Peppermint Kiss Espresso Martini


Packed with rich espresso, smooth coffee liqueur, refreshing peppermint, and creamy notes, these **Peppermint Espresso Martinis** are the quintessential festive drink, perfect for delighting guests throughout the entire winter season. Whether you’re hosting an elaborate holiday gathering, commemorating a significant milestone, or simply unwinding with a delightful nightcap, this sophisticated and invigorating cocktail is guaranteed to elevate any evening into a memorable occasion. It masterfully blends the beloved intensity of coffee with a cool, minty twist, creating a truly unique and enjoyable experience that will leave a lasting impression.

peppermint espresso martini with a candy cane rim with a Christmas tree in the background surrounded by ornaments
Elevate your holiday entertaining with these stunning Peppermint Espresso Martinis, beautifully garnished with a delightful candy cane rim.

Why You Will Love This Peppermint Espresso Martini Recipe

For many, the arrival of the holiday season signals the return of beloved seasonal flavors, and for me, peppermint mocha coffee holds a special place. The comforting warmth and refreshing mint of a good peppermint mocha from my favorite coffee shop are unmatched. My other indulgence? A perfectly crafted espresso martini. The rich, bold coffee flavor intertwined with a hint of sweetness and a kick of spirits creates an undeniably sophisticated beverage. It was only natural, then, to combine these two passions into one extraordinary drink: the Peppermint Espresso Martini, a fusion of festive cheer and caffeine kick.

This recipe isn’t just a simple cocktail; it’s a celebration in a glass. The clever addition of peppermint extract transforms a classic espresso martini into a festive masterpiece, offering a cool, crisp counterpoint to the deep, robust notes of espresso and coffee liqueur. It’s the ideal after-dinner treat, a stunning centerpiece for any festive table, or a cozy companion for a quiet winter evening by the fire. Imagine the delight on your guests’ faces as they sip on this invigorating blend, complete with its whimsical candy cane rim – it truly encapsulates the spirit of the season.

Beyond its incredible taste and charming presentation, what makes this Peppermint Espresso Martini truly exceptional is its surprising ease of preparation. Despite its elegant appearance and complex flavor profile, you’ll find it incredibly straightforward to create, even for novice mixologists. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a few quick steps, you can craft a sophisticated beverage that looks and tastes like it came straight from a high-end cocktail bar. The festive candy cane chocolate rim adds a playful touch, making it not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. Prepare to delight your guests and immerse everyone in the joyous holiday spirit with this irresistible cocktail!

Peppermint Espresso Martini: Recipe Highlights & Benefits

This festive cocktail stands out for numerous reasons, making it a must-try this holiday season. Here’s why this Peppermint Espresso Martini will become your new favorite:

  • **Unforgettable Festive Flavor**: A unique and delicious combination of rich coffee, creamy liqueur, and cool, refreshing peppermint that truly captures the essence of winter holidays. It’s a delightful blend that excites the palate.
  • **Effortlessly Elegant**: Despite its sophisticated appeal, this martini is incredibly easy to make with readily available ingredients, requiring minimal effort for maximum impact. You don’t need to be a professional bartender to craft this beauty.
  • **Fool-Proof Preparation**: Designed for success, this recipe provides clear, simple steps that ensure a perfectly balanced and delicious cocktail every time, even for those new to mixology. It’s a reliable crowd-pleaser.
  • **Creative Twist on a Classic**: It takes the beloved traditional espresso martini and infuses it with a delightful seasonal twist, offering a fresh perspective on a timeless favorite. This innovative take makes it truly special.
  • **Perfect for Holiday Celebrations**: An ideal beverage for all your holiday gatherings, from lively Christmas parties to intimate Christmas Eve dinners, guaranteed to impress and get everyone in a celebratory mood.
  • **A Coffee Lover’s Dream**: For anyone who appreciates the rich depth of coffee, this cocktail delivers that beloved flavor alongside a refreshing peppermint kick. It’s the ultimate combination for enthusiasts.
  • **Dietary Friendly Options**: Naturally gluten-free, with easy-to-implement dairy-free alternatives, ensuring that more guests can enjoy this delightful drink without worry.
  • **Visually Stunning**: The optional candy cane and chocolate rim not only adds a burst of flavor but also creates an eye-catching presentation that instantly enhances the festive atmosphere. It’s a cocktail that looks as good as it tastes.
  • **Invigorating After-Dinner Drink**: Provides the perfect balance of a sweet treat and a subtle pick-me-up, making it an excellent choice to conclude any meal or kick off a festive evening.
  • **Customizable Sweetness and Flavor**: Easily adjust the level of sweetness or add a mocha dimension, allowing you to tailor the martini precisely to your taste preferences or those of your guests.
ingredients for peppermint espresso martinis
Gather your simple yet essential ingredients to create these delightful peppermint espresso martinis.

