Looking for a festive coffee drink? This easy Peppermint Espresso Martini recipe delivers a perfect mix of creamy, minty, and caffeinated goodness.
You don’t need an espresso machine to whip up this Peppermint Espresso Martini—just a few simple ingredients and some holiday spirit.
If you’re looking for a festive drink that feels fancy but takes almost no effort, this one’s for you. Whether it’s a cozy night by the fire or your annual Christmas party, this cocktail will add a little extra sparkle to your holiday season.
Here's what you'll need
It only takes a few ingredients to make this peppermint espresso martini, and it’s easy to swap ingredients if needed—like using cold brew instead of espresso.
- Peppermint vodka: The star of the show, peppermint vodka brings all the minty flavor.
- Espresso: If you have an espresso maker, make a shot of fresh espresso. But cold brew concentrate, double-strength coffee, or even espresso powder dissolved in hot water works, too.
- Baileys: Irish cream liqueur adds creamy richness with a hint of Irish whiskey.
- Kahlua: This rum and coffee liqueur deepens the coffee flavor and adds subtle sweetness.
- Ice cubes: For chilling and blending your cocktail.
- Crushed peppermint: Crush candy canes with a rolling pin in a plastic bag for a colorful minty rim.
- Honey: To stick the crushed peppermint to the rim of your glass.
Bar Equipment
Cocktail shaker: Chills and foams the drink perfectly. (A shaker with a built-in strainer is super handy.)
Measuring glass: A measuring glass like this one makes measuring ounces easy (I prefer it to a jigger).
Martini glasses: And don’t forget the classic Martini glasses!
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the glass
Start with decorating the rim. Dip the glass rim in honey, then press it into crushed peppermint pieces. Want to step it up? Drizzle chocolate syrup inside the glass for a fancy swirl.
Step 2: Mix the drink
In your cocktail shaker, combine peppermint vodka, espresso (or your coffee substitute), Baileys, Kahlua, and ice cubes. Shake it up until it’s chilled and creamy.
Step 3: Serve it up
Pour the mixture into your decorated glass. Float a few espresso beans on top and add a candy cane stirrer for flair. Feeling extra fancy? Shave a little white chocolate on top for a snowy touch.
Fun Variations
Start with the basic recipe and you can change up your coffee cocktail to make many different variations.
Peppermint mocha: Add a splash of chocolate liqueur like creme de cacao, or swap Baileys for the chocolate version.
Less sweet: Try coffee-infused vodka as an unsweetened alternative to Kahlua.
Less caffeine: Go decaf with espresso or coffee for the same flavor with less of a kick.
No matter how you make it, this easy Peppermint Espresso Martini is guaranteed to bring the holiday cheer.
More festive martini recipes
Want more winter cocktail ideas? Try these seasonal favorites:
Peppermint Espresso Martini
Ingredients
- Ice cubes
- 1 ounce peppermint vodka
- 1 ounce Baileys Irish Cream liqueur
- 1 ounce Kahlua coffee liqueur
- 2 ounces espresso
- crushed candy canes or peppermint candies optional, to rim glass
- honey optional, to rim glass
Instructions
- Rim the martini glass before mixing the drink (optional). Dip the rim in honey, then in crushed peppermint.
- Add ice, peppermint vodka, Baileys, Kahlua, and espresso to a cocktail shaker.
- Shake until blended and chilled.
- Strain into the prepared glass and garnish with three espresso beans and a candy cane if desired.
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