Peppermint Espresso Martinis Recipe
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.
- 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