Essential Ingredients for Your Peppermint Espresso Martini

Crafting the perfect Peppermint Espresso Martini begins with selecting high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the cocktail’s distinctive flavor profile and luxurious texture. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and some helpful tips for each:

Vodka: The Clean Canvas

The choice of vodka forms the foundational spirit of your martini, influencing its smoothness and strength. For those managing Celiac disease or a gluten intolerance, selecting a certified gluten-free vodka is paramount. Brands like Tito’s Vodka, distilled from corn, or Ciroc, expertly crafted from grapes, are highly recommended for their purity and wide availability. These options provide a clean, neutral base, allowing the nuanced flavors of coffee and peppermint to shine without interference. To add an extra layer of festive mint, consider a peppermint-flavored vodka, such as Smirnoff Peppermint Vodka, which is conveniently gluten-free and Kosher. Alternatively, a high-quality vanilla vodka can introduce a subtle warmth and sweetness, beautifully complementing the chocolate and coffee notes. Regardless of your choice, opt for a smooth, premium vodka to ensure a refined finish to your sophisticated cocktail.

Kahlúa or Coffee Liqueur: The Coffee Heartbeat

Kahlúa is the quintessential coffee liqueur for an espresso martini, renowned for its rich, sweet coffee flavor and delightful viscous texture that adds body to the drink. While Kahlúa is a fantastic starting point, feel free to explore other quality coffee liqueurs. Brands like Tia Maria offer a slightly different coffee profile, often with hints of vanilla or rum, while a chocolate coffee liqueur could further enhance a mocha theme. The chosen liqueur contributes significant depth, a balanced sweetness, and that essential, invigorating coffee kick that defines the espresso martini experience.

Espresso: The Soul of the Drink

Freshly brewed espresso is truly the gold standard for an espresso martini, delivering an intense, concentrated coffee flavor and a beautiful, silky crema that contributes to the signature frothy top. Each cocktail typically requires one shot of espresso, which is about 1.5 ounces. If you are lucky enough to possess an espresso maker or machine, brew your espresso fresh, but remember a critical step: allow it to cool completely to room temperature before mixing. Using hot espresso will rapidly dilute your drink and prematurely melt the ice, compromising both the frothy texture and the refreshing chill. For those without dedicated espresso equipment, don’t despair! You can achieve excellent results using strong cold brew coffee concentrate, which offers a robust and smooth coffee base. Other alternatives include very strong coffee brewed with a Moka pot or an AeroPress. The key is potency and, most importantly, thorough chilling.

Half & Half or Cream: For Luxurious Smoothness

Half & half plays a vital role in providing a luxurious creaminess and smooth body to your martini, perfectly balancing the sharpness of the coffee and alcohol. For guests who prefer or require a dairy-free option, there are fantastic alternatives available that do not compromise on texture or flavor. Nutpods creamers (available in original or a festive peppermint mocha flavor) or Califia Farms Peppermint Mocha creamer (which is almond milk-based) are excellent choices that maintain the desired creaminess and richness. For an extra indulgent and festive twist, consider substituting the half & half with Bailey’s Irish Cream. Its creamy, slightly boozy profile would blend seamlessly with the other ingredients, creating an even richer, more decadent beverage.

