syrup in big batches to keep in the refrigerator but for this recipe you can do equal parts of sugar and water (about 1/4 cup of each) and you’ll have plenty. This cocktail doesn’t call for much simple syrup, so you can toss the extra or store in an airtight container the fridge for a future drink. If you want more in depth detail about making a simple syrup, browse through my post here. If you don’t want to make your own, you can use a simple syrup found at the grocery store. It’s usually on the same aisle as honey, agave and other sweeteners. I’ve also found it in the coffee or alcohol aisles.
How to Make a Peppermint Espresso Martini
This recipe comes together in less than 5 minutes and makes 2 martinis. For full recipe details, including ingredient measurements, see the printable recipe card down below.
1. Rim the Martini Glasses
Add crushed candy cane pieces to the rim of your martini glasses and set aside.
Pro Tip: If you aren’t using a bag of pre-crushed candy cane pieces, no problem! To crush up candy canes, place candy canes in a resealable bag and crush with a mallet until the pieces are very small and uniform in size.
2. Add Ingredients to Cocktail Shaker
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes. Add cooled (to room temperature) espresso, vodka, peppermint liqueur, and simple syrup and shake vigorously, creating a nice foam.
Pour drink into each glass and garnish with fresh mint leaves (if desired) and 3 coffee beans in each glass. Serve cold.
Time to Sit Back + Enjoy!
The holidays are here and it’s time for all the get togethers and parties! Specialty cocktails like this Peppermint Espresso Martini can be a great addition to a festive atmosphere. Whether it’s a Christmas party or a New Year’s Eve celebration, this cocktail will be a delightful addition to your festivities. Cheers!
Make Ahead Directions
If you’re wanting to get ahead of the game and spend more time with your guests, you can brew the espresso and prep the simple syrup in advance, but mix the cocktail just before serving for the best flavor and frothy texture.
Leftover Martinis don’t store well, so it’s best to make only what you’ll drink immediately.
FAQ About Peppermint Espresso Martini
It is a liqueur made with a peppermint extract base that can be added to many cocktails for a little peppermint flavor. It’s similar to coffee liqueur (like Kahlua or Tia Maria). You can use peppermint schnapps or regular vodka with a splash of peppermint extract for a similar flavor.
Traditionally vodka or tequila is used in espresso martinis but you can use your liquor of choice. Irish Whiskey (like Bailey’s Irish Cream), rum or gin are good alternatives.
The key to a frothy martini is making sure your cocktail shaker is very cold. You’ll know it’s cold enough if it hurts your fingers while shaking it. Also make sure you’re vigorously shaking the cocktail shaker to get a nice foamy top.
Yes, you can. You can make an espresso martini without an espresso maker by using cold brew or drip coffee. Cold brew coffee has a strong coffee concentrate that can be a substitute for espresso. If you’re looking for a milder flavor try using brewed coffee.
More Festive Drink Recipes to Try!
- Smoked Old Fashioned
- Irish Coffee
- Non-Alcoholic Moscow Mule
- Christmas Mocktail
- Classic Holiday Mocktail
- Aperol Spritz
This Peppermint Espresso Martini is your ticket to a festive holiday season. Make it for your next Christmas party or keep it in your back pocket as your favorite cocktail for winter gatherings. Grab your martini glasses and cocktail shaker—it’s time to sip in style! The printable recipe card is below. Have a great day, friends!
If you make this recipe, I would really appreciate it if you would give it a star rating and leave your review in the comments! If you have a picture of your finished dish, post it on Instagram using the hashtag #laurenslatest and tagging me @laurens_latest.
Peppermint Espresso Martini Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 oz espresso freshly brewed, then cooled
- 4 oz vodka
- 2 oz peppermint liqueur
- 1 oz simple syrup
- ice cubes
- crushed peppermint candy bits for garnish
- 3 coffee beans for garnish
- fresh mint leaves optional, for garnish
Equipment
Instructions
- Rim your martini glasses with crushed candy canes and set aside.
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes. Add cooled espresso, vodka, peppermint liqueur, and simple syrup and shake vigorously, creating a nice foam.
- Pour drink into each glass and garnish with fresh mint leaves (if desired) and 3 coffee beans in each glass. Serve cold. Cheers!
