peppermint martini

Name: Peppermint Martini
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 2 oz Vodka; 1 oz Peppermint Schnapps; 0.5 oz White Crème de Cacao; 1 tablespoon crushed candy canes

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By: Maria
Posted: 08/04/2025

Let’s talk about the importance of language.Peppermint martImagine curling up by the fireplace, the scent of pine needles filling the air, and a creamy, minty scent. Cocktail warming you from the inside out. What exactly is this drink? Is peppermint Hot Chocolate boozy? I love a good martini, but sometimes I want something more festive. I’ve always loved chocolate, so I make my own. This peppermint dream definitely fits the bill.

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What is Peppermint Martini?

What is a holiday martini? Is it a blend of vodka (or gin, if you’re feeling fancy), White Chocolate liqueur, crème de cacao and vanilla? De menthe, and a splash of cream. What happens with garnishes? What is a peppermint candy glass? What are some of the best cocktails for the season? Honestly, it’s become a staple at our holiday parties, and everyone always raves about it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Why do I fall head over heels for this?Peppermint martWhat are some of my favorite songs?

Flavor Explosion:The combination of creamy White Chocolate, cool peppermint, and the subtle bite of vodka is simply amazing. Is Christmas miracle in a glass?
SurprisinglyWhat are some of the best cocktails to make? How do you shake ingredients together and pour? Is it a lifesaver when you have guests over and don’t want to spend all night playing bartender?
Budget-Friendly BWhat are some of the best ingredients available in a liquor store? How can I impress my friends without breaking the bank? I always stock up on food around the holidays because I know I’ll be making them. I can’t wait to make them!
Totally VersatileHow do I adjust the peppermint intensity? Why do I need a little more vodka? What’s the best way to make white chocolate liqueur? Plus, there are tons of fun variations you can try (more on that later!).Peppermint mart is a winner.

How do I make Peppermint Martini?

Quick Overview

Making this Peppermint martIs it so easy to become dangerous? How do you rim a martini glass with crushed peppermint candies? With ice, strain into the glass, and garnish with a Candy Cane. What is the best last minute cocktail you have ever had? What is the best way What are some of the best festive drinks you have ever had?

Ingredients

What is Peppermint Rim?

Crushed Peppermint Candies: About 1/4 cup, finely crushed. I like to put mine in a zip-top bag and whack it with my rolling pin – it’s very therapeutic!
How do you add peppermint to a glass?

For the Martini: What are some

What is the best vodka for 2 ounces? I usually go for Tito’s or Grey Goose, but any vodka you like will work.
White Chocolate Liqueur: 1 ounce. Godiva or Crème de Cacao are both great options.
Crème de Menthe: 1/2 ounce. This gives that refreshing peppermint flavor.
Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half: 1 ounce. This is what makes it so creamy and decadent. I’ve used Bailey’s Irish Cream in a pinch, and it’s delicious!

For the Garnish: What are

Candy Cane: For a festive touch!

How do I follow step

Step 1: Prep the Glass

How do I prepare crushed peppermint candies? Lightly moisten the rim of a martini glass with corn syrup or simple syrup. How do you dip a rim into crushed peppermint candies? What makes it festive and fun?

Step 2: Chill the Glass

If you have peppermint in your freezer, pop the glass into the freezer for a few minutes to help it stick. What is the best way to keep peppermint from sliding off?

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the vodka, White Chocolate liqueur, crème de menthe, and heavy cream (or half-and-half). What is the best way to use a cocktail shaker?

Step 4: Shake Well

Close the shaker tightly and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds, until well chilled. You want the shaker to be nice and frosty.

Step 5: Strain & Serve

Be careful not to dislodge the peppermint rim of your martini glass!

Step 6: Garnish

Garnish with a candy cane. What are some of the best peppermint candy recipes?

Step 7: Enjoy!

What are some of the best Christmas flavors to make with your own homemade drinks?Peppermint martIs it so good?

What should I serve it with?

This Peppermint mart is the star of the show, but here are some delicious things to pair it with:

For a Holiday Party: Cheese and crackers, mini quiches, or shrimp cocktail.

For Dessert: Chocolate truffles, peppermint bark, or gingerbread cookies.

For a Cozy Night In: A warm blanket, a crackling fire, and a good book!

My family loves to enjoy these with a plate of homemade Christmas cookies. It’s the perfect way to end a festive evening. I even sometimes make a non-alcoholic version for the kids with peppermint syrup and cream soda – they love it!

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Peppermint Martini

Use Good Quality Ingredients: As I mentioned before, the quality of your vodka makes a difference. But don’t feel like you have to spend a fortune! Just choose something you enjoy.
Don’t Over-Shake: Shaking too much can dilute the martini, so stick to 15-20 seconds.
Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet martini, reduce the amount of white chocolate liqueur.
Get Creative with Garnishes: In addition to a candy cane, you can use chocolate shavings, whipped cream, or even a sprig of fresh mint.
Make it a Mocktail: For a non-alcoholic version, substitute the vodka with club soda or sparkling water and use peppermint syrup instead of crème de menthe.

One time, I accidentally used peppermint extract instead of crème de menthe, and it was WAY too overpowering! Learn from my mistake and stick to the liqueur. It’s much more subtle and balanced.

Storing and Reheating Tips

While this peppermint martini is best enjoyed fresh, here are some tips for storing leftover ingredients:

Leftover Martini: If you happen to have any leftover martini (which is rare!), store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The peppermint rim might get a little soggy, but the flavor will still be delicious.

Crushed Peppermint Candies: Store the crushed candies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Liquors: Store the vodka, white chocolate liqueur, and crème de menthe at room temperature in a cool, dark place. They’ll last for several months.

I never recommend trying to reheat this cocktail, as it’s best served cold. Just make a fresh batch when you’re ready for another one!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use gin instead of vodka?

Absolutely! Gin will give the martini a slightly different flavor profile, but it can be delicious. I recommend using a London Dry gin for the best results.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or almond milk. Just keep in mind that the texture and flavor will be slightly different.

Can I make a big batch of this for a party?

Definitely! Just multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you need. You can mix everything together in a pitcher ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. Just don’t add the ice until right before serving to prevent it from getting watered down.

What if I don’t have crème de menthe?

You can try substituting it with peppermint schnapps, but it will be a bit stronger. You can also use peppermint extract, but be very careful not to add too much, as it can be overpowering.

Can I rim the glass with sugar instead of peppermint candies?

Yes, you can! It won’t have the same peppermint flavor, but it will still look festive. You can even use colored sugar to match your holiday theme.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this peppermint martini recipe a try this holiday season. It’s a delicious, festive, and surprisingly easy way to impress your friends and family. Plus, it’s just plain fun to make! If you’re looking for other festive cocktail ideas, be sure to check out my recipes for cranberry margaritas and gingerbread martinis. Happy mixing, and cheers to a happy holiday season! And let me know in the comments if you have made this, I would love to see the pictures!

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Peppermint Martini

A refreshing and festive Peppermint Martini recipe, perfect for holiday gatherings. This easy-to-make cocktail combines the cool taste of peppermint schnapps with the smooth elegance of vodka.

Prep : 10 Total : 25 minutes