Peppermint Espresso Martini Blend

Featured in: Seasonal Flavors

This creamy cocktail combines espresso, vodka, and peppermint for a smooth, festive drink. Crafted by shaking chilled espresso, vodka, coffee liqueur, dairy or dairy-free cream, and peppermint extract, it delivers a refreshing holiday twist. The chocolate and candy cane rim adds sweet, minty notes with a crunchy texture. Garnish with espresso beans for a sophisticated finish. Simple to prepare, this blend offers a delightful balance of bold coffee and cool peppermint flavors, perfect for celebrations.

Updated on Sun, 23 Nov 2025 11:41:00 GMT
Frothy Peppermint Espresso Martini, garnished with espresso beans, a delightful holiday cocktail. Save
Frothy Peppermint Espresso Martini, garnished with espresso beans, a delightful holiday cocktail. | toastytongs.com

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

I first served this at a holiday party and it was an instant hit with friends and family alike.

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, e.g., 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 a cocktail shaker:
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:
Garnish each drink with 3 espresso beans. Serve immediately.
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This cocktail always brings smiles and warmth during our family holiday gatherings.

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

Calories: 295. Total Fat: 5 g. Carbohydrates: 18 g. Protein: 1 g.

A visually appealing Peppermint Espresso Martini with a chocolate peppermint rim, ready to enjoy. Save
A visually appealing Peppermint Espresso Martini with a chocolate peppermint rim, ready to enjoy. | toastytongs.com

Serve chilled with the chocolate peppermint rim for a festive finishing touch.

Recipe FAQ

Can I make this drink dairy-free?

Yes, substitute half & half with a dairy-free peppermint mocha creamer like Nutpods or Califia Farms.

What coffee works best for this blend?

Fresh brewed espresso or a strong cold brew coffee chilled enhances the flavor authenticity.

How do I create the chocolate peppermint rim?

Dip glass rims into chocolate syrup then into crushed candy canes for a festive, sweet coating.

Can I adjust the sweetness or peppermint intensity?

Yes, vary the peppermint extract amount and add chocolate syrup to the shaker for a mocha twist.

What garnish complements this blend?

Garnish with espresso beans for aroma and a striking visual contrast on top of the drink.

Peppermint Espresso Martini Blend

Creamy espresso and peppermint cocktail with a chocolate rim, perfect for festive moments.

Prep duration
5 min
0
Complete duration
5 min
Created By Daniel Brooks


Skill Level Easy

Heritage American

Output 2 Portions

Dietary considerations Meat-Free, No Gluten

Components

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 fresh brewed espresso, cooled or strong cold brew coffee
04 2 fl oz half & half or dairy-free peppermint mocha creamer
05 0.25 tsp peppermint extract

Chocolate Peppermint Rim & Garnish

01 Chocolate syrup (sufficient quantity to rim glasses)
02 2 tbsp crushed candy canes
03 6 espresso beans for garnish

Directions

Phase 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, then immediately coat with crushed candy canes. Set glasses aside.

Phase 02

Assemble Cocktail: Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice.

Phase 03

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

Phase 04

Shake Mixture: Shake vigorously for 60 seconds until the mixture is well chilled and frothy.

Phase 05

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

Phase 06

Garnish and Present: Garnish each glass with 3 espresso beans and serve immediately.

Tools needed

  • Cocktail shaker
  • Martini glasses
  • Small plates for rimming
  • Measuring jigger
  • Strainer

Allergy details

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and consult with a healthcare professional if you're uncertain.
  • Contains dairy unless substituted with dairy-free creamer.
  • Contains alcohol and coffee.
  • May contain soy or tree nuts depending on creamer used; verify product labels.
  • Contains peppermint; be cautious with mint allergies.

Nutritional information (per portion)

These values are approximate guidelines only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 295
  • Fats: 5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Proteins: 1 g