This Peppermint Mocha Martini blends rich chocolate, cool peppermint, and smooth espresso for the ultimate holiday treat.
It’s festive, easy to make, and perfect for cozy nights or holiday parties.
With its eye-catching candy cane rim and deep mocha flavor, this cocktail is a Christmas or New Year’s showstopper—quick to mix, delicious to sip, and sure to bring holiday cheer.
Here’s how to easily make this delicious cocktail at home!
How to Make a Peppermint Mocha Martini: At A Glance
- Prepare the Glass: Rim a martini glass with chocolate syrup and crushed candy canes.
- Mix Ingredients: Add vodka, chocolate liqueur, peppermint schnapps, and hot espresso to a shaker with ice.
- Shake: Shake vigorously for a foamy top.
- Serve: Strain into the prepared glass and garnish as desired.
This quick, festive drink is ready in minutes!
Why You’ll Love This Peppermint Mocha Martini
Festive Flavors
This Peppermint Mocha Martini brings together the best of holiday flavors.
The cool peppermint complements the deep mocha, creating a refreshing and rich blend.
Each sip offers a hint of chocolate with a smooth espresso base, balanced by a fresh minty finish.
It’s like drinking holiday cheer, with every element capturing the essence of festive gatherings and wintery treats.
Versatility
One of the great things about this cocktail is how easily it adapts to different tastes.
You can add extra chocolate liqueur if you love a richer mocha taste, or use Baileys for a creamy twist.
For a non-alcoholic version, replace the vodka and liqueurs with a mix of heavy cream and milk for the same creamy texture without the alcohol.
Quick and Easy
This martini is as easy to make as it is to enjoy.
With just a few ingredients, the entire process takes around 5 to 10 minutes from start to finish.
No complicated steps—just prepare the espresso, shake up the ingredients, and pour.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Primary Ingredients
- 2 oz Vodka: A neutral vodka works well, but you can experiment with vanilla or chocolate vodka for added flavor. For a creamier option, substitute with Baileys or another cream liqueur.
- 1 oz Chocolate Liqueur: Godiva chocolate liqueur or a similar brand will add a rich mocha flavor, essential for that perfect blend of chocolate and coffee.
- 0.5 oz Peppermint Schnapps (or a few drops of peppermint extract): Peppermint schnapps provides a bold, minty flavor, while peppermint extract can be used in smaller quantities for a lighter touch.
- 1 oz Fresh Espresso or Strong Coffee: Freshly brewed espresso is ideal to create a foamy top when shaken with ice. Strong coffee can also work as a substitute.
Optional Garnishes
- Crushed Candy Canes (for the rim): Adds a festive look and a hint of peppermint in every sip. Dip the glass in chocolate syrup before pressing into crushed candy canes for the best effect.
- Chocolate Syrup: Use about 1 tsp for rimming the glass and drizzling over the drink as a decorative, flavorful touch.
- Whipped Cream or Chocolate Shavings: Finish off with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of chocolate shavings for a touch of indulgence.
How to Rim a Martini Glass (Optional)
Adding a candy cane rim gives your Peppermint Mocha Martini a festive touch.
Here’s a simple way to achieve that classic, colorful rim:
1. Prepare the Chocolate Syrup
Pour a small amount of chocolate syrup onto a flat plate.
This will act as the adhesive layer for the crushed candy canes.
For a smoother coating, gently warm the chocolate syrup in the microwave for a few seconds to make it more fluid, but avoid overheating.
2. Crush the Candy Canes
Place unwrapped candy canes in a plastic bag, then crush them with a rolling pin or heavy object until they become small, even pieces.
Spread the crushed candy canes onto a separate plate.
3. Dip the Glass in Chocolate
Hold your martini glass by the base, then dip the rim about 1/8 inch into the chocolate syrup.
Gently twist the glass to ensure the chocolate evenly coats the entire rim.
4. Roll in Crushed Candy Canes
Immediately after dipping in chocolate, roll the glass rim in the crushed candy canes.
Lightly press the candy pieces into the chocolate to help them stick.
5. Set the Glass Aside
Allow the chocolate to set slightly before pouring in your cocktail.
This will ensure the rim stays intact as you pour and sip.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preparing the Espresso
- For a foamy top: Use hot, freshly brewed espresso. When you add hot espresso to the shaker with ice, it will create a light, creamy foam as it cools and mixes with the other ingredients.
- For a chilled option: If you prefer a colder, less foamy drink, substitute with cold brew or chilled espresso.
2. Shaking the Cocktail
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, nearly to the top.
- Add 2 oz vodka, 1 oz chocolate liqueur, 0.5 oz peppermint schnapps (or a few drops of peppermint extract), and 1 oz espresso (add this last).
