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    Home » Recipes » Holiday Recipes

    Creamy Peppermint Espresso Martini

    Published: Dec 3, 2022 by Emily · This post may contain affiliate links.

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    If you like espresso martinis, you'll LOVE this festive peppermint espresso martini! It's just like a peppermint mocha, but boozy!

    two peppermint martinis in a glass.

    I have a confession – I don't usually like peppermint. Like, at all. So, I was SHOCKED at how much I loved this peppermint espresso martini!

    This recipe is so festive. It's strong, slightly sweet, creamy, and decadent! Make it for a holiday party or just to enjoy while sitting by your Christmas tree, you won't regret it! (Unless you have too many, lol.)

    If you happen to have a peppermint hater among you, try my Mistletoe Margarita!

    Table of Contents:
    • 🎥 Watch the video of this recipe
    • 🍸 Why you'll love this Peppermint Espresso Martini
    • 🥘 What you need for this recipe
    • 📋 How to make a Peppermint Espresso Martini
    • 💭 Expert Tips & Tricks
    • Recipe FAQs
    • Related Recipes
    • 📖 Recipe

    🎥 Watch the video of this recipe

    🍸 Why you'll love this Peppermint Espresso Martini

    • It is perfectly balanced. Just a little peppermint balances perfectly with the other strong flavors without being overpowering!
    • Creamy and sweet, but strong! A drop of heavy cream takes this to the next level, frothy, and mellow.
    • Festive & Unique! It's perfect for the holiday season! Plus, it's a unique twist to the traditional espresso martini by using peppermint and Irish whiskey!

    🥘 What you need for this recipe

    Ingredients and Substitutions

    ingredients with labels.
    • Irish Whiskey - Hear me out, whiskey goes with espresso SO. MUCH. BETTER than vodka or gin! If you want to use vodka, gin, or tequila, that's fine too. But the Irish whiskey really does make this over the top delicious.
    • Espresso - Or cold brew! Plain, unsweetened.
    • Coffee Liqueur - I recommend using Mr. Black's coffee liqueur, but Kahlua or another brand works too.
    • Peppermint Schnapps - I think this is the best way to add peppermint flavor to the cocktail, but only a small amount is needed. If you can't get your hands on schnapps, you can use ¼ ounce of peppermint extract.
    • Simple Syrup - Homemade or store-bought. Take it up a notch with Vanilla Bean Syrup!
    • Heavy Cream - I really think this makes a big difference in flavor and texture. You could also use milk or a non-dairy milk alternative.

    Tools and Equipment

    • Cocktail Shaker
    • Cocktail Jigger
    • Martini Glass

    📋 How to make a Peppermint Espresso Martini

    Step 1: Prepare the Martini

    Optional: Place 1-2 candy canes in a ziploc bag and use something hard to crush the candy into small chunks or fine pieces. Then, pour 2-3 tablespoons of simple syrup on a plate and dump the candy chunks on a separate plate. Roll the rim of the martini glass in the syrup, then repeat in the candy chunks until the rims are fully coated in candy cane pieces. Set glasses aside.

    Measure out all necessary ingredients.

    Add a handful of ice cubes to the cocktail shaker.

    rimmed empty glasses.
    ingredients in a shaker.

    Step 2: Make the Cocktail

    Add all of the liquid ingredients to the cocktail shaker. Close the lid tightly.

    Shake vigorously for at least 30 seconds. Then, strain into the martini glass.

    Serve cold and enjoy!

    martini glasses right after pouring.

    💭 Expert Tips & Tricks

    • Pro Tip: If you don't have a cocktail jigger, here's a cheat sheet: ¼ cup = 2 oz. 1 tablespoon = ½ oz. ½ tablespoon = ¼ oz. 2 tablespoon = 1 oz.
    • Hear me out, whiskey goes with espresso SO. MUCH. BETTER than vodka or gin! If you want to use vodka, gin, or tequila, that's fine too. But the Irish whiskey really does make this over the top delicious.
    • You can use cold brew (not concentrate) in place of espresso!

    Recipe FAQs

    What liquor is best for an espresso martini?

    This might be controversial, but I find Irish whiskey to be the best liquor for an espresso martini! The conventional method is vodka, but gin can work too. Try the whiskey next time!

    Is Baileys or Kahlua better for espresso martini?

    I like to use Mr. Black's coffee liqueur, but kahlua or any other coffee liqueur works great!

    How do you make an espresso martini more frothy?

    It's very easy to make an espresso martini frothier, but it takes some work. The answer is to shake it much harder and for much longer. The cocktail shaker should be so cold that your fingers hurt. That's how you know it's ready!

    Related Recipes

    • Pink Paloma Recipe (Grapefruit Cocktail)
    • The Last Word Cocktail Recipe
    • Mistletoe Margarita (Holiday Cocktail)
    • Vanilla Bean Syrup (Homemade)

    Love a recipe you've tried? Please leave a 5-star🌟 rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page. Don't forget to tag me on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook when you try one of my recipes!

    📖 Recipe

    Creamy Peppermint Espresso Martini

    If you like espresso martinis, you'll LOVE this festive peppermint espresso martini! It's just like a peppermint mocha, but boozy!
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dessert, Drinks
    Cuisine: American
    Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 0 minutes
    Assembly Time: 3 minutes
    Total Time: 8 minutes
    Servings: 1 cocktail
    Calories: 262kcal
    Author: Emily

    Equipment

    • Cocktail shaker
    • Cocktail jigger
    • Martini Glass

    Ingredients

    • 2 oz Irish whiskey or liquor of choice, vodka or tequila are traditional.
    • 1 oz Espresso or cold brew (not concentrate)
    • ½ oz Coffee liqueur
    • ¼ oz Peppermint schnapps more to taste.
    • ¼ oz Simple Syrup more for the rim
    • ¼ oz Heavy cream or milk or milk alternative
    • Candy canes crushed up for the rim.

    Instructions

    • Optional: Place 1-2 candy canes in a ziploc bag and use something hard to crush the candy into small chunks or fine pieces. Then, pour 2-3 tablespoons of simple syrup on a plate and dump the candy chunks on a separate plate. Roll the rim of the martini glass in the syrup, then repeat in the candy chunks until the rims are fully coated in candy cane pieces. Set glasses aside.
    • Measure out all necessary ingredients.
    • Add a handful of ice cubes to the cocktail shaker.
    • Add all of the liquid ingredients to the cocktail shaker. Close the lid tightly.
    • Shake vigorously for at least 30 seconds. Then, strain into the martini glass.
    • Serve cold and enjoy!

    Video

    Notes

    • Pro Tip: If you don't have a cocktail jigger, here's a cheat sheet: ¼ cup = 2 oz. 1 tablespoon = ½ oz. ½ tablespoon = ¼ oz. 2 tablespoon = 1 oz.
    • Hear me out, whiskey goes with espresso SO. MUCH. BETTER than vodka or gin! If you want to use vodka, gin, or tequila, that's fine too. But the Irish whiskey really does make this over the top delicious.
    • You can use cold brew (not concentrate) in place of espresso!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 262kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 0.2g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 11mg | Potassium: 44mg | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 104IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 0.3mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @LegallyHealthyBlonde or tag #LegallyHealthyBlonde!

    More Holiday Recipes

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    • Crispy Hot Honey Brussel Sprouts

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    Hi, I'm Emily! I am the classically trained chef-recipe creator behind Legally Healthy Blonde. I love fancy pasta, a good martini, and cooking impressive meals for myself and friends! I created LHB to share my passion of cooking and entertaining with everyone! If you love feel-good food that looks & tastes impressive, you're in the right spot!

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