Looking for a show-stopping holiday cocktail?
The Pink Peppermint Martini is a festive favorite, blending smooth peppermint with creamy chocolate notes.
It’s simple, elegant, and the perfect way to add a pop of holiday cheer to your celebrations.
How To Make A Pink Peppermint Martini: At A Glance
- Crush a candy cane and rim martini glasses.
- In a shaker with ice, combine 4 oz peppermint vodka, 4 oz white crème de cacao, and 1 oz cream.
- Shake well until chilled.
- Pour into prepared glasses and garnish with extra candy cane if desired.
What is a Pink Peppermint Martini?
The Pink Peppermint Martini is a holiday cocktail that captures the season’s charm with its creamy, minty flavor and striking presentation.
This festive drink combines the cool taste of peppermint with a hint of chocolate from white crème de cacao, creating a smooth, refreshing blend that’s not overly sweet.
The cocktail’s pale pink hue, paired with a crushed candy cane rim, makes it as eye-catching as it is delicious.
It instantly adds elegance to any holiday spread.
Loved for its unique flavor and playful appearance, the Pink Peppermint Martini has become a favorite at seasonal gatherings.
It brings a festive touch that’s perfect for holiday celebrations.
Ingredients Needed
- Peppermint or Candy Cane Vodka (4 oz): Use store-bought peppermint vodka, or make your own by infusing crushed candy canes in vodka for a unique homemade touch.
- White Crème de Cacao (4 oz): Adds a subtle chocolatey flavor to balance the peppermint, providing a smooth, slightly sweet note.
- Cream or Half-and-Half (1 oz): Brings a creamy, silky texture to the martini, rounding out the flavors for a rich, balanced taste.
- Candy Cane for Garnish (1 candy cane): Crush the candy cane to rim the glass, adding a festive, crunchy garnish that completes the holiday look.
How to Make Homemade Candy Cane Vodka
Creating your own candy cane vodka is easy and adds a festive, personal touch to your Pink Peppermint Martini.
Here’s a quick guide:
- Crush the Candy Canes: Start by crushing about 3-4 candy canes into small pieces. You can place them in a plastic bag and use a rolling pin or a mallet for this.
- Combine with Vodka: Place the crushed candy canes in a glass jar and pour in 1 cup (8 oz) of vodka. Make sure the jar has a lid to seal it tightly.
- Infuse the Vodka: Seal the jar and let it sit at room temperature for about 1-2 hours. During this time, the candy canes will dissolve, infusing the vodka with a peppermint flavor and a hint of pink color.
- Strain and Store: Once the candy canes have fully dissolved, strain the vodka into a clean bottle or jar to remove any small candy cane bits. Store your homemade candy cane vodka in the fridge, and it’s ready to use in your holiday cocktails!
Step-by-Step Preparation of Pink Peppermint Martini
Step 1: Rimming the Glass
- Begin by crushing a candy cane into small pieces. You can place it in a plastic bag and crush it with a rolling pin or mallet until it’s in fine bits.
- Pour the crushed candy cane onto a plate.
- Wet the rim of each martini glass by running a little water or vodka around it.
- Dip the glass rims into the crushed candy cane to coat them fully, creating a festive, crunchy border.
Step 2: Mixing the Cocktail
- In a cocktail shaker, add 4 oz of peppermint vodka, 4 oz of white crème de cacao, and 1 oz of cream or half-and-half.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds, until the mixture is well chilled.
Step 3: Serving
- Carefully pour the chilled cocktail into the prepared, candy cane-rimmed glasses.
- Optionally, garnish with a small candy cane hooked on the glass rim or float a few pieces of crushed candy cane on top for an extra festive touch. Enjoy!
Tips and Variations
Adjusting Sweetness
The Pink Peppermint Martini has a balanced sweetness, but if you prefer a slightly sweeter drink, there are easy ways to adjust.
Try adding a small amount of agave syrup or simple syrup.
Start with just a teaspoon, then taste and add more if needed.
This gives you control over the sweetness without overpowering the mint and chocolate flavors.
Alternative Garnishes
For a fun twist, you can experiment with different garnishes beyond the crushed candy cane rim.
Chocolate shavings sprinkled on top of the drink add a rich, decorative touch that complements the crème de cacao.
Fresh mint leaves are another great option, offering a bright contrast and a hint of extra mint aroma.
Non-Alcoholic Version
For a mocktail version, swap out the peppermint vodka and crème de cacao with peppermint syrup and a bit of chocolate syrup.
Mix 1-2 tablespoons of peppermint syrup with 1 tablespoon of chocolate syrup, then add cream or half-and-half.
Shake with ice, and pour into a crushed candy cane-rimmed glass for a festive, alcohol-free treat that still delivers the same holiday charm.
Pairing Suggestions
The Pink Peppermint Martini pairs beautifully with a variety of holiday treats, making it a versatile choice for festive gatherings.
Chocolate desserts, such as brownies, chocolate truffles, or a rich chocolate mousse, enhance the cocktail’s subtle chocolate notes from the crème de cacao.
The combination of mint and chocolate creates a classic flavor match that’s perfect for dessert lovers.
For a savory option, try a cheese platter with creamy cheeses like brie or camembert, which offer a smooth contrast to the martini’s peppermint bite.
Adding a few salty snacks, like nuts or crackers, balances the sweetness of the cocktail, giving guests a satisfying range of flavors to enjoy.
Conclusion
Give the Pink Peppermint Martini a try this holiday season and enjoy a cocktail that’s as festive as it is delicious.
Share your experience with friends and family, and feel free to make it your own with the tips and variations provided.
If you’re looking for more holiday drink ideas, check out other festive cocktail recipes on our blog!
FAQs
Can I use regular vodka instead of peppermint vodka?
Yes, you can use regular vodka if peppermint vodka isn’t available.
To keep the minty flavor, add a few drops of peppermint extract or a dash of peppermint syrup to the cocktail mixture.
Be cautious with the extract, as a little goes a long way.
How long does homemade candy cane vodka last?
Homemade candy cane vodka can be stored in the fridge for up to one month.
Make sure it’s in a sealed container to keep the flavor fresh.
Over time, the peppermint flavor may mellow slightly, so it’s best enjoyed within a few weeks.
What can I use if I don’t have crème de cacao?
If you don’t have crème de cacao, substitute with a splash of chocolate liqueur or a small amount of chocolate syrup.
This will still give a chocolatey hint to balance the mint, though crème de cacao provides a lighter sweetness.
Adjust to taste as chocolate liqueurs can vary in intensity.