Peppermint Extract: The Festive Sparkle

A little goes a very long way with peppermint extract! This potent ingredient is precisely what infuses your martini with that unmistakable cool, refreshing mint flavor that instantly evokes the holiday season. You’ll typically only need a mere couple of drops per serving to achieve the desired effect. It’s crucial to start with a small amount and taste as you go, as an excess of extract can quickly overpower the delicate balance of the other ingredients. This extract is the magic touch that transforms a standard espresso martini into its festive and invigorating peppermint counterpart.

Chocolate Syrup: The Rim’s Foundation

This ingredient is primarily for creating the delightful and visually appealing candy cane rim. I personally prefer using Hershey’s Simply 5 syrup due to its minimal ingredient list and absence of high-fructose corn syrup, plus it’s certified gluten-free. However, any good quality chocolate sauce or syrup will work perfectly well. Its stickiness is essential for effectively adhering the crushed candy canes to the glass rim, and its chocolatey flavor provides a wonderful, complementary accent to the peppermint and coffee notes in the drink itself.

Candy Canes: The Signature Garnish

Crushed candy canes are the signature festive garnish for this martini, adding not only vibrant visual appeal but also a delightful textural crunch and a burst of minty flavor. For those with dietary concerns, Yum Earth offers great allergen-friendly candy canes made without artificial colorings or dyes, providing an inclusive option. Really, any peppermint candies can be crushed and utilized for this purpose. To prepare them, simply place a few candy canes in a sturdy plastic bag and crush them thoroughly using a meat mallet or a rolling pin until you achieve fine, crystalline pieces. This festive rim delivers a beautiful, sugary, and refreshing peppermint sensation with every sip, enhancing the overall sensory experience.

the first two steps for making peppermint espresso martinis
Begin your cocktail creation by preparing the festive candy cane rim for your martini glasses, setting the stage for a delightful drink.

How To Make the Best Peppermint Espresso Martinis (Step-by-Step Guide)

Creating these festive Peppermint Espresso Martinis is a straightforward process that yields impressive results, making you feel like a seasoned mixologist. Follow these simple steps for a perfectly balanced and visually stunning cocktail:

Step 1: Prepare Your Martini Glasses with a Chocolate Rim

Start by preparing your chosen martini glasses (or coupe glasses work beautifully too). Pour a thin, even layer of chocolate syrup onto a small, flat plate. Carefully dip the rim of two glasses into the chocolate syrup, gently rotating each glass to ensure the entire rim is coated evenly. This creates the essential sticky base for your candy cane garnish and introduces a delicious chocolate accent that pairs wonderfully with the other flavors.

Step 2: Add the Crushed Candy Cane Garnish

On a separate small plate, spread out your finely crushed mini candy cane pieces. Immediately after dipping the glass rims in chocolate, dip them into the crushed candy canes, pressing lightly to ensure the pieces adhere well and form a solid, festive rim. Repeat this process for the second glass. Once garnished, set the glasses aside to allow the chocolate to set slightly while you prepare the liquid components of your drink. This vibrant, crunchy rim not only adds a beautiful festive touch but also provides a delightful burst of peppermint flavor with every sip.

steps 3 and 4 for making peppermint espresso martinis
Fill your cocktail shaker generously with ice, then accurately measure and add the vodka, preparing the base for your exquisite martini.

Step 3: Fill Your Cocktail Shaker with Ice

Grab a sturdy cocktail shaker – a crucial tool for a well-chilled and frothy martini. Fill it approximately halfway or slightly more with fresh, solid ice cubes. Using plenty of ice is essential not only for thoroughly chilling your cocktail but also for achieving that desirable, luxurious frothy top that characterizes a perfectly made espresso martini. Avoid using crushed or old ice, as it melts too quickly and will dilute your drink.

