Dessert

Peppermint Espresso Martinis Recipe

ByFelix Weber December 10, 2025December 10, 2025

Introduction

Discover the perfect festive twist on a classic favorite with these Peppermint Espresso Martinis. Combining rich coffee flavors with a refreshing hint of peppermint, this cocktail is ideal for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in.

The image shows a creamy light beige drink served in a ribbed coupe glass with a clear long stem. The rim of the glass is covered with a mix of crushed red-and-white peppermint candy pieces, creating a festive border. There are three small dark brown coffee beans placed on top of the drink's smooth surface. The glass is placed on a white marbled surface scattered with whole coffee beans, red round Christmas ornaments, and striped candy canes. In the background, there are blurred green pine tree branches with warm yellow bokeh lights. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 oz vodka (vanilla vodka optional; choose gluten free if needed)
2 oz Kahlua or coffee liqueur
3 oz fresh brewed espresso, cooled or strong cold brew coffee
2 oz half & half (or Nutpods/Califia Farms Peppermint Mocha creamer for dairy free)
1/4 tsp peppermint extract
Chocolate syrup
Crushed candy canes
6 espresso beans

Instructions

Step 1: Dip the rim of two martini glasses in chocolate syrup, then coat them with the crushed candy canes. Set aside.
Step 2: Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice. Add vodka, Kahlua, espresso, half & half, and peppermint extract.
Step 3: Shake vigorously for about 60 seconds until well chilled and mixed.
Step 4: Strain and divide the mixture evenly between the prepared glasses.
Step 5: Garnish each glass with three espresso beans. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For a dairy-free version, swap half & half with a peppermint-flavored non-dairy creamer like Nutpods or Califia Farms.
Use vanilla vodka to add an extra layer of flavor.
To make it less sweet, reduce the amount of Kahlua or use a sugar-free coffee liqueur.
Chill the glasses in the freezer before preparing the drink for an extra cold experience.

Storage

Espresso martinis are best enjoyed fresh. If needed, store the cocktail mixture (without ice) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Shake or stir well before serving. Avoid storing with ice to prevent dilution.

How to Serve

Two creamy beige cocktails sit in tall, clear stemmed glasses with ridged white bowls. Both glasses have rims coated in crushed red and white peppermint candy and a thin dark chocolate layer beneath it. Each drink's smooth top layer is decorated with three dark brown coffee beans arranged in a triangle. The glasses are placed on a white marbled surface scattered with red shiny Christmas ornaments, whole coffee beans, and red-and-white striped candy canes, creating a festive holiday feel. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular coffee instead of espresso?

For the best flavor and strength, freshly brewed espresso or strong cold brew coffee is recommended. Regular coffee may result in a milder taste.

How can I make this cocktail less boozy?

You can reduce the vodka and Kahlua quantities or add a splash of milk or non-dairy creamer to soften the alcohol intensity while preserving the flavor.

Peppermint Espresso Martinis Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 66 reviews

A festive and refreshing twist on the classic espresso martini, combining the rich flavors of vodka, coffee liqueur, and peppermint. Perfect for holiday gatherings, this peppermint espresso martini features a chocolate and candy cane rim, making it both a delicious and visually appealing cocktail.

Author: Felix
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Category: Cocktail
Method: Shaking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cocktail

4 oz vodka (vanilla vodka optional, gluten free if needed)
2 oz Kahlua (or coffee liqueur)
3 oz fresh brewed espresso (cooled, or strong cold brew coffee)
2 oz half & half (or Nutpods or Califia Farms Peppermint Mocha creamer for dairy-free)
1/4 tsp peppermint extract

For Garnish

Chocolate syrup (for glass rims)
Crushed candy canes (for glass rims)
6 espresso beans (3 per glass)

Instructions

Prepare the Glass Rims: Dip the rims of 2 martini glasses into chocolate syrup, ensuring an even coating. Then immediately dip the coated rims into crushed candy canes so that the candy cane pieces stick to the chocolate, creating a festive, crunchy edge.
Mix the Cocktail: Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice to chill the ingredients effectively. Add the vodka, Kahlua, cooled espresso, half & half (or dairy-free creamer), and peppermint extract. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 60 seconds until well combined and nicely chilled.
Serve: Strain and divide the shaken mixture evenly between the two prepared martini glasses. Garnish each glass with 3 espresso beans floating on top to add a classic espresso martini touch. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

Use a strong brewed espresso or concentrated cold brew coffee for the best coffee flavor.
Dairy-free creamers such as Nutpods or Califia Farms Peppermint Mocha add peppermint flavor while keeping the cocktail dairy-free.
Ensure the peppermint extract is used sparingly to avoid overpowering the espresso taste.
For a sweeter cocktail, drizzle a little more chocolate syrup on the inside of the glass before pouring the drink.
Crushed candy canes on the rim add a festive holiday touch and a bit of crunch.

Keywords: Peppermint Espresso Martini, Holiday Cocktail, Coffee Martini, Peppermint Cocktail, Espresso Cocktail

Felix Weber

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