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Peppermint Espresso Cocktails

Featured in: Comfort Food

This festive drink combines rich espresso, smooth vodka, and refreshing peppermint for a creamy, indulgent experience. The cocktail is enhanced by a chocolate peppermint rim, adding a touch of holiday charm. Quick and easy to prepare, the blend is shaken until frothy and served chilled, garnished with espresso beans for an elegant finish. Ideal for celebrating in style with a blend of bold coffee flavors and cool mint.

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Updated on Sun, 23 Nov 2025 12:22:00 GMT
Silky Peppermint Espresso Martinis served in sugared glasses, an elegant holiday cocktail. Save
Silky Peppermint Espresso Martinis served in sugared glasses, an elegant holiday cocktail. | bakozy.com

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

This recipe quickly became a holiday favorite at our family gatherings. Everyone loves the festive flavor and creamy texture.

Ingredients

  • Vodka: 4 oz (plain or vanilla use gluten-free if needed)
  • Kahlua or other coffee liqueur: 2 oz
  • Fresh brewed espresso: 3 oz cooled (or strong cold brew coffee)
  • Half & half: 2 oz (or dairy-free peppermint mocha creamer eg Nutpods or Califia Farms for dairy-free)
  • Peppermint extract: ¼ tsp
  • Chocolate syrup: enough for rimming glasses
  • Crushed candy canes: 2 tbsp
  • Espresso beans: 6 (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 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 and serve:
Garnish each drink with 3 espresso beans. Serve immediately.
Chilled Peppermint Espresso Martini, with a crushed candy cane rim, ready for sipping. Save
Chilled Peppermint Espresso Martini, with a crushed candy cane rim, ready for sipping. | bakozy.com

My family enjoys making these together while decorating the house, making the holidays even more special.

Additional Tips

For a mocha twist add 2 teaspoons of chocolate syrup to the shaker along with the other ingredients.

Required Tools

Cocktail shaker Martini glasses Small plates 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

Garnished with espresso beans, these festive Peppermint Espresso Martinis are the perfect treat. Save
Garnished with espresso beans, these festive Peppermint Espresso Martinis are the perfect treat. | bakozy.com

This peppermint espresso martini brings holiday cheer in every sip. Enjoy it responsibly and savor the festive spirit.

Recipe FAQ

→ What is the best coffee for this drink?

Use freshly brewed espresso or a strong cold brew to ensure a rich coffee flavor that complements the peppermint.

→ Can I make this dairy-free?

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

→ How do I create the chocolate peppermint rim?

Dip the glass rims in chocolate syrup, then coat with crushed candy canes for a festive, flavorful edge.

→ What is a good garnish for these cocktails?

Garnish with three espresso beans on top for a visually appealing and aromatic touch.

→ Can I add a mocha twist to this drink?

Yes, add two teaspoons of chocolate syrup into the shaker for a richer mocha flavor profile.

Peppermint Espresso Cocktails

Creamy espresso and peppermint blend with vodka, finished with a chocolate peppermint rim.

Prep duration
5 min
0
Complete duration
5 min
Created by Natalie Harris


Complexity Easy

Heritage American

Output 2 Portions

Nutrition specifications Meat-free, No gluten

Components

For the Martinis

01 4 fl oz vodka (plain or vanilla; gluten-free if needed)
02 2 fl oz Kahlua or other coffee liqueur
03 3 fl oz freshly brewed espresso, cooled (or strong cold brew coffee)
04 2 fl oz half & half or dairy-free peppermint mocha creamer (e.g., Nutpods or Califia Farms)
05 ¼ tsp peppermint extract

For the Chocolate Peppermint Rims & Garnish

01 Chocolate syrup (enough for rimming glasses)
02 2 tbsp crushed candy canes
03 6 espresso beans (for garnish)

Directions

Phase 01

Prepare the glasses: Pour a thin layer of chocolate syrup onto a small plate. Dip the rims of two martini glasses into the syrup, then immediately into crushed candy canes to coat. Set aside.

Phase 02

Add ice to shaker: Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice.

Phase 03

Combine ingredients: Add 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 well chilled and frothy.

Phase 05

Strain into glasses: Strain the shaken mixture evenly into the prepared martini glasses.

Phase 06

Garnish and serve: Garnish each cocktail with three espresso beans and serve immediately.

Tools needed

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

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and if uncertain, we recommend consulting with a healthcare provider.
  • Contains dairy unless using dairy-free creamer.
  • Contains alcohol and coffee.
  • May contain soy or tree nuts depending on creamer; verify product labels.
  • Contains peppermint; avoid if allergic to mint.

Nutrient breakdown (per portion)

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