Step 4: Add the Vodka to the Shaker

Carefully measure and pour the recommended amount of vodka into the ice-filled shaker. As highlighted in our ingredient notes, you have the flexibility to use a classic neutral vodka for a clean base, a vanilla-flavored vodka for added sweetness and warmth, or a peppermint vodka for an extra potent minty kick. Ensuring accurate measurement at this stage is key to achieving a perfectly balanced and harmonious cocktail.

steps 5 and 6 for making peppermint espresso martinis
Continue building your martini’s layers by adding the rich coffee liqueur and then the essential, cooled espresso.

Step 5: Introduce the Kahlúa or Coffee Liqueur

Next, accurately measure and add the Kahlúa or your preferred coffee liqueur to the shaker. This ingredient is fundamental, as it contributes the signature sweet, rich coffee flavor and the slightly syrupy texture that defines a classic espresso martini. Precise measurement ensures the intended flavor balance of the cocktail, complementing the vodka and espresso perfectly.

Step 6: Incorporate the Cooled Espresso

Now, pour the pre-cooled espresso or strong cold brew coffee into the shaker. This step is critical: it is absolutely vital that the coffee is at room temperature or, ideally, chilled. Using hot espresso will cause the ice to melt too rapidly, resulting in a diluted drink and hindering the formation of that beautiful, stable froth. Ensure your coffee is robust and thoroughly cold for the best results in both flavor and texture.

Steps 7 and 8 for making espresso martinis with peppermint
Complete your martini mixture by adding cream and a hint of peppermint extract, then shake vigorously and serve into your festive glasses.

Step 7: Add Half & Half and Peppermint Extract, Then Shake Vigorously

Finally, measure and add the half & half (or your chosen dairy-free creamer alternative) and the peppermint extract to the shaker. Remember that peppermint extract is quite potent, so a very small amount is usually sufficient to impart its refreshing flavor without overpowering the other ingredients. Secure the lid tightly on your cocktail shaker and, with enthusiasm, shake vigorously for a full 60 to 90 seconds. This intense shaking not only chills the drink thoroughly to perfection but also creates the beautiful, signature frothy top that is a hallmark of a well-made espresso martini.

Step 8: Serve and Garnish Your Festive Martinis

Once your martini mixture is thoroughly shaken and well-chilled, carefully strain the velvety liquid evenly into your two prepared martini glasses, taking care not to disturb the candy cane rims. The frothy top should pour out beautifully, creating an inviting visual. For the final touch of elegance, float three whole coffee beans or espresso beans delicately on top of the froth in each glass. These not only add a touch of sophisticated visual appeal but also release a subtle, enticing coffee aroma. Now, raise your glasses and “Cheers!” to enjoying a delightful, festive, and perfectly crafted Peppermint Espresso Martini!

peppermint espresso martinis surrounded by light and ornaments
A beautifully garnished Peppermint Espresso Martini, radiating festive cheer and perfect for holiday celebrations.

Expert Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Peppermint Espresso Martini

Even though this recipe is wonderfully straightforward, these expert tips and tricks will help you elevate your Peppermint Espresso Martinis to professional levels, tailor them to your precise preferences, and ensure every sip is a perfect experience:

Making a Large Batch for Effortless Entertaining:

Hosting a holiday party should be about enjoying your guests, not being stuck at the bar. This recipe is wonderfully scalable for a larger crowd. To prepare a pitcher for 12 servings (six times the original recipe), simply multiply all liquid ingredient quantities by six: 24 oz vodka, 12 oz Kahlúa, 18 oz cooled espresso, 12 oz half & half, and 1.5 tsp peppermint extract. Combine all these liquid ingredients in a large pitcher or jug and stir well to ensure they are thoroughly mixed. Store the pitcher in the refrigerator until ready to serve. When guests are ready for their drinks, simply fill your cocktail shaker halfway with ice, pour in a single-serving portion of your pre-mixed martini base, and shake vigorously for 60-90 seconds until well-chilled and frothy. Strain into your pre-rimmed glasses and garnish. This batching method allows you to serve stunning cocktails quickly and efficiently, leaving you more time to mingle and celebrate.

