Save A festive, creamy cocktail blending espresso, vodka, and peppermint, finished with a chocolate peppermint rim—perfect for holiday celebrations.
This cocktail quickly became my favorite holiday drink to serve at parties and family gatherings.
Ingredients
- Vodka: 4 oz (plain or vanilla use gluten-free if needed)
- Kahlua or other coffee liqueur: 2 oz
- Fresh brewed espresso: 3 oz cooled (or strong cold brew coffee)
- Half & half: 2 oz (or dairy-free peppermint mocha creamer eg Nutpods or Califia Farms for dairy-free)
- Peppermint extract: ¼ tsp
- Chocolate syrup: enough for rimming glasses
- Crushed candy canes: 2 tbsp
- Espresso beans: 6 (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the glasses:
- Pour a thin layer of chocolate syrup onto a small plate. Dip the rims of two martini glasses into the syrup to coat. Then dip the rims into the crushed candy canes to adhere. Set aside.
- Fill shaker:
- Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
- Add ingredients:
- Add vodka Kahlua espresso half & half (or dairy-free creamer) and peppermint extract to the shaker.
- Shake:
- Shake vigorously for 60 seconds until well-chilled and frothy.
- Strain:
- Strain the mixture evenly into the prepared martini glasses.
- Garnish:
- Garnish each drink with 3 espresso beans. Serve immediately.
Save Many family moments have been made over sharing these cocktails during the holidays.
Notes
Additional tips include adding a small candy cane as a stirrer and knowing nutrition facts do not include the chocolate peppermint rim.
Required Tools
Cocktail shaker martini glasses small plates (for rimming) measuring jigger strainer
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (unless using dairy-free creamer) contains alcohol and coffee may contain soy or tree nuts if using certain creamers check product labels contains peppermint check for allergies to mint
Save This peppermint espresso martini is a perfect balance of creamy and festive flavors sure to impress your guests.
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of coffee works best for this cocktail?
Fresh brewed espresso is ideal for a rich, smooth flavor, but strong cold brew coffee can be used as a convenient alternative.
- → Can I make this cocktail dairy free?
Yes, substitute half & half with a dairy-free peppermint mocha creamer like Nutpods or Califia Farms to keep it creamy without dairy.
- → How do I create the chocolate peppermint rim?
Dip glass rims in chocolate syrup then coat with crushed candy canes for a festive and flavorful garnish.
- → Is it possible to add more chocolate flavor to the drink itself?
Adding two teaspoons of chocolate syrup to the shaker intensifies the chocolate notes without overpowering the other flavors.
- → What garnishes are recommended for presentation?
Garnish each glass with three espresso beans and optionally use a small candy cane as a festive stirrer.