Shake Up Your Holiday with a Frosty Peppermint Espresso Martini

Frosty Peppermint Espresso Martini Recipe
Frosty Peppermint Espresso Martini

Frosty Peppermint Espresso Martini Recipe

Elaria Jackson
This festive cocktail blends the invigorating flavors of coffee and peppermint for a frosty twist on the classic espresso martini. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a summer cool-down, it's both sophisticated and refreshing.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Freezing Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 10 minutes
Course Cocktail, Drinks
Cuisine American
Servings 2 cocktails
Calories 224 kcal

Equipment

  • Blender
  • Martini glasses
  • Ice cube tray

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup freshly brewed coffee frozen into ice cubes
  • ¼ cup freshly brewed espresso frozen into ice cubes
  • 1 ½ ounces peppermint schnapps or crème de menthe
  • 1 ½ ounces vodka
  • 1 tablespoon simple syrup or sugar adjust to taste
  • Optional: ½ ounce coffee liqueur splash of cream or plant-based creamer

Instructions
 

  • Brew coffee and espresso. Pour into ice cube trays and freeze until solid.
  • In a blender, combine frozen coffee and espresso cubes, peppermint liqueur, vodka, and simple syrup (or sugar).
  • Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  • Pour into chilled martini glasses.
  • Garnish with a peppermint stick, coffee beans, or a sprig of mint (optional).

Notes

  • For a stronger coffee flavor, add coffee liqueur.
  • Use vanilla vodka for a subtle twist.
  • Adjust sweetness with simple syrup or sugar to your preference.
  • Add a splash of cream or plant-based creamer for a richer, smoother texture.

The holidays are a time for indulgence, warmth, and cozying up with loved ones. And nothing says holiday magic quite like combining the invigorating flavors of peppermint and espresso in a cocktail that is both decadent and refreshing. Enter the Frosty Peppermint Espresso Martini—your new go-to festive drink that feels like a boozy peppermint mocha in martini form. Imagine the smooth, bold kick of espresso layered with creamy chocolate, cool peppermint, and a touch of coffee liqueur. Every sip of this cocktail is like sipping Christmas in a glass!

It was a few Christmases ago when I first got the idea for this cocktail. The scent of freshly brewed espresso filled my kitchen while I was decorating the Christmas tree, and as I sipped my peppermint mocha, it dawned on me—why not combine my favorite seasonal flavors into an espresso martini? A couple of experiments later, and voilà, the Frosty Peppermint Espresso Martini was born! Now, it’s a must-have for every holiday gathering or cozy night in.

Frosty Peppermint Espresso Martini Recipe
Frosty Peppermint Espresso Martini Recipe

The Perfect Balance of Bold Espresso & Cool Peppermint

What I love most about this cocktail is how it brings together the bold, energizing flavor of espresso with the cool, refreshing sweetness of peppermint. If you’re a fan of peppermint mochas or chocolate-mint desserts, you’re going to fall in love with this drink. Plus, that candy cane rim? It’s like the holiday version of sprinkles—totally fun and festive!

This frosty peppermint espresso martini is the perfect blend of festive cheer and caffeinated cool
This frosty peppermint espresso martini is the perfect blend of festive cheer and caffeinated cool

Whether you’re entertaining guests at a holiday party or treating yourself after a long day of wrapping presents, this cocktail is perfect for every occasion. I especially love serving it as a post-dinner drink, where its espresso kick can serve as a little pick-me-up to keep the festive spirit going.

Why You’ll Love This Cocktail

There are plenty of reasons to make this your signature drink this season:

  • It’s Festive: With peppermint and chocolate flavors plus a candy cane-rimmed glass, this drink screams holiday cheer.
  • Easy to Make: You don’t need any fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients. If you’ve got a cocktail shaker, you’re halfway there.
  • Customizable: Make it dairy-free, adjust the sweetness, or swap in your favorite liquor. There are so many ways to make it your own.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: From the candy cane garnish to the creamy texture, this drink always impresses at parties.