Dairy-Free Delight: Catering to All Guests:

Accommodating guests with dietary restrictions is simple with this thoughtfully designed recipe. To make these martinis entirely dairy-free, simply omit the standard half & half. Instead, opt for high-quality dairy-free creamers that mimic the richness and texture. Excellent choices include Nutpods (which come in original flavor or a seasonal peppermint mocha variant) or Califia Farms Peppermint Mocha creamer, which is a delicious almond milk-based option. These alternatives provide a similar creamy texture and rich mouthfeel without any dairy, ensuring that everyone at your gathering can enjoy this delightful holiday cocktail without compromise.

Adjusting the Sweetness to Your Personal Taste:

The original recipe offers a beautifully balanced sweetness that many find perfect. However, personal preferences for sweetness can vary widely. If you find yourself preferring a martini on the sweeter side, customization is easy. Before shaking, simply add 1 ounce (approximately 2 tablespoons) of simple syrup or maple syrup to the cocktail shaker along with the other ingredients. Simple syrup provides a neutral sweetness that won’t alter the core flavors, while maple syrup will introduce a subtle, warm, and earthy undertone that can be quite appealing during the winter months. Start with 1 ounce, taste, and adjust as desired until you achieve your ideal level of sweetness.

Transform into a Luxurious Peppermint Mocha Espresso Martini:

For those who adore the classic peppermint mocha flavor profile and wish to incorporate a rich chocolate dimension, transforming this martini is effortless. Simply add 2 teaspoons of a good quality chocolate syrup directly into the shaker along with the vodka, Kahlúa, espresso, half & half, and peppermint extract. The chocolate syrup will blend beautifully with the other liquids, infusing the drink with a rich cocoa depth that perfectly complements the robust coffee and invigorating peppermint. This variation creates a truly indulgent and comforting peppermint mocha experience in cocktail form.

Achieving the Signature Frothy Top: The Bartender’s Secret:

The beautiful, dense froth that crowns an espresso martini is one of its most appealing and iconic characteristics. The key to consistently achieving this professional-looking froth is vigorous shaking. Ensure your cocktail shaker is filled at least halfway with fresh, solid ice cubes. Then, commit to shaking the mixture for a full 60 to 90 seconds. The longer and more vigorously you shake, the more air will be incorporated into the mixture, and the colder the liquid will become, resulting in a thicker, more stable, and luxurious frothy head. Don’t be shy with your shaking – it truly makes all the difference in the final presentation and texture!

Alternative Garnishes: Beyond the Candy Cane:

While the candy cane rim and three coffee beans are classic and festive, feel free to let your creativity shine with alternative garnishes. A small sprig of fresh mint can add an aromatic touch and a pop of green color. Delicately shaved chocolate or a light dusting of cocoa powder over the froth can beautifully enhance the mocha notes or simply add visual elegance. For an extra festive and playful flair, consider using edible glitter or holiday-themed sprinkles instead of, or in addition to, the crushed candy canes on the rim. A miniature candy cane hooked onto the rim of the glass also makes a charming and traditional presentation.

Optimal Serving Temperature: The Cold Factor:

These martinis are unequivocally best served ice-cold. To ensure optimal chilling, make sure all your liquid ingredients, especially the espresso, are thoroughly chilled before you begin mixing. The vigorous shaking with a generous amount of ice will bring the drink to the perfect, crisp temperature, providing a refreshing and invigorating experience with every single sip. Avoid using room-temperature liquids as they will quickly dilute your drink.

a closeup of an espresso martini with 3 coffee beans
A close-up of the exquisite Peppermint Espresso Martini, perfectly garnished with coffee beans, highlighting its alluring frothy texture.