- Shake vigorously: Secure the lid and shake the shaker with strong, quick motions for about 15–30 seconds. Shaking vigorously creates a creamy and frothy texture, especially if the espresso is still warm.
3. Serving
- Strain the cocktail into your prepared martini glass with the candy cane rim.
- Garnish as desired: Add a small candy cane, chocolate drizzle, whipped cream, or chocolate shavings to finish.
- Enjoy!
Recipe Variations
Mocktail Version
For a non-alcoholic Peppermint Mocha Martini, replace the vodka, chocolate liqueur, and peppermint schnapps with a rich mix of heavy cream and peppermint extract.
This substitution maintains the creamy texture and peppermint flavor without the alcohol.
For a balanced taste, combine 1.5 oz heavy cream with a few drops of peppermint extract.
You can also use a blend of 1 oz heavy cream and a splash of milk or half and half if you prefer a lighter option.
Creamier Option
To add a deeper, creamier layer to your martini, try substituting vodka with Baileys or another Irish cream liqueur.
This adjustment enhances the cocktail’s richness and adds a slight caramel-like sweetness that pairs beautifully with the chocolate and peppermint.
Baileys Espresso Creme or Baileys Original are excellent choices.
Use 2 oz Baileys in place of vodka for a smooth, creamy texture that complements the holiday flavors.
Intensify the Mint Flavor
If you want to bring out a stronger peppermint taste, add a candy cane garnish that will slowly dissolve into the drink.
The candy cane will release a subtle minty flavor as it softens, adding a bit of sweetness and enhancing the peppermint profile with each sip.
Alternatively, add an extra 0.25 oz of peppermint schnapps to the mix for a bolder mint experience.
Tips for the Best Peppermint Mocha Martini
Use Quality Ingredients
The ingredients you choose can make a big difference in the final flavor of your martini.
Higher-quality espresso brings a richer, deeper coffee flavor, while premium chocolate liqueur adds a smooth, decadent sweetness.
Opting for a quality vodka and peppermint schnapps also helps keep the drink well-balanced and enhances the overall taste.
Chill the Glass
For an extra frosty finish, chill your martini glass in the freezer for about 15 minutes before preparing the cocktail.
A cold glass not only keeps the drink cooler for longer but also enhances the visual appeal, as the frosted effect complements the festive look of the candy cane rim.
Make Ahead Option
If you’re preparing drinks for a crowd or simply want to streamline the process, mix all the ingredients ahead of time without the ice.
Store the pre-mixed cocktail in the fridge, keeping it cold until ready to serve.
When it’s time to enjoy, add ice to a shaker, pour in the pre-mixed ingredients, and shake well before straining into glasses.
This approach keeps the drink fresh and lets you serve up perfect martinis in seconds.
Pairings and Serving Suggestions
The Peppermint Mocha Martini pairs wonderfully with a variety of holiday treats.
Serve it alongside peppermint bark to amplify the minty flavors, or sugar cookies for a light, buttery contrast.
Chocolate-dipped pretzels are another great option, offering a sweet-and-salty crunch that complements the martini’s rich mocha notes.
These pairings make each sip feel even more indulgent and festive.
This cocktail is perfect for holiday celebrations, adding a special touch to any gathering.
It’s a great choice for Christmas Eve festivities, bringing seasonal flavors and cheer to the table.
It also makes an elegant addition to New Year’s parties, where its frothy top and candy cane rim provide a touch of glamour.
If you’re hosting a holiday brunch, consider serving this martini as a fun, festive drink that’s sure to delight your guests.
Conclusion
The Peppermint Mocha Martini is a festive, flavorful cocktail that’s sure to bring holiday cheer to any occasion.
With its rich mocha, cool peppermint, and classic candy cane rim, it’s a drink that both looks and tastes like the holidays.
Try it out as your signature holiday cocktail and make your gatherings even more memorable.
Cheers to festive sipping!
FAQs
What can I use if I don’t have peppermint schnapps?
If you don’t have peppermint schnapps, you can substitute with a few drops of peppermint extract.
Start with a small amount, as it’s quite potent, and add more if needed.
Another option is to use crème de menthe, which has a similar minty flavor but may add a hint of sweetness as well.
Can this be made non-alcoholic?
Yes, this cocktail can easily be made non-alcoholic.
Substitute the vodka and liqueurs with heavy cream or a combination of milk and a few drops of peppermint extract.
This creates a creamy, minty mocktail with the same festive flair, perfect for anyone who prefers an alcohol-free option.
How long can I store this cocktail before serving?
For best results, mix the ingredients (without ice) and store in the fridge for up to two hours before serving.
When ready to enjoy, add ice to a shaker, shake vigorously, and strain into glasses.
