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Peppermint Espresso Martini Blend

Featured in: Creamy Comfort Meals

This festive drink blends smooth espresso and vodka with fresh peppermint flavor, enhanced by a creamy texture. The rim of crushed candy canes and chocolate syrup adds a delightful, seasonal touch. Quick and easy to prepare, it’s ideal for holiday gatherings and offers a perfect balance of rich coffee and refreshing mint.

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Updated on Sun, 23 Nov 2025 12:56:00 GMT
Dark and creamy, these Peppermint Espresso Martinis are garnished with rich coffee beans. Save
Dark and creamy, these Peppermint Espresso Martinis are garnished with rich coffee beans. | amberladle.com

A festive, creamy cocktail blending espresso, vodka, and peppermint, finished with a chocolate peppermint rim perfect for holiday celebrations.

This recipe has quickly become my go-to holiday drink to impress guests with minimal effort.

Ingredients

  • For the Martinis: 4 oz vodka (plain or vanilla use gluten-free if needed), 2 oz Kahlua or other coffee liqueur, 3 oz fresh brewed espresso cooled (or strong cold brew coffee), 2 oz half & half (or dairy-free peppermint mocha creamer eg Nutpods or Califia Farms for dairy-free), ¼ tsp peppermint extract
  • For the Chocolate Peppermint Rims & Garnish: Chocolate syrup (enough for rimming glasses), 2 tbsp crushed candy canes, 6 espresso beans (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 with ice:
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 and serve:
Garnish each drink with 3 espresso beans. Serve immediately.
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| amberladle.com

Making these martinis always cheers up holiday gatherings with friends and family.

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

Nutritional Information

Per serving: Calories 295 Total Fat 5 g Carbohydrates 18 g Protein 1 g

Festive chocolate peppermint rimmed glasses filled with cold Peppermint Espresso Martinis, ready to serve. Save
Festive chocolate peppermint rimmed glasses filled with cold Peppermint Espresso Martinis, ready to serve. | amberladle.com

Serve these martinis fresh for the best flavor and texture.

Recipe FAQs

→ What ingredients create the peppermint flavor?

Natural peppermint extract combined with crushed candy canes on the rim provides a refreshing minty note throughout the drink.

→ Can I make this dairy free?

Yes, substitute the half & half with dairy-free peppermint mocha creamer options like Nutpods or Califia Farms to keep it creamy.

→ How do I prepare the chocolate peppermint rim?

Dip glass rims first into chocolate syrup, then coat with crushed candy canes to create a festive and flavorful garnish.

→ What is the best coffee to use?

Freshly brewed espresso is ideal, but a strong cold brew coffee also works well to achieve a robust coffee flavor.

→ How long does it take to prepare this drink?

The entire process takes about 5 minutes, making it a quick and easy choice for celebrations.

Peppermint Espresso Martini Blend

Creamy espresso and peppermint combine with vodka for a festive drink, finished with a chocolate peppermint rim.

Prep time
5 min
0
Overall time
5 min
Created by Rachel Hayes


Skill required Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 2 Serving size

Diet preferences Meat-free, No gluten

What you need

Martini Mix

01 4 fl oz vodka (plain or vanilla, gluten-free if required)
02 2 fl oz coffee liqueur (e.g., Kahlua)
03 3 fl oz freshly brewed espresso, cooled (or strong cold brew coffee)
04 2 fl oz half & half or dairy-free peppermint mocha creamer (Nutpods or Califia Farms)
05 0.25 tsp peppermint extract

Chocolate Peppermint Rim and Garnish

01 Chocolate syrup (quantity sufficient for glass rims)
02 2 tbsp crushed candy canes
03 6 espresso beans (for garnish)

How to make it

Step 01

Prepare Glass Rims: Pour a thin layer of chocolate syrup onto a small plate. Dip the rims of two martini glasses into the syrup to coat, then immediately dip into crushed candy canes to adhere. Set glasses aside.

Step 02

Add Ice to Shaker: Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice cubes.

Step 03

Combine Ingredients: Pour vodka, coffee liqueur, cooled espresso, half & half (or dairy-free creamer), and peppermint extract into the shaker.

Step 04

Shake Mixture: Shake vigorously for 60 seconds until well-chilled and frothy.

Step 05

Strain and Serve: Strain the mixture evenly into the prepared martini glasses.

Step 06

Garnish Drinks: Top each martini with three espresso beans and serve immediately.

Equipment needed

  • Cocktail shaker
  • Martini glasses
  • Small plate (for rimming)
  • Measuring jigger
  • Strainer

Allergy info

Always review ingredients for allergens. Talk to your healthcare provider if you're unsure.
  • Contains dairy unless substituted with dairy-free creamer.
  • Contains alcohol and coffee.
  • May contain soy or tree nuts depending on creamer brand; verify product labels.
  • Contains peppermint; check for mint allergies.

Nutrition details (each serving)

Nutritional details are for reference and aren't a substitute for healthcare guidance.
  • Calorie Count: 295
  • Fat content: 5 g
  • Carbohydrate: 18 g
  • Protein amount: 1 g