Peppermint Espresso Martini Recipe FAQs

How can I spruce up a Peppermint Espresso Martini for extra flair and customization?

There are countless ways to customize and enhance your Peppermint Espresso Martini, allowing you to tailor it to specific tastes or occasions! Experiment with different spirits to alter the base flavor profile: a vanilla-infused vodka can add a layer of comforting warmth, a spiced rum could introduce a deeper, more complex, and warming undertone, or even a touch of high-quality aged tequila for an unexpectedly sophisticated twist. For the rim, while crushed candy canes are wonderfully festive, consider alternatives like colorful Christmas sprinkles for a playful look, fine chocolate shavings for elegance, or a blend of cocoa powder and sugar for a different texture and flavor. A small mint sprig tucked into the foam or a light dusting of cinnamon can also add an aromatic flourish and visual appeal.

Is vodka truly gluten-free, especially for those with sensitivities?

This is a common question with a nuanced answer that often causes confusion. The general consensus among many culinary and medical experts is that all distilled liquors, including vodka, are considered gluten-free, regardless of their original source material (whether it’s wheat, barley, rye, corn, grapes, or potatoes). The distillation process itself is believed to effectively remove all gluten proteins. However, for individuals diagnosed with Celiac disease or those with severe gluten sensitivity, concerns about cross-contamination during manufacturing or the potential use of flavorings and additives after distillation can arise. To be absolutely safe and provide peace of mind, many prefer to stick to vodkas explicitly labeled as “gluten-free” or those known to be distilled from naturally gluten-free sources. Popular examples include Tito’s (distilled from corn), Ciroc (made from grapes), or Chopin (derived from potatoes). Other widely recognized brands frequently cited as gluten-free include Grey Goose, Absolut, Stoli, Belvedere, and Deep Eddy.

Can I make this cocktail ahead of time, perhaps for a party?

While the full cocktail is always best when freshly shaken and served immediately to achieve optimal froth, temperature, and vibrancy, you can certainly prepare a significant portion of the liquid base ahead of time to streamline serving at a party. Mix together the vodka, Kahlúa, pre-cooled espresso, half & half, and peppermint extract in a large pitcher or suitable container. Stir all the ingredients well to combine them thoroughly. This pre-mixed base can then be stored safely in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When your guests arrive and are ready for their drinks, simply fill your cocktail shaker generously with ice, pour in a serving portion of your pre-mixed base, and shake vigorously for 60-90 seconds until it’s thoroughly chilled and gloriously frothy. Strain into your pre-rimmed glasses and garnish as desired. This method significantly reduces preparation time during your event.

What’s the best technique to achieve that signature rich froth on my espresso martini?

Achieving a luscious, thick, and stable froth is indeed a hallmark of a perfectly executed espresso martini. The secret lies in a combination of factors, but mainly in your shaking technique. First, always use freshly brewed espresso that has been completely cooled – the natural crema from fresh espresso contributes greatly. Second, ensure all your liquid ingredients are very cold before they even enter the shaker. Third, and most crucially, shake your cocktail shaker vigorously and with plenty of ice for a full 60 to 90 seconds. The extended, hard shaking with abundant ice incorporates a significant amount of air into the mixture and simultaneously chills the drink to its ideal temperature, creating a stable, beautiful, and inviting foam. Don’t be timid with your shaking; it truly makes all the difference!

I don’t have an espresso machine at home. What are my best alternatives for the coffee component?

No dedicated espresso machine? No problem at all! You have several excellent and accessible alternatives to achieve a robust coffee base for your martini. The easiest and often preferred option is to use a high-quality cold brew coffee concentrate. This delivers a strong, smooth coffee flavor without bitterness. Alternatively, you can brew very strong coffee using a Moka pot (often called a stovetop espresso maker), an AeroPress, or even a French press. When using these methods, aim for a coffee strength significantly greater than your typical morning cup. Regardless of the method, it is absolutely essential to allow the brewed coffee to cool completely to room temperature or chill it further in the refrigerator before incorporating it into your cocktail. The goal is an intense coffee flavor that will stand up to the other ingredients and not dilute your finished drink.

