If you’re an espresso martini purist but want a little something special for the holiday season, look no further than this Peppermint Espresso Martini Recipe! It has all the elements of a classic espresso martini but with a creamy undercurrent of peppermint flavor. This recipe includes both a single portion just for you, and a big batch to prep for your holiday parties!
Why You’ll Love This Peppermint Espresso Martini Recipe
An espresso martini – but make it Christmas! That’s the beauty of this deliciously creamy espresso martini with an underlying burst of peppermint cheer!
It’s simple, it’s delicious, and it’ll scratch the itch for a holiday cocktail without getting too sickly sweet. I designed this recipe so you can make individual drinks while you’re trimming the tree, or a whole batch of them to enjoy at a party or throughout the weekend.
With a little chocolate syrup and candy canes for garnish, you’ll be throwing back these chocolate peppermint martinis like you’re Santa relaxing after a long night of delivering gifts!
If you’re interested in similar martini recipes, try our pumpkin spice espresso martini, our non-alcoholic espresso martini, or the classic espresso martini recipe. If you’re looking for a batched cocktail without the peppermint flair, make our big batch espresso martinis.
Key Ingredients
This recipe includes a single serving size and a big batch recipe, but of course, the ingredients remain the same! I’ll share the ingredient list here, but be sure to check the measurements in the recipe card below so you get the proportions right.
- Vodka
- Coffee Liqueur
- Freshly Brewed Espresso – cooled
- Peppermint schnapps
- Peppermint Coffee Creamer
For garnish, you’ll need chocolate syrup, candy canes, and crushed peppermint candies. I like using crushed candy canes to kill two birds with one stone, but you can use whatever peppermint candy you like for the rim.
How to Make Peppermint Martinis
Step 1: Mix Ingredients
Add the vodka, coffee liqueur, freshly brewed espresso (cooled), peppermint schnapps, and peppermint coffee creamer to a cocktail shaker or a large carafe (depending on what portion size you’re making).
Step 2: Shake/Mix
- If you’re making one martini, fill the shaker with ice and shake until the outside is very cold.
- If you’re making a batch, do not add ice. Shake the ingredients together and place the carafe in the refrigerator to chill before serving.
Step 3: Serve
- For one martini, strain the liquid into a rimmed martini glass and garnish with a candy cane.
- For a big batch, add each portion of the martini to a cocktail shaker with ice and shake to get that foamy top. Alternatively, you can just shake the large carafe one more time, and dole out the martinis directly from the bottle. Serve in a rimmed martini glass with a candy cane for garnish.
Note: To rim the glass, dip the martini glass gently (about ⅛ inch or so) into the chocolate syrup. Let the mixture dry upside down for a minute to ensure it doesn’t drip down the sides. Then dip into the crushed candy cane mixture.
FAQs
Can I use peppermint extract in my espresso martini?
You can add peppermint extract, but I think it’s a little too much peppermint for this drink. I originally tried it when I was testing the recipe and honestly, it was giving toothpaste energy. But hey, if you love peppermint who am I to deny you?
What liqueur is best for an espresso martini?
In my opinion, Kahlua is the best for an espresso martini. It adds a deeper coffee flavor that just can’t be beat. However, I know some people love Baileys in their espresso martinis for added creaminess so I support using that as well.
Is it okay to use cold brew instead of straight espresso?
It sure is! If you don’t have an espresso maker, or you just don’t feel like waiting for it to cool, go ahead and swap that ingredient for some good ‘ol cold brew.
How do I make my espresso martini dairy-free?
The only dairy in this recipe is the peppermint creamer and nowadays you can easily find a delicious dairy-free peppermint creamer around the holidays. If not, go ahead and use your favorite dairy-free creamer and add a smidge of peppermint.
More Big Batch Cocktail Recipes
- Big Batch Apple Cider Margarita
- Big Batch Pear Martini Recipe
- Big Batch Old Fashioned
- Big Batch Bourbon Apple Cider Smash
- Big Batch Spiked Pumpkin Punch
- Big Batch Pomegranate Margarita Recipe
- Big Batch Bloody Mary Recipe
If you make this Big Batch Peppermint Espresso Martini, be sure to tag me on Pinterest and Instagram!
I seriously love seeing what you guys are making and sharing your creations with the College Housewife community!
Big Batch Peppermint Espresso Martinis
ingredients
For one drink:
- 1.5 oz vodka
- 1 oz coffee liqueur
- .5 oz peppermint schnapps
- 1 oz freshly brewed espresso cooled or strong cold brew
- 1 oz peppermint coffee creamer can be dairy-free
For eight drinks:
- 12 oz vodka
- 8 oz coffee liqueur
- 4 oz peppermint schnapps
- 8 oz freshly brewed espresso cooled or strong cold brew
- 8 oz peppermint coffee creamer can be dairy-free
- Candy canes for garnish
instructions
- For one Drink:
- Add 1.5 oz vodka, 1 oz coffee liquor, 1 oz freshly brewed espresso (cooled), .5 oz peppermint schnapps, and 1 oz peppermint coffee creamer to a cocktail shaker.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake for 15-20 seconds or until the outside of the shaker is very cold.
- Strain into a martini glass and garnish with a candy cane.
- For a batch:
- Add 12 oz vodka, 8 oz coffee liqueur, 8 oz freshly brewed espresso (cooled), 8 oz peppermint coffee creamer, and 4 oz peppermint schnapps to a glass carafe.
- Secure the top of the carafe and shake together until the ingredients are combined. Place into the refrigerator to chill before serving.
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add about 4-4.5 oz of batched mixture to the shaker.
- Shake for 15-20 seconds or until the outside of the shaker is very cold.
- Alternatively you can pour straight from the carafe but you won’t have as much of a foamy top.
- Strain into a martini glass and garnish with a candy cane.
notes
Nutrition
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