What You’ll Need: Simple Ingredients, Big Flavors

One of the best things about this recipe is that you likely have most of the ingredients already in your kitchen or home bar. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Vodka: A neutral base that lets the other flavors shine. I recommend using a good-quality vodka for a smooth finish, but don’t worry if you only have a standard bottle on hand—it’ll work just fine.
  • Freshly Brewed Espresso: Espresso is the heart of this drink, so freshly brewed is a must. It gives the drink a deep, rich flavor and that signature frothy top. If you don’t have an espresso machine, instant espresso or cold brew concentrate can work in a pinch, though the foam might be less pronounced.
  • Baileys Irish Cream: The Baileys adds creaminess and a touch of sweetness to balance out the strong coffee and peppermint flavors. If you’re dairy-free, swap it for Baileys Almande or even a splash of coconut cream for that indulgent texture.
  • Kahlúa: Coffee liqueur enhances the espresso flavor and gives the drink a little extra sweetness. You could also use another coffee-flavored liqueur if Kahlúa isn’t available.
  • Peppermint Extract: Just a dash of this will give you that classic candy cane flavor without needing any specialty liqueurs like peppermint schnapps.
  • Chocolate Syrup: You can use store-bought syrup for convenience or make your own for a richer, more customizable flavor (recipe below!). Either way, chocolate and peppermint are a match made in heaven.
  • Ice: Shaking the cocktail with ice chills it down and creates a smooth, frothy texture.
  • Candy Canes: Crush these up to rim your martini glass—because nothing says holiday cocktail like a peppermint-coated rim!
Gather your ingredients: frozen coffee, peppermint liqueur, vodka, simple syrup, and optional extras
Gather your ingredients: frozen coffee, peppermint liqueur, vodka, simple syrup, and optional extras

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Your Frosty Peppermint Espresso Martini

1. Prepare the Glass

Start by rimming your martini glass with a little holiday magic! Pour some chocolate syrup onto a plate, and on another plate, scatter the crushed candy canes. Dip the rim of your glass in the chocolate syrup first, then press it into the candy cane crumbs to coat the rim. This not only adds a fun, festive touch but gives every sip a sweet peppermint kick. Pop the glass into the freezer while you make the drink to chill it for extra frostiness.

2. Shake It Up

Next, grab your cocktail shaker and fill it with the vodka, freshly brewed (and slightly cooled) espresso, Baileys, Kahlúa, peppermint extract, and a tablespoon of chocolate syrup. Add in 2-3 large ice cubes. Shake vigorously for 30-60 seconds until the outside of the shaker becomes frosty. This is key to getting that luxurious frothy texture on top.

Blend frozen coffee, peppermint liqueur, vodka, and simple syrup until smooth and creamy
Blend frozen coffee, peppermint liqueur, vodka, and simple syrup until smooth and creamy

3. Pour and Garnish

Strain the cocktail into your chilled, candy-cane-rimmed martini glass. To finish, garnish with a whole candy cane or sprinkle a few coffee beans on top for a chic touch. Sit back, take a sip, and enjoy the festive flavors that come together in perfect harmony.

A Drink for Every Occasion

Whether it’s a quiet evening at home or a festive party, this cocktail fits the bill for so many occasions. Here are a few ways I’ve enjoyed it:

  • Holiday Dinner Parties: Serve this as a fun after-dinner treat. The espresso gives it just enough of a kick to keep guests energized for holiday games and conversations.
  • Christmas Movie Nights: Curl up on the couch with your favorite holiday film and this martini. It’s perfect for sipping while watching classics like Home Alone or Elf.
  • Holiday Brunch: Who says martinis are just for the evening? If you’re hosting a holiday brunch, this drink pairs beautifully with pastries or even a decadent French toast (I may or may not have tested this multiple times).

Make It Your Own: Tips and Variations

  • Dairy-Free Option: Substitute Baileys for almond milk Baileys or another dairy-free alternative like coconut cream.
  • Sweeten It Up: Add more or less chocolate syrup depending on your taste. You can also add a splash of simple syrup for extra sweetness.
  • Try a Different Spirit: While vodka is the go-to for a classic espresso martini, feel free to experiment! Whiskey, rum, or even bourbon can give this drink a new depth of flavor.
  • No Candy Canes?: No problem. Crushed peppermint candies work just as well for rimming the glass.
  • Batch for a Party: While you can’t batch this drink fully ahead of time (since you need to shake it for the foam), you can prepare all the ingredients and store them in the fridge. When ready to serve, just shake and pour for individual cocktails!
Enjoy this versatile cocktail for holidays, after dinner, summer days, brunch, or happy hour
Enjoy this versatile cocktail for holidays, after dinner, summer days, brunch, or happy hour

My Homemade Chocolate Syrup Recipe

If you want to go the extra mile and make your chocolate syrup from scratch, it’s super easy and delicious. Here’s a quick recipe:

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup cocoa powder (Dutch-processed for a richer flavor, but regular works too)
  • ½ cup water
  • A pinch of salt
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions: In a small saucepan, whisk together sugar, cocoa powder, water, and salt over medium heat. Stir until the mixture thickens slightly, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla. Let it cool before using it in your martini!

Cheers to Cozy Nights and Festive Sips

So there you have it, the Frosty Peppermint Espresso Martini—the perfect holiday cocktail to share with friends, family, or even as a solo treat on those cozy winter nights. Each sip is like a warm hug on a cold evening, bursting with peppermint, coffee, and chocolate flavors that perfectly capture the magic of the season. I hope this cocktail becomes a beloved part of your holiday traditions, just as it has for me!

Happy holidays, and cheers to festive sips and frosty nights!

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