More Delicious Gluten-Free Cocktail Recipes to Enjoy

Looking for more delightful gluten-free sips to enjoy yourself or serve at your next gathering? Explore these other fantastic cocktail creations from my kitchen, all designed to be deliciously gluten-free:

  • Enchanting Mistletoe Martini with Rosemary Simple Syrup
  • Rich & Creamy Dairy-Free Eggnog
  • Vibrant Paleo Pomegranate Paloma
  • Zesty Skinny Spicy Jalapeño Margarita
  • Refreshing Blackberry Mojito (Paleo & Gluten-Free)
  • Tropical Paleo Piña Colada (Dairy-Free)
  • The Perfect Classic Espresso Martini with Kahlúa
  • Festive Fall Margaritas for Any Occasion

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peppermint espresso martini with a candy cane rim with a Christmas tree in the background surrounded by ornaments

5 from 8 votes

Peppermint Espresso Martinis

By: Mary Smith
Prep Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 5 mins
Yield: 2 martinis

This delicious peppermint espresso martini recipe is the perfect festive cocktail to serve for all of your holiday gatherings! It is made with a few simple ingredients and is sure to be a crowd pleaser.

Video

A video demonstration of this recipe is available to guide you through each step for making the perfect Peppermint Espresso Martini.

Equipment

  • Cocktail Shaker
  • Martini Glasses

Ingredients

  • 4 oz vodka (can use vanilla vodka or peppermint vodka; ensure gluten-free if needed)
  • 2 oz Kahlúa (or any coffee liqueur)
  • 3 oz freshly 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
  • Candy canes (crushed)
  • 6 espresso beans

Instructions

  1. Dip the rim of 2 martini glasses in some chocolate syrup to coat, then dip them in the crushed candy canes. Set aside.
  2. Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice. Add the vodka, Kahlúa, cooled espresso, half & half, and peppermint extract.
  3. Secure the lid and shake well for 60 seconds until thoroughly chilled and frothy.
  4. Divide the mixture evenly between the 2 prepared glasses and top each with 3 espresso beans. Cheers!

Notes

Mocha Variation: To transform this into a peppermint mocha espresso martini, simply add 2 teaspoons of chocolate syrup to the shaker along with the other liquid ingredients before shaking.

Nutrition Disclaimer: Please note that the provided nutrition facts do not include the chocolate peppermint rim, as its calorie contribution can vary significantly based on ingredients and quantity.

Dairy-Free Option: To prepare these cocktails dairy-free, substitute the half & half with an equal amount of original or peppermint mocha flavored Nutpods creamer, or Califia Farms Peppermint Mocha creamer.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1 martini
Calories: 295 kcal
Carbohydrates: 18 g
Protein: 1 g
Fat: 5 g
Saturated Fat: 3 g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2 g
Monounsaturated Fat: 1 g
Cholesterol: 11 mg
Sodium: 27 mg
Potassium: 103 mg
Fiber: 0.3 g
Sugar: 16 g
Vitamin A: 100 IU
Vitamin C: 0.3 mg
Calcium: 36 mg
Iron: 0.2 mg

All nutrition facts are an estimate and automatically calculated. While efforts are made to ensure accuracy (e.g., using My Fitness Pal for verification), please note that these values may not always be 100% precise and can vary based on the specific brands and quantities of ingredients used. For the most accurate nutritional information, it is recommended to weigh your total prepared mixture and divide by the number of servings to determine grams per serving size.

Did You Make This Festive Martini?

I’d love to hear your thoughts! Please take a moment to rate and comment on the recipe below. Don’t forget to share your beautiful creations on Instagram and tag me @maryswholelife – I can’t wait